Valentine’s Rescue: Chapter 11
Jenny had butterflies in her stomach. She looked out the window again. Tucker was due to arrive any minute to take her to the Valentine’s Day dance in town.
She’d had second and third thoughts but was going through with it. Their dinner in Coleville had helped her to decide to stick with the plan of going. She’d made it through the meal with no stress or problem.
The movie theater had been a bit more challenging when it went dark, but she focused on Tucker more than anything and that had definitely brought her through.
Val sat beside her. He was wearing his service vest and knew he was working. He watched her as she looked out the window again and then walked back to the sofa. He kept by her side and sat when she sat. A minute later Jenny jumped up when she thought she heard the truck. Her heart rate increased.
Looking out the window, no truck. Val sat at her side.
“You know, this is going to be a different kind of night for you,” she told the dog. “I’ll be dancing, and you’ll need to stay on the sidelines, so you don’t trip anyone up. I’ll be as close to you as I can be, but still–”
She hoped Val would stay when she gave the command. Normally when he was working, he was right beside her.
She looked at her blouse and the long dark skirt. This was cowboy country. Some women there would be wearing jeans and boots. It was February after all. She’d thought about it, but decided she wanted to dress up a little for Tucker. The long woolen skirt and lacy blouse would be sufficient if they didn’t spend much time outside. Her jacket was thick and warm.
Val watched her.
“I know, you don’t normally see me like this. I’m fine. A bit on edge but that’s okay when going on a date,” she said. She knew her anticipation probably presented as anxiety to the dog.
“We’re going to see Tucker.”
Val barked as if in response to her comment. Did he understand? She thought he did.
The headlights from the truck washed across the window. He was here.
She took a deep breath and went to the door, determined to wait for him to knock so she didn’t seem so impatient. She tried to envision every step he’d take until–
The knock came right when she expected. Taking another breath, she opened the door.
“Hi,” she said. He looked wonderful.
“Hi yourself,” he said, letting his gaze roam down her taking in the long skirt and lacy blouse. “You look amazing.”
Jenny smiled broadly, her heart taking another leap. “Thank you. I just need to get my coat and I’m ready.”
Val stood beside her looking at Tucker, his tail slowly wagging.
“Hi Val,” Tucker said. He looked at Jenny. “He’s ready for tonight?”
“I hope so. I haven’t gone dancing since I got him so don’t know how he’s going to react. We’ll need to stay on the sidelines and I’m hoping he’ll sit and stay. As long as he can watch me, I’m hoping he’ll be okay. Otherwise, we’ll have to dance around him. This was not something that came up at my training.”
“We’ll manage fine.”
The truck was warm and comfortable. Jenny tried to relax but felt keyed up.
“How are things at the ranch?” she asked.
“Same old. We’ve started preliminary planning for the branding in the spring, still some weeks away. And we’ve started a tally to know how many new calves there are.”
“How do you know you don’t count them twice?” she asked.
“We’ve segmented the herd. Count one group at a time. Several of us are counting, then we compare the tallies. Works pretty good. What did you do today?”
“I have another job. This one in Coleville starting on Monday. A new mother with a preemie. She has health issues and so does the baby, so I’ll be there for a couple of weeks or maybe longer. The husband couldn’t take off work, so he’ll be there evenings and I’ll just be there in case they need me then. It’s during the days I’ll be working.”
“So, you’ll stay there?”
“Yes. Just in case something occurs in the night. Most of my work is live in. As long as the patient is comfortable with Val and the possibility I might freak out.”
Tucker was silent for a moment. “Have you thought about getting a cell phone?”
“I don’t have service where I live,” she replied.
“But you would in Coleville or in Wild Cat Creek.”
“True.” She looked at him. “Why would I need one?”
“To get calls when working?” he suggested.
She smiled. “So if my mom calls or something?”
He threw a teasing smile her way. “Yeah, or something.”
“I could get one in Coleville, I guess,” she said slowly.
“Good,” was all he said.
The parking lot was more than half full when they reached the Grange Hall. People were walking from trucks and cars toward the large hall. As Jenny had thought, many women were in jeans. She saw enough wearing dresses though, to know she wouldn’t stick out.
The large hall had been festooned with balloons and streamers in pink and white. The band was at the back, already playing. To one side were the buffet tables with the food for the evening. A bar beyond was doing a brisk business. To the left, there was a place to leave jackets.
Jenny was greeted by several friends she hadn’t seen in a while. She quickly made introductions and in a couple of instances the men already knew Tucker. They all seemed interested in Val and Jenny had to ask them not to pet him as he was working. The dog stayed at her side, pressing slightly against her knee.
She spotted Sadie sitting in the chairs lining the wall opposite the buffet.
“I see Sadie, shall we go say hi?” she asked Tucker.
“Sure.” As they walked over, he leaned closer and asked softly, “How are you holding up so far?”
“So far I’m fine. It’s fun to see people again that I haven’t seen in a long time. I don’t feel any stress, just happiness.” She smiled at him and then turned as they approached the older woman.
“Hi, Sadie,” she said when they reached her.
“Hi you two. And Val. Glad you came.”
“Me, too. So far so good.”
“You’ll have a great evening. MaryLou and Harry are already dancing. You’ll have to meet them when they get back.”
As more and more people began to dance, Tucker asked Jenny if she wanted to.
“I do. And I have an idea.” She removed Val’s service vest and put it on the seat next to Sadie. “Can Val stay here with you?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“Good dog. Val, stay,” Jenny said. Then she took Tucker’s offered hand and followed him out to the dance floor.
The music was fast and lively and the dancing fun and invigorating. From time to time she glanced over at Val. He sat at Sadie’s feet, his gaze following Jenny’s every move. She smiled, pleased he was still watching her, but glad he’d stayed off the dance floor.
When a slow song began, Tucker drew her into his arms and began to sway to the slower rhythm. His chin rested against the side of her head and Jenny closed her eyes to enjoy the sensations sweeping through her.
She breathed in his scent, the hint of aftershave that smelled woodsy. She felt the strength of his muscles as he held her lightly against his body. She could stay like this forever. She hadn’t known this man for long. Not like she'd known most of the people in this room. But she knew her feelings for him were strong. Stronger than any she’d ever experienced. Which was a little scary.
She was in love. Whatever that meant for the future. Did he feel something for her? She thought so, but wasn’t certain.
Sadie thought he was a special man who did thoughtful things instead of dressing up everything in flowers and candy. Could that be true?
There was no call for him to give her the earphones and CD player to help reduce sounds that could trigger a flashback. He didn’t have to give her a
chainsaw and show her how to use it. Some would think that an odd gift, but the more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea of his giving her practical things that would help her in the future.
Though she wouldn’t mind a bouquet of flowers from time to time like the ones he brought her at Sadie’s. She’d taken them home and enjoyed them for several days.
When the dance ended, he was slow to let her go.
She smiled up at him. “That was nice,” she said.
“It was. Let’s hope they do a lot of slow ones. Do you want a drink?”
She nodded. It was warm in the hall after all the people filed in, not to mention the exertion of dancing.
He led her over to Sadie. There were several empty seats and Jenny sat in the one next to her.
“Would you like something to drink Miss Sadie?” he asked.
She asked for a soda as did Jenny and he crossed the room to get the drinks.
“He looks mighty fine this evening,” Sadie said, her eyes following him across the hall.
“He does clean up good,” Jenny said, her gaze also on Tucker.
Sadie looked at Jenny. “You two make a cute couple on the dance floor.”
When he brought the drinks, they sat together and talked for a little while. Sadie’s friends came to sit down, and introductions were made.
The band began another song and Sadie smiled at Tucker.
“Texas two-step music. I can’t see a Texas boy sitting this one out,” she said.
“You’re right. Time to get back on the floor,” he said with a grin. He held out his hand for Jenny and they moved quickly to the dance area.
The evening flew by. Val was more comfortable as the night progressed, even lying down at Sadie’s feet, his gaze always following Jenny.
She never felt the slightest twinge of worry. She spoke with friends she’d known most of her life, spent some time with Sadie, and relished every moment with Tucker.
Before she knew it, they were playing the final song. Tucker drew her close for the slow melody and again rested his head against hers.
“This has been a special night,” he said softly.
“It has,” she agreed, swaying to the music. To think she’d been hesitant to attend. “Thank you for inviting me,” she said.
“Thank you for coming.”
She smiled snuggling closer. She hated for the evening to end.
But there was still the ride home. And maybe another goodnight kiss.
It was cold when they left the warmth of the hall. A slight breeze made it seem even colder. Jenny hopped into the truck when Tucker opened the door, Val jumping up to be with her.
“You did great tonight, fellow,” she said, rubbing his neck. “I’m glad you were there.”
And even more glad she hadn’t needed his services.
The lights from the truck shone in the darkness. Neither of them talked much on the ride out to Jenny’s place. She was comfortably tired, having had a good night with visiting with friends and dancing.
“Are all Texas cowboys great dancers?” she asked.
“No one’s ever said I was a great dancer,” he replied.
“Then you’ve hung out with the wrong kind of gals.”
“True,” he muttered.
She frowned. She hadn’t meant to bring up the past.
“But I’m hanging out with the right kind now,” he said, reaching for her hand and linking his fingers with hers.
Jenny was content.
Tucker walked her to the door when they reached the cabin.
She invited him in, but he said he needed to head for home; he had an early day planned ahead.
Unlocking the door, she opened it to let Val inside, then turned back to Tucker. As if planned, he reached for her when she reached for him.
The kiss was all she remembered and more. She didn’t want him to leave. She wanted him to stay forever.
“Goodnight,” he said huskily a minute later, brushing her lips lightly with his thumb. “Give me your phone number when you get your phone.”
“I will,” she promised. “Thanks again, I had a wonderful time.”
“Me, too.” He tapped her chin lightly and turned to walk to the truck.
Jenny almost floated on air as she entered the cabin. It was cool inside, so she built up the fire and made herself some hot chocolate. She was still too wired from the evening to go to bed. Instead, she’d spend the time remembering every magical moment of tonight.
She’d finished the cocoa and let Val out for one last run. It was well after midnight, but she was still floating and not at all sleepy.
She was surprised when the phone rang.
She went to answer it, always fearful when it rang so late at night.
“Jenny? Tal here,” the sheriff said.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, knowing something was up or Tal wouldn’t be calling her.
“There’s been an accident. Tucker’s truck was smashed up good by some drunk. He’s on his way to the hospital in Coleville with head injuries. Since the two of you were together tonight, I thought you should know.”
“I’m on my way there now,” she said.
She grabbed her jacket, banked the fire, and snatched up Val’s service vest. “Come on, boy, Tucker needs us.”
Driving as fast as she dared, Jenny made it to the hospital in Coleville in record time. Every moment of the trip she’d prayed he’d be okay.
Val sat in the passenger seat, looking out the windshield. She tried to keep the images at bay. The last thing she needed now was another flashback. But she could imagine Tucker being banged up by a car crash. Not like an IED, she kept telling herself. He had a big truck; it could withstand a lot.
But head injuries? They could be bad.
It seemed to take forever to get to Coleville but finally she pulled into the almost empty parking lot of the hospital.
She snapped Val’s vest on him and let him out. Almost running, they headed for the ER.
Entering, she went right to the registration desk.
“Tucker Mason?” she asked.
“He’s here. Are you family?”
“No, but a close friend. His family’s in Texas.” Gosh, what if they needed to contact them? She had no idea where in Texas they even lived.
“The doctor’s with him now, it’ll be a few minutes. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“How is he?” she asked with trepidation.
“I’ll have the doctor speak with you in a few minutes. Have a seat.”
Jenny wanted to dash down the hallway and find the cubical where Tucker was, but knew better than to push her luck. She hoped the doctor would talk with her as Tucker’s friend but not family.
“Tell the doctor I’m a nurse. I can help Tucker if he needs it once he’s discharged.”
The receptionist nodded. “Will do.”
The minutes stretched out, moving so slowly Jenny had to constantly recheck her watch to make sure time was passing.
Finally, a young man in scrubs came into the waiting area.
“Tucker Mason’s friend?” he asked approaching Jenny. She was the only one in the waiting room.
“Yes. Jenny Schofield. How is he?” she asked, rising.
Val stood when she did.
The doctor looked at the dog and then Jenny. “I know you, you’re the nurse with PTSD who still takes on patients.”
She nodded. “Tucker?” she asked, again, pressing.
“Slight concussion. Some bruising. He’ll be okay. He’s lucky from what I heard from the EMTs. The truck’s pretty much demolished.”
“And the drunk driver?” she asked.
“Also lucky to be alive. He’s here, too. Cops are with him.”
“I should hope so. How could he drive drunk?”
“Not the first and sadly, not the last.”
“Is Tucker ready to go home? I’ll drive him.”
“Not tonight. I want to keep him here overnight just to be sure. If all
goes well, he can leave in the morning around ten. You want to spend a few minutes with him before we take him upstairs? We still need to get a room ready.”
Jenny nodded. The doctor led her down the hall and pulled a curtain back slightly to allow her to enter the cubicle. Tucker was lying on the exam table, eyes closed.
Jenny saw the bruising on the left side of his face, with a bandage covering a portion. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and his shoulder was beginning to show discoloration.
The doctor left and Jenny moved to the side of the table.
“Tucker?” she said slowly, reaching out to take his hand.
He slitted his eyes a bit and tried to smile. “Hey.”
“Tal called me. I’m so sorry. The doctor said you’ll be okay, though. How are you doing?”
“My head’s killing me, but they gave me some pain meds.” He closed his eyes and sighed softly. “I’m hoping they kick in soon.”
“I’m sure they will.”
She held his hand wishing there was something else she could do. But he’d received care and now it was up to time to heal the injured.
“Can you call MacKay?” he asked suddenly sounding alert. “Tell him I’ll be back tomorrow. Get him to send one of the men to get me. The sheriff said the truck’s totaled.”
His voice trailed away, and Jenny could tell he was drifting off as a result of the pain medication.
“Yes, I’ll call him and then I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.”
“You live too far away,” he murmured, eyes still closed.
“That is a matter of opinion, I could say you live too far away.”
He halfway smiled. “There’s a house on the ranch,” he said slowly.
Was he drifting off to sleep?
“I thought it was for married cowboys,” she said.
“If we lived there neither would be too far away.”
Jenny held her breath. Was he aware of what he was saying? It almost sounded like he wanted them to live together. Which was probably way off base.
“Do you think your boss would allow that?” she asked, humoring him. She really wanted more clarification, but Tucker didn’t appear very lucid.
He didn’t respond.
“Tucker?”
No response. His breathing was deep and even. He’d fallen asleep.
Cupid to the Rescue: A Tail-Wagging Valentine's Day Anthology Page 68
