Page 12 of Rescuing Ryder

“No, Whiskey’s wife, Samantha, works with natural herbs and we order massage oils and creams from her for relaxation and health benefits. None of its pharmaceutical grade, but it seems to relax our residents. If you want, I’ll let Kassie know. Samantha leaves us baskets to give out. The visitors love them. We’ll send one home with you.” Chase offered.

“Thanks,” Tex answered. “Do you know what time Kassie rescheduled my flight in the morning? I didn’t plan to spend the night. I’ll need to call my wife and arrange for her to pick me up.”

“She has the jet on standby. She didn’t want you to worry about rushing to the airport. She said to use the credit to bring your wife and daughter out to visit Patch. She’s looking forward to meeting your wife.”

Ryder scowled. “Doc, I don’t go by Patch. If you don’t want me to catch the flight back with Tex in the morning, the first thing that has to go is my moniker. It’s non-negotiable.”

“Understood,” Chase acknowledged him.

Ryder fell silent as they made their way up the mountain. He didn’t see any lights until they reached the cabins. Chase parked in front of cabin three and turned off the engine.

“Tex has the code for the cabin. The golf cart is parked in the shed next to it, or you can take a walk and use the path veering to the right.”

Ryder grabbed his bag and Chase and Matthew waited until they entered the cabin before leaving.

“I chose the first room on the right. You can bunk down in the one on the left.” Tex went into the kitchen and pulled out a piece of pecan pie and a container of vanilla ice cream. “I’m calling my wife. See you in the morning.” He finished putting away the cartons and turned toward his room.

Ryder walked to his room and tossed his bag onto the bed. Unlike his metal one, the homey bedroom held a handmade quilt and solid wood bed. He flipped on the switch to his bathroom to find a multi-head shower with a seat.

Not bad…

Returning to the kitchen, he noticed the picture of a couple with a kid. Alongside it appeared the story of the hospital. He picked it up and read it. The picture contained images of Dr. Winters and his parents and the story of how the dreams of a father and son turned into the hospital on the mountain.

He smirked as he set the picture down. It seemed like he might be the first person to shatter their dream. He opened the fridge and found a plate of ribs, potato salad, and baked beans. A massive slice of pie with his name taped along the top and a note sat on the second shelf.

Homemade ice cream in the freezer.

Of course, he now lived in fantasy land… Who the hell made ice cream these days?

He pulled out the pie, warmed it in the microwave, and dumped some vanilla ice cream on top. He stabbed it with a fork and shoved it in his mouth while debating whether to eat the ribs. His eyes rolled back into his head as the dessert hit his taste buds.Damn. He might stay for the food.

Ryder stood at the counter as he surveyed the cabin. It contained cozy touches which made a person feel right at home.A small kitchen bar held a pack of cards and a couple of games. A basket of fresh fruit sat to the side.

Shoveling in the last bit of pie, he decided to warm up the meat. Taking out the container, Ryder searched the cabinets for a separate plate to warm the food. He dug into the potato salad while he waited. When the microwave beeped, he removed the hot dish. The smell wafted to his nose, making his mouth water. He inhaled deeply as he tried to recall the last time food interested him. Gunner would give his left nut for ribs.

Well, here ya go, buddy. You want me to live through you; we’re about to try these bad boys.

Ryder picked it up and dug in without bothering to use a fork. His eyes closed as he savored the flavor. He took another bite, and before he knew it, he polished off the potato salad and turned to warm up the baked beans. When he finished, he put everything in the dishwasher and returned to his room.

Frowning, Ryder stared at his bag. Why bother to unpack? He unzipped it, removed a pair of boxers, and opened the closet door to chuck the bag inside. Tex might accuse him of not trying if he noticed the unpacked luggage. He stopped when he found the cot inside. A note lay next to it.

Please use this if you need a moment alone. The room is soundproof, and you’re safe. If you need help, press the button to your right. You’re worthy. You matter. We care.

Yeah, right. They probably show up with a needle and syringe to take away the pain. Didn’t they know it only dulled it?

Sighing, he turned off the light and climbed into bed. Staring into the darkness, he wondered what the morning promised… another review of his records, a medication change, and pitying glances from the staff. He squeezed his eyes shut as he felt the nagging in his gut telling him to give this an honest chance. His team’s faces came to mind. Ryder wasn’t worthy and hemattered to no one. Tomorrow only promised to cement what he knew all along.

CHAPTER NINE

The next morning, Ryder woke to the sound of Tex making coffee and a smell drifted from the kitchen.

He threw his jeans on and went to join him. Tex opened a box on the counter and glanced up as he entered.

“Morning, sunshine. They sent over breakfast and some goodies. I’m taking mine outside to the deck if you want to join me,” he greeted Ryder as he grabbed his plate and cup to head toward the back.

Confused by his friend’s actions, he helped himself to a cup of coffee, a blueberry muffin, bacon, and a scoop of eggs. He followed the hallway down to the patio doors and opened them to the magnificent mountain view. Tex sat eating breakfast and enjoying the setting.

Ryder sat across from him, setting his plate on the table with his mug. “What’s the catch?”

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