Page 29 of Won’t Let You Get Away

“I took some blood samples back to the lab for confirmation, and I left Mack with a test to try and get a urine sample from her,” he pauses, looking up at me and raising an eyebrow. “But she wasn’t having any of it. That mare only trusts certain people.”

I lean against my desk and wave his concerns away.

“She just has high standards when it comes to who she likes. Poor Mack didn’t make the cut.”

“Well, looks like you’ll have to find other work for him because based on the physical exam, Rosie is definitely pregnant.”

AJ stands up and hands me the completed paperwork.

“When was the last time you had a foal on the farm?”

“Damn,” I run a hand through my hair and let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t even remember… maybe when Rosie was born?”

“That’s what I thought. I’ll get the blood work done and then we can discuss what needs to be done for her pregnancy and delivery plan.”

“Thanks,” I mutter.

He grunts in response before gathering up his things. Meanwhile, my mind is racing with thoughts like a pinball machine.

On the day Rosie was born, my dad and AJ were there with me. AJ had tried to walk me through everything I could to to help the mare and foal, my attention was fixated on the horse giving birth. The next thing I knew, it was over and Rosie joined the farm.

Without even realizing it, I start mentally planning out the next year and all the tasks that need to be done. I’d have to make sure all of our farm hands were knowledgeable about horse pregnancies and births, including myself.

“Is everything alright?” AJ’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

I cross my arms and force a smile.

“Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting Rosie?—”

“Not about her,” he cuts me off, scratching at his neck before continuing. “I’m not worried about that.”

“Okay…then…” I trail off, trying to hold back a grin.

I know exactly what he’s asking about. Connor had already asked me the same thing on Saturday when he showed up unexpectedly. But AJ never asks about feelings. It’s always been one of those unspoken agreements between us—we’ll just hangout and enjoy each other’s company without prying into our personal lives.

But watching him squirm when trying to ask about my life is too much fun.

Barely visible under his thick beard, his cheeks turn a faint shade of pink as he avoids looking directly at me.

“You left the bar without finishing your beer,” he finally says, breaking the silence.

Letting out a sigh, I stare at the wall above the couch and think back to Friday night.

“Someone came in that I have…history with,” I say hesitantly, trying to find the right words to explain.

AJ turns towards me, curiosity shining in his usually guarded eyes.

“You mean the loud one who couldn’t take no for an answer?” He asks, referring to the friend from the Jones’s group.

“No, not her.”

AJ faces me fully now, his arms crossed as he leans against the doorway, waiting for me to continue. I know he’s not one to pry, but it’s hard not to mention Bri when she was such a big part of why I left. But bringing her up will only lead to more questions, and I don’t have all the answers.

Shoving my hands in the pockets of my jeans, I take a step towards him and meet his gaze with a slight nod. He immediately follows me out of the office, dropping the subject without pushing further.

As we approach his car, I finally break the silence.

“It’s Bri,” I say, pausing as I realize no one else calls her by that name. I lean against the trunk of his car and continue, “Sabrina Jones. She’s Ma and Pa’s oldest.”

---