Page 24 of The Cowboy's Promise

“Hey,” he murmured, dropping it on the ground as he laid next to her. “How are you?”

“I have no idea,” she managed, curling against him. “Weak, feeling like I need to sleep for hours, sooo glad to be alive, and I never want this moment to end. What about you?”

“The same.”

His response made her smile.

“I can’t imagine you ever feeling weak.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have admitted that, but regardless, we need to leave.”

“I know, you have a lesson.”

“Yep,” he muttered, shifting his gaze down to the ranch. “Huh, that’s weird.”

“What?”

“Sit up and take a look. There’s a car parked beside the thicket across the street.”

“Parked? But you can’t stop on that road.”

“I know, that’s why it’s weird,” he said with a frown. “And I think I see someone behind the wheel.”

“I wonder if they’ve broken down.”

“The hood’s not up. Damn, I wish I had my binoculars,. That’s the only downside to ridin’ bareback. No saddle bags to carry stuff. If they’re still there when we get back I’ll go over and see if everything’s okay.”

“Blake, what did you mean when you said, consider this a sneak peek?”

“You’ll find out, but it’s time for us to go,” he declared, picking up her clothes and handing them to her.

* * *

A few minutes later, with the soiled T-shirt folded lengthwise and hanging over Big Ben’s withers, they were about to mount up when Heather lifted out her phone.

“I never want to forget this moment,” she exclaimed, standing back and raising it in the air. “Stand next to Ben. Yes,perfect. I have a feeling this will be one of my favorite photos of all time!”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Though Three Oaks Ranch had been easy to find, Joe didn’t know what type of car Heather would be driving or what time she might be leaving. But he had found the perfect place to park. A small thicket of trees sat a few yards down from the ranch on the opposite side of the road. He’d been there almost half-an-hour and was trying to think of an easier way to find Heather’s address when his cell phone rang. Looking at the screen his heart skipped. It was the Sheriff’s office. Praying Courtney wasn’t causing any problems he quickly accepted the call.

“Hello, this is Joe Meyer.”

“Mr. Meyer, Sheriff Cooper here. I’m afraid I have some unfortunate news. Your client has been taken to the hospital in Fairview.”

“Why, what happened?” Joe asked, trying not to panic.

“She complained about stomach pains so we called the local doctor, but before he arrived she collapsed and we sent for an ambulance. There was nothing about any medical conditions or allergies on her intake form. Do you know if she—?”

“No, I’m not aware of anything,” Joe exclaimed, cutting him off as he started up his car. “We’ve been working together for a few years and she hasn’t mentioned anything. Do you have the address of the hospital? I’ll plug it into my navigator.”

As the sheriff relayed the information, Joe took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

“It says it’s fifteen minutes away. Will I see you there?”

“I didn’t accompany the ambulance, but the emergency room doctor will contact me as soon as he has any information. His name is Doctor Gabe Atwater. Ask for him when you arrive.”

“Will do, thanks, Sheriff.”

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