Page 39 of Saving Veronica
“I’ve still got your contact information. Why don’t I call you this next week after I talk to the guys, and maybe we can come out and see what you have.”
“Sure, but maybe this will give you the nudge you need to commit.”
“What’s that?”
“That male dog Ronnie said that looks like Molly?”
“Yeah?”
“He’ll be there. His name is Major, and yes, he served in the military, the Marines for years before they retired him. His last handler owns him now. And I know when I invite him and his family, they’ll be there. They were the ones that found my Ronnie.”
“The dog and his handler?”
“Yes.”
“Wow. It’s something to think about. Would you mind if I bring Molly with me?”
“Not at all, but I have to warn you, I live on a ranch. I have several horses and cats, but no dogs.”
“Okay then. Molly’s pretty well-behaved, but I’ll talk to her about it.” He grinned when Gerald rolled his eyes. “Let’s go out and I can show you how to load up the scooter.” They went out and saw Ronnie zipping around the parking lot. It took a couple minutes to get her off it and into the regular wheelchair and the scooter loaded. Ronnie ended up falling asleep in the back seat on the way home.
Gerald looked at his wife, and after taking her hand in his, he kissed her knuckles and said, “We have our baby girl back.”
“We do,” Maggie said. She looked back at Ronnie and sighed, “Thank god.” They settled into a comfortable silence on the way home.
Chapter 13
“Ronnie, sweetie, wake up. We’re almost home,” Maggie said, from the front seat of the truck.
Ronnie awoke, sat up straighter, and looked around. It felt like she’d been gone for a long, long time, instead of only three weeks.
“Want to go to the barn first?” Gerald asked, as he pulled into her driveway from the road.
“I see Hector had the driveway fixed.”
“Yes, he had that done when you were in your meadow for a week,” Maggie said, as she looked around and smiled when the wild mustangs weren’t in sight.
“Barn, please. I want to check on Paige, Sarge, and the baby.”
Gerald parked by the barn and quickly got out and got the scooter down. Maggie stood next to the scooter and Gerald to the side.
“Sweetie,” Maggie said, as she looked at her husband. At his nod, she continued, “You knew about the BBQ we were going to give you, because we had planned it months in advance. Your grandfather and I went out and got you a special gift. It’s currently in your house.”
“Okay, I’ll get it after I see Sarge and Paige.”
“That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” Maggie laughed. “Hell, I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“Just spit it out, Grandma.”
“Your grandfather and I weren’t the only ones to get you an unusual birthday gift. Sarge brought you some too. That’s how we realized you were missing. You’d told me you’d be home Wednesday or Thursday, but I knew that was a crock.” She laughed along with her granddaughter.
“I told Hector to come look for me if I didn’t show up by noon on Saturday, or if the horses came back without me.”
“Correct. Sarge, Paige, and the baby came cantering down the trail. That’s when he brought your birthday gifts with him.”
“What is it?” Ronnie frowned and turned toward the barn when Gerald told her to. She looked over at the barn, and saw Hector standing next to the fence around the large paddock, and spotted eight horses lined up along the fence.
“What the hell?” She started over and slowed down the closer she went. She paused when Hector stepped up and actually gave her a hug.
