Page 63 of Doing Life

“What?” He didn’t follow Lina’s thought track at all.

“Your sister said he’s all broken…”

“He’s not ‘all broken’. He’s blind. He’s got a bad leg.” Lance was figuring life out. “That’s it. He’s got a dog. He’s learning.”

“You coming home with him?”

“I’m working on that.” Sloan thought so. Sloan really thought so, but he also thought that Lance wasn’t ready and that it was a scary thought. Sloan got it. He couldn’t imagine closing his eyes and trying to get around his house or navigating a whole new life.

One where Sloan was going to be at work, and Lance was going to be at the house and not have any way to get anywhere. It was a thing.

It was a real thing and they were going to have to figure it out.

Even if figuring it out meant selling everything he had in New Mexico and coming here and learning to not hate the humidity.

Which might be easier said than done, because damn.

“Well, come on soon. We miss you. And I have Lotaburger with your name on it.”

“Yum. I also want Frito pie from the pharmacy.”

“O-o-o.” She made that up and down sound that was home to him. “Yes. Man, I miss you being here.”

“Me too, but Lance is my one true thing, Lina. He thinks I need an emotional support dog.”

“Well, you have goats.”

“Lina, I have three—hadthree goats. Not exactly snugglers.”

“True that. They’re fun, though.” Lina loved to play with his guys.

“They’re a hoot. Send me some green chile.”

“What kind? Fresh? I can send a case.”

“That’ll work.” She had his address already, so it would get to him.

“Will do.” She sighed. “Send me a selfie with your dude.”

“I will. Promise.” He wanted to show Lance off, dammit.

“Good deal. I’ll ship you chiles. Take care of you.”

He hung up the phone, sitting on his sofa, taking a deep breath. Damn, that was hard. It had been so good to hear from her, sure, but it hurt a little, hearing home.

Seriously.

Speaking of home.

He dialed his sister’s number, not even waiting for her to say hi before he said, “What is this I hear about alpacas?”

“They’re llamas…”

Chapter Eighteen

“Horseback riding? Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Lance was willing, if not able, but he was curious as hell. “I mean, I’m blind.”

“So? You can learn in here, and then you can go out with someone else if you want a longer ride. It’s good to work on your leg, on balance, and it builds confidence.” Luke sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

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