Page 44 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

"Do you think you can save Bucky? Most horses don't come back from injuries like this, Miko. You have to know that."

"Jos said so, but I'm going to try."

I refused to just give up. This horse meant too much to Jos.

"What do you need me to do?" Wade asked.

"Is there a doctor we can call to come check Jos out? He protected me after we fell. I don't think he has any broken ribs or internal injuries, but I'd prefer a doctor confirmed that."

"We should probably call an ambulance for him."

I nodded absently as I inserted the needles into Bucky. I was careful where I placed them, trying to remember the anatomy of a horse. I'd treated smaller animals a lot more.

I glanced up when I heard the sounds of hoof beats on the ground, my breath catching with fear that it might be another stampede. I was a little less terrified when I saw three men on horseback racing toward us.

But just a little.

"What happened?" one of the ranch hands asked as he reached us. I wasn't exactly sure who he was.

"Axel, you and Beau need to get the boss back to the house and call the doctor to come check on him," Wade ordered.

Axel grimaced when he looked at Bucky. "Wade, you know that—"

"Just do it!" Wade snapped.

Axel huffed as he turned and walked over to Jos. Another man joined him and between the two of them, they got Jos moved to the back of the truck.

"I'll drive him to the house," Axel said. "You can take my horse back."

Wade waved his hand, but never stopped assisting me with Bucky.

I appreciated that.

"The front loader is almost here," Wade said. "We can move Bucky with that."

I had no idea what a front loader was, but if it would move the horse I was all for it.

"I need someone to call that vet that came out and looked at Kouki, ask him to come out. I also need someone to run into town and get a list of herbs for me so I can make a poultice."

Wade glanced up and looked at the other two ranch hands. "Who can make a run into town and get some stuff for Miko?"

One of the ranch hands nodded. "I'll go. I just need a list."

"You have phone?" I asked.

The man nodded before unclipping his cell phone from his belt and handing it over. I quickly found the note app, opened it up, and then began writing out everything I felt I would need. I added a little extra so I could make a soothing bath and some tea for Jos to help his aches and pains.

When I handed it back, I said, "I need this fast."

The man nodded once before taking off for his horse.

I glanced up and looked back toward the house. "How much longer for that front loader? I need to start treating Bucky right away." The more time that passed, the less chance I had of successfully treating Bucky.

"Declan," Wade said, "go find out what's keeping Trent."

I guess all we could do now was wait.

Chapter Thirteen

---