Page 83 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

“However, there might be a catch or two,” Cole said.

There always was.

* * *

Jackie was in love with the facility. Cole could tell not just by the way she kept saying so, but by the way her shoulders had relaxed as they toured the grounds, that inner smile that made her glow return. The staff believed in getting their residents outdoors as much as possible within the various enclosed natural spaces, sitting in the gardens, both indoor and outdoor, as well as keeping them active with simple games such as shuffleboard and bocce ball. There was lots of space, predictable routine to reduce stress, and numerous built-in safety elements that didn’t feel institutional. The staff were smart, kind and well-trained. Various communal rooms were scented with essential oils such as lemon, bergamot and lavender instead of the usual stinging antiseptic smells.

And the best part was that as needs progressed, so did the staff’s ability to meet them. It was also affordable and close. There was just one catch and Cole wasn’t sure Jackie would like it.

“How do you keep the monthly fee so low?” Jackie asked, once they were settled inside the director’s office. It was filled with plants and books, the large window behind the woman’s maple desk letting in plenty of sunlight.

Jackie clutched the brochure she’d been given, her lips in a tight line. She was looking for the catch. The thing that would yank this dream away from her and her father.

“It’s always cheaper to run something like this out in the boonies than in the city,” the director said, her eyes shining with kindness. “Having a fair number of practicum students also helps, as I mentioned during our tour. We also have a number of trained volunteers who can work with residents who require less medical attention, particularly during meals and recreational time.”

The director continued, “Of course, doctors and regular staff are always just around the corner. And for those with greater needs, our well-trained and experienced staff is readily available all hours of the day. We built this facility using donations and grants, so we aren’t carrying debt. Our monthly staffing and groundskeeping costs are considerable, but with some creativity we’ve been able to make this a reality for the average county resident.”

“Why aren’t you full?”

“We’re getting there,” she said cautiously. “As Cole mentioned, we have just recently opened applications. As well, because of our bylaws, we can only accept Sweet Hills County residents.”

“My dad’s lived here all his life,” Jackie said, leaning forward in her chair.

“Those restrictions also extend to family members. We are a facility that values family input and therefore require that at least one of your father’s next of kin lives in the county. This facility was sponsored by an area family who wanted to provide something for locals.” She was looking straight at Jackie and Cole held his breath, knowing this was the catch, the part that could break her. “They know how many families have to uproot from the community they’ve always lived in in order to receive proper care for their loved one. There is absolutely no flexibility on this policy.”

“Both Jackie and her father have lived in Sweet Hills County all their lives,” Cole said.

“No problem then.” The director smiled.

“Where do I sign?” Jackie asked, feeling slightly desperate, as though this dream situation might be ripped from her.

“The application process is quite involved, but we can hold your father’s spot while we do that. All we need is your proof of residency.”

Jackie tensed.

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Cole said. “Do you want a legal land description, or something with our mailing address from a tax notice or something?”

“I don’t have those,” Jackie whispered. She’d frozen, and Cole sent her a silent message to remain quiet. He had this.

“Jackie’s always been a Sweetheart Creek townie, but she just moved out onto the family ranch with me,” Cole said, locking his hand around hers. He gave it a squeeze, and she squeezed back so tightly she almost cut off the circulation in his fingers. “As my girlfriend, her name isn’t on any of the ranch’s paperwork, but we are county residents.” Cole turned to Jackie, who had gone pale. “Maybe Terry can vouch that you rented his place above the store for the past six years?”

“That should suffice,” the director said, eyeing them. “Your landlord’s letter to establish long-standing residency, and your new legal land description and mailing address to verify your current one along with your father's records from the Riverbend facility.”

Jackie’s grip on Cole’s hand was so strong it was like being squeezed by a bull in a chute. He wrapped his free hand over hers, wordlessly letting her know that everything would be okay, that he’d fixed this for her because he loved her.

* * *

Jackie couldn’t believe it. Stunned, she walked to the front doors of the facility. She could hear herself chatting, being amicable, but inside she was freaking out.

She had moved onto the ranch with Cole?

That was a lie!

They weren’t even dating at the moment.

She had moved to the city. Miles and miles away. Counties away!

Her father wasn’t eligible to live in this amazing building with this incredible staff and all this nature. He was moving in two days to San Antonio, where she was going to spend a third more money for not-as-good care.

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