Page 56 of Preacher

“It is.”

“Good. Good.” He cocked his head to the side, and something about his expression made my chest tighten. “I’m a little concerned about the foal.”

My stomach dipped.

He moved around to the mare’s side, pressing his stethoscope low on her belly, and listened closely. His expression didn’t change, but I caught the slight tension in his jaw. It was enough. “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure. It could just be positioning,” he answered hesitantly. “But the heartbeat’s not as consistent as I’d like it to be. Could be nothing. Could be something.”

“Okay, if it’s something, what could it be?”

“I don’t like making guesses.” Doc brushed his palms on his jeans. “But it could be a weak valve or simply slow development. Maybe even placental issues. All could be expected with the state she was in when you brought her here. I’d like to do a scan and get a better look at what’s going on. Maybe pull some blood work.”

“Okay. Whatever you need to do.”

I hated the not knowing. It made my mind spiral. I looked over at Faith, so strong and beautiful, and I felt a deep ache. She didn’t deserve complications. Not after everything she’d been through. I opened the door and walked over to her, gently running my hand down her neck. “She’s such a good girl.”

“She is,” he agreed. “And she’s mighty lucky to have you watching out for her.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Not until you have something to worry about.” His expression softened as he told me, “It’s just a few tests.”

“Okay.”

“I mean it, Tabitha. I’m going to take good care of your girl and her foal. There’s no need for you to lose sleep over this.”

“You know me well.”

“I certainly do,” he chuckled.

“You mentioned on the phone that you might have some potential buyers for Whiskey Rose.”

“I do. They’re interested in her and Beau Sins.” He sounded pleased as he explained, “They have a place out in Fayette County in Tennessee. About half an hour out of Memphis. It’s a family ranch that hit hard times a few years back, but they’re back on their feet and looking to grow.”

“Well, they couldn’t have picked any better horses to grow with.” Whiskey Rose was a Dutch Warmblood. Her breed was known to be smart, athletic, and amazing at show jumping. Beau Sins was a quarter horse, but he came from an elite bloodline and was a gorgeous reining horse. “Do these folks have a name?”

“Lincoln and Riley,” Doc answered. “It’s Riley’s family ranch, so I imagine she’ll be the one who reaches out about coming by to see them.”

“Okay. I’ll look forward to their call.”

Doc didn’t stay much longer. He checked on the other horse and was on his way. He promised to return in the morning to start the test. He reminded me not to worry, but I couldn’t help myself. I stayed in the stall for the better part of the afternoon. I couldn’t do much for her. Just brushed her coat and talked to her for a bit, but it seemed to do her good. It definitely did me some good.

I would’ve stayed longer, but I had dinner plans with Hudson. I hated to cancel, so I said my goodbyes to Faith and went to track down Harlan. I found him at the other end of the barn, cleaning out one of the stalls. He was humming one of his tunes and hadn’t noticed I’d come up until I said, “Hey.”

“Hey.” He glanced up and gave me one of his easy smiles. “How’s it going?”

“It’s going.” I let out a sigh. “I need you to keep an eye on Faith tonight.”

“Everything okay?”

“I think so. Doc is just a little concerned about the foal. I’d feel better if you’d check in on her every few hours and let me know if anything feels off.”

“You got it, Miss Tabitha,” he answered without hesitation. “I’ll take good care of her.”

“Thank you.”

I was a little hesitant as I made my way upstairs. I should’ve been excited about seeing Hudson, and I was. I wanted to have dinner with him and let myself just be for a little while.

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