“You want your dessert first?” Jasper asked, holding out one cube in his flat palm.
Margaret’s ears pricked at the words, and she lifted her head. Her soft brown eyes studied him then the white cube in his palm before gently lipping it up.
“I’ve got one more for you. This one is from Kessed. She wanted proper credit,” he added with an amused tone. He pulled the second cube from his pocket and held it out.
Margaret ate it up without hesitation.
“Greedy thing.” He ruffled her forelocks affectionately once more before she lowered her head and reevaluated her dinner of hay.
Jasper gave her one more pat on the shoulder, double-checked her water, then strode to the barn door. The wheels squeaked as he rolled it closed and stepped into the warm air.
The crickets had started their chirping. The scent of warm resin from the sagebrush and Russian olives hung thick in the air, the very smell of the end of summer. It was a beautiful evening, and part of him wished to linger in the warm peace of almost-silence, but Kessed waited just inside the ranch house.
And Kessed trumped everything else.
Soon, he was opening the back door. “Margaret is fed, happy, and you got credit for your sugar cube!” he called out, shutting the door behind him.
But there was no answer.
Curious, Jasper peeked in the kitchen then down the hall, but there was no sign of Kessed. He remembered her saying something about sweeping the porch, so he walked to the front door and opened it. She leaned against one of the beams supporting the porch, her hand holding her phone to her ear, listening.
“Are you sure?” Her voice broke, alarming Jasper.
He closed the distance and stood in front of her. Red flags of concern were raised as he took in her stricken expression and the way she didn’t meet his gaze, simply focused unseeingly at ground just past him.
“I’ll be there. Text me the time, address, everything. I’ll meet you at the hospital. It’s going to be okay, Laken.”
But her voice sounded anything but certain of that fact.
Jasper’s heart pounded, his body still tightly strung, still exhausted from the trauma from the night before.
What else?
Cyler?
Dear Lord, let it not be Cyler. He and Laken had just found each other….
“Okay, bye.” Kessed ended the call, pulling his attention back to the present.
“Who?” Jasper asked, holding his breath.
Kessed swallowed, her beautiful face pinching in a painful frown. “Sterling.”
A thousand emotions slammed into him: fear, concern, confusion, and competition. He waited, giving her time to collect her thoughts.
“He’s alive. But his Humvee triggered an IED in Afghanistan. It actually happened almost two weeks ago, but they had a hard time getting ahold of Laken with her being gone. There were a few phone calls here, but nothing that set off any concerns, but now I understand that they couldn’t talk to me. I’m not family,” Kessed finished, her frown deepening. “He’s stable, able to be discharged from the hospital, but they won’t do that till he’s under a family member’s care.”
Jasper let out the breath he was holding. “What injuries?” he asked, gently taking her hand.
Kessed woodenly returned his grip, but he could tell she wasn’t fully aware. “He had a mild concussion, but the real damage was to his leg. Laken said they were able to save it, but he lost a lot of muscle mass on his calf. It’s going to take long to heal.”
“Not to mention the emotional trauma,” Jasper added softly.
“Yeah, to say the least.” She met his gaze for the first time. “I’m going to Seattle tonight, to Fort Lewis. He’s at the military hospital there, and Laken is getting me access in her place since she’s still out of the country. At least he won’t be alone, you know? And then when Laken and Cyler get home, they’ll arrange for him to come here and… I guess they’ll figure out what to do from there.” She took a deep breath, a slight hitch to the sound.
“Are you all right? This would shake anyone up, but you’ve known Sterling for a long time,” Jasper asked, hating that he was weak enough to be searching for affirmation of his own hold on her heart, even in the midst of Sterling’s injury.
“Yeah, it’s a bit shocking. Sterling always had this aura about him, like he was bulletproof, you know? And he’s not. I guess I just kinda thought that maybe he was.”
Jasper nodded, even as his heart clenched. Did she hold such a high opinion of him? “I’m sorry.” He pulled her in close, relaxing slightly as she melted against him, needing him.
Needing. Him.
Not Sterling.
He reminded himself of the truth.
“Do you want me to go with you to Seattle?” he asked, kissing her dark hair, inhaling the intoxicating scent of lilac and lemon.
She sighed. “Yes. But you can’t anyway. Laken’s going to have to pull some strings to get me in, and I don’t think she could do the same for you. Plus, Harper needs you, Rake needs you, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t get any sleep last night, so you probably need your rest.” She mumbled into his shirt, almost pouting.
He chuckled, and she raised her face to glare at him. “What are you laughing at?”
“You. You sound like a wounded puppy. And sleep is overrated.” He tucked her head under his chin, kissing her hair as she settled into his arms.
“You just wanted sex,” Kessed mumbled against his shirt. “But that’s okay. I did too. Raincheck?” she asked, her arms binding around him and holding tight.
“Any time.” He laid his cheek on the top of her head. “Need help packing?” he asked, releasing her before he didn’t have the strength or the will to do so anymore.
“It will only be a day, and thankfully, I have the next few days off.”
“Silver lining.” Jasper tapped her nose, earning a playful glare.
“Fine, whatever. I can pack in about five minutes, and everything here is pretty much squared away. I just need to fill up my car and then head over the pass.”
“Is there anything you need me to do?” Jasper asked, following her into the house.
Kessed sighed. “Nope, I won’t really know until Laken knows more information about Sterling. Their flight gets in tomorrow at eleven a.m. in SeaTac. It’s actually only about thirty minutes from Fort Lewis, so they’ll probably be there around twelve to one in the afternoon.”
“You have my number if you need anything,” Jasper added, watching as she flipped a small blue suitcase onto the bed and tossed a few random things in before darting into the bathroom and coming out with a small bag of makeup and a toothbrush.
“All set.”
“When you get back, I need you to give lessons to Harper,” Jasper said. “You’ve got to be the fastest packer I’ve ever seen. And Harper, well… let’s just say she’d be begging me to unhook the kitchen sink and toss it in the back of the pickup, you know… just in case.”
Kessed giggled, and the sound warmed his heart. Heaven only knew how much she needed some lighthearted joy in the middle of this. “I’ll try, but my lessons come with no guarantees.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
She zipped the suitcase, and Jasper picked it up off the bed before she had a chance to do it herself. With a shy smile, she let go of the handle and walked to the kitchen. He heard her keys jingle a moment before she ducked back into the hall with her little black purse slung over her shoulder. “I’m all set, I think. Oh! Can you just double-check the cows before Cyler gets home?”
“Was already going to.”
“You’re such a stud.” Kessed winked then walked out the front door.
Jasper grinned and followed her to her small sedan. The hatch popped open, and he slid the suitcase in then shut it.
“I’m set. Wish me luck. At
least I’m missing rush hour.” She shrugged, her expression slightly hesitant.
Jasper was torn between wanting to kiss her senseless and hold her tightly just to give her some security, a safe space, to be her strength rather than support herself all alone.
He opted for both.
Tugging on her hand, he pulled her close, binding his arms around her and holding her near, secure and strong as he met her lips. His body ached for more, and he nipped at her lower lip then caressed her upper with his tongue, feeling her delicious surrender as she melted into him, meeting his kiss with the passion of her own. He lost himself in the soft press of her body, the sensual touch of her lips caressing his as his tongue darted out to savor the sweet flavor that was all Kessed. He wanted, needed, so much more… but rather than pull her in tighter, he slowly pushed her away.
Because love never thought of itself first.
It thought of the other.
And right now, he needed to let her go, even when it was the last thing he wanted to do.
Let her go, watch her drive away, and spend the night in the company of another man.
The man she’d loved for so long.
The fact that that very man was in a hospital bed didn’t offer Jasper any comfort.
He only prayed that as he let her go, she’d come back still his.
Only his.
Assuming she’d been his to begin with….
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Snoqualmie Pass, the interchange, and the rest of the trip was nothing but a blur as Kessed pulled up to the front gate of the Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma. She picked up her phone and reread the last text from Laken, giving her the number to call when she arrived at the gate. She tapped send and waited. When the line was answered, she gave all her credentials and watched as one of the guards picked up a cell at the guard station just as she ended the call.
When it was her turn in line, she pulled out her ID and handed it over to the woman in uniform.
Her trained brown eyes scanned Kessed’s ID with practiced care. “What’s your business here?”
Kessed swallowed, anxious to just get to the hospital but not wanting to look agitated. The last thing she needed was to set off some warning flag by her stressed behavior. Not exactly helpful.
“Sterling Garlington is a patient at the hospital, and his sister has arranged for me to see him in her stead, since she’s out of the country at the moment,” Kessed replied, keeping her tone even.
The woman’s eyes narrowed, as if studying the truth of the statement, then relaxed slightly. “You’ve been given clearance. Drive straight through the first two stoplights then turn left. You’ll see the signs to the hospital.”
“Thank you.” Kessed nodded, taking back her ID. She rolled up her window and pulled slowly away from the guard booth, sighing in relief.
Sure enough, as she drove toward the middle of the base, the signs started to point her to the hospital. As she passed through several stoplights, she was startled at how large the base was from the inside. She’d always known about it, seen parts of it from the freeway, but it truly was a massive operation. Barracks lined the streets; the commissary sign illuminated the night sky. Soon she was pulling up to the hospital, her body tightening with stress as she parked.
Grabbing her purse, she slid from the car. As she walked toward the entrance, she pulled out her phone and shot off a quick text to Laken, letting her know she was there. Next, she sent off a quick text to Jasper, telling him the same. A small grin teased the corners of her lips. It was nice to know someone cared, someone who wasn’t just her friend, but more.
As she walked through the automatic doors, the scent of hospital cleaner and sterile soap greeted her, sobering her outlook. The nurse at the reception area glanced up as Kessed approached.
“Can I help you?” the man asked, his dark blue scrubs a contrast with his pale skin and bright red hair.
“Yeah, I’m looking for a patient. Captain Sterling Garlington.”
The nurse nodded then glanced down, searching on the computer. “Are you family?”
“His sister has made arrangements since she’s out of the country at the moment.”
“So, no. You’re not family.” He glanced up at her.
“No.”
“I don’t see any notes concerning your clearance to see the patient. And visiting hours are over—”
“Could you please call his doctor? Call his nurses’ station. Something?” Kessed asked, leaning on the yellowing countertop.
He paused then nodded once. “I’ll check.”
“Thank you.” Kessed offered a polite smile and waited, refusing to check her phone as it continued to buzz in her purse.
She listened as the nurse called, but she couldn’t gather if she’d been given permission or not.
When he hung up the phone, she held her breath.
“You’re clear. Go to the third floor, take a left, and go to the nurses’ station. They’ll direct you from there.” He gave a curt nod and turned back to his work.
“Thank you.” Kessed flashed him a grin, even though he wasn’t looking, and turned to the elevator.
Soon she was striding toward the nursing station, her heart pounding in her ears as she greeted one of the staff with a smile. “I’m here for Captain Garlington.”
The older of the three nodded, stepping from the desk. “I’ll take you there.” The nurse’s bright white tennis shoes almost sparkled against the plastic wooden floor as Kessed followed behind. “You’re the advocate for the family?”
“Yes,” Kessed answered.
“He’s been waiting for someone, so I’m glad you showed up.” The nurse paused beside a dark door. “I’m guessing he’s not asleep yet, but I’ll check. Wait here.”
She ducked inside, and Kessed waited, her knee bouncing with impatient anxiety.
“C’mon in, sweetheart,” the nurse called, and Kessed slowly stepped into the dimly lit room. She swept away the curtain, and Kessed first noticed the thick bandages over his left leg, sticking out from the thin blue blanket. Monitors beeped, and her gaze lifted from his leg to the hospital gown that gave his skin a sallow color before meeting his gray eyes.
“Hey, Sterling.” She spoke softly, attempting to smile but feeling every bit as fake as it surely looked.
“Hey.” He nodded once, his full lips tipping into a slight grin. “It’s about time one of you showed up,” he teased, sitting up further in his bed.
“We figured making you wait was good for you. Makes you appreciate us more.” Kessed smiled.
The nurse cleared her throat. “I’ll be at the station if you need me.” Then she walked out the door.
“So, saving the world finally kicked your ass, huh?” Kessed asked, walking over to an upholstered hospital chair and setting her purse down.
“You win some, you lose some.”
“Clearly,” Kessed retorted. “Laken said you sounded pretty good on the phone when she called earlier.”
“For once, the tables were turned. You know, she was always complaining at how hard it was to get ahold of me, and I got a taste of my own medicine.” He shrugged his broad shoulders.
“Serves you right.”
“Probably. Doesn’t mean I have to like it though. And I guess that if I can’t have her, you’ll do in a pinch.” He leaned back, placing his hands behind his head. The movement accentuated his biceps and highlighted several healing gashes that dotted his skin.
“Compliments? From you? What drugs are you on?” She raised her hands in question.
“Good ones.” Sterling chuckled. “So don’t take any of my sweet side to heart. I’ll be a jerk soon enough.”
“Good. Wouldn’t want you going all soft on us.”
“No worries about that.”
Kessed studied his face, noticing that he’
d lost weight, his angular jaw more defined than normal. “We need to feed you better.”
“What am I, your dog?” Sterling replied in a joking tone.
“I’d say a step below the dog.”
“You know how to build a man up,” Sterling replied. “But yeah, I know. The food here sucks.”
“Says the man who thinks MREs actually taste good.”
“Hey, you learn to love them.”
“No, I don’t think I would.” Kessed shook her head, her thoughts drifting to Jasper and their mutual love of food.
Damn, she missed him.
“Kess, I’m fine. Don’t be sad.” Sterling misread her expression, but she didn’t correct him.
“I know, but you’re not as bulletproof as I thought.”
“Kinda freaky, huh?”
“Yeah. Actually, it is. But I’m not going to give you a tongue-lashing, I’m saving the honors for Laken. And dude, your ass is going to get chewed… just saying. You know, after she hugs you and dotes on you and tries to fatten you up.”
Sterling shook his head, a wry grin teasing his lips. “Yeah, she gave me phase one of the talk this morning. She was just getting warmed up too, I think Cyler saved my ass.”
“Probably.” Kessed took a seat on his hospital bed, placing her hand over his forearm on top of the Semper fi tattoo. “I’m glad you’re okay, Sterling. You gave us all a heart attack.”
“Sorry about that. Wasn’t exactly planning on getting hurt…” He trailed off, arching a brow.
Kessed paused then asked the deeper questions. “So, your leg… what’s the deal?”
The mischievous light in Sterling’s eyes faded. His smile was forced as he shrugged. “It will be fine.”
“Any other details that you can add to that?” Kessed asked, pulling her hand back as she regarded him.
Sterling sighed, rubbing his hand down his face. “About twenty percent of the calf muscle was destroyed. It doesn’t sound like a huge amount, but it’s enough that it will take me a while to get up to snuff, if you know what I mean.”
The Courage of a Cowboy Page 15
