Page 14 of Saddles and Snowstorms
Beau looked mortified by my reaction. However, Lucas didn’t budge. “Yes,” he said, holding my gaze. “Is that going to be a problem?” There was something dangerous in his voice, a challenge that told me all I needed to know about the way people had treated him in his life.
“Not at all!” I said, my face breaking into a big smile. “Hell, that’s awesome! That means I’m not alone in this town.”
Beau seemed confused, but Lucas caught on immediately. “You a member of the alphabet mafia too?”
“Platinum gay,” I grinned.
“Platinum?” Beau asked, looking between us both.
“It means he was a c-section,” Lucas explained. “He’s never touched a vagoo.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, smiling from ear to ear. Realization slowly dawned on Beau, and a grin filled his face. It wasn’t until Willow stomped and flicked her ears that I remembered I wasn’t there to socialize.
“I’m sorry,” I said, patting her gently. “I’m gonna help you. Don’t worry.”
I turned my attention back to Willow, pressing my stethoscope against her belly, listening for gut sounds. The rhythmic gurgling was present but diminished—consistent with a mild impaction colic. Her gums looked pink, which was a good sign.
“Well?” Beau asked, his voice tight with concern.
“Good news is that I don’t think she’s in any immediate danger,” I said, running my hand along Willow’s flank. “Her gut motility is reduced, but not absent. Probably just working through those Oreos.”
Willow snorted and tossed her head, as if understanding my diagnosis and finding it somewhat undignified.
“So, she’ll be alright?” The relief in Beau’s voice was palpable.
“I’ll give her some mineral oil to help move things along and a mildsedative to keep her comfortable,” I explained, reaching for my bag. “But yes, I think she’ll be fine. No more cookies though.”
Lucas crossed his arms. “See? I told you she’d pull through. That horse is tougher than you give her credit for.”
“Easy for you to say,” Beau muttered. “You didn’t hand raise her from a filly. She’s like a child to me.”
“She’s a right pain in the ass is what she is,” Lucas shot back. He gave Beau a knowing look. “Just like her daddy.”
I couldn’t help but smile at their banter as I prepared the mineral oil. There was something comfortable between them, the kind of easy teasing that comes from real intimacy. It made me ache a little, remembering all the dating opportunities I’d left behind in Austin. I didn’t miss my ex by any means, but there were good moments we’d had, ones where I truly thought he was the one. I missed those moments something fierce, and I was afraid I’d never have them again.
“Hold her head steady for me,” I instructed Beau, who immediately stepped forward and took Willow’s halter with practiced hands.
As I administered the treatment, Lucas leaned against the stall door. “So, Doc, what brings a platinum gay to Sagebrush? Not exactly known as the Fire Island of Texas.”
I finished with the sedative before answering. “Job opportunity. Needed a fresh start.” I kept my voice neutral, not wanting to dive into my ex and the clinic drama. “Town needed a vet, and I needed someplace where nobody knew my name.”
“Running from something?” Lucas asked, his green eyes sharp and assessing.
Beau shot him a look. “Lucas, don’t pry.”
“It’s fine,” I said, packing up my equipment. “Let’s just say my ex-boyfriend decided his career was more important than mine or our relationship. Made some accusations at the clinic where we were both working. By the time I cleared my name, I’d lost my position and most of my professional connections in Austin.”
“That’s rough,” Beau said quietly, stroking Willow’s neck as the sedative began to take effect.
“His loss,” Lucas added with a dismissive wave. “Their loss too. Their incompetence is Sagebrush’s gain.”
I smiled at that. “Thanks. He got fired right before I left for lying, sothere was some justice in it. Anyway, I saw the listing for this place and figured a small town where I’d be the only vet for miles might be just what I needed. No office politics when you’re the only one in the office.”
Willow had calmed considerably, her eyes growing heavy as the medication took hold. She lowered her head, letting out a soft snort.
“She should rest comfortably now,” I said, latching my bag closed. “I’ll come back tomorrow morning to check on her but call me if anything changes during the night.”
“We will,” Beau nodded, relief evident in his features. “Can’t thank you enough, Doc.”
