Hill Country Reunion

by Myra Johnson

  On Saturday, though, Tripp got drafted by Robert to assist with emergency surgery on a horse with an impacted tooth that had become infected. They wrapped things up too late for Tripp to make it to the practice session, and by then he barely had enough reserves left to clean up and fall into bed.

  * * *

  By Monday morning, a November cold front had blown in, bringing gusty winds and intermittent rain showers. The miserable weather seemed apt for Tripp’s gloomy state of mind, a perfect day to bury himself in work.

  As he entered the clinic through the back door, he caught Yolanda’s voice as she spoke with a client.

  “I’m sorry, Vince, but Doc Willoughby seems to be running a little late this morning,” she said. “He’s been fighting a stomach bug off and on for the past couple of weeks.”

  “But I’ve got to get Darby fixed up quick.” Vince’s tone sounded urgent. “We’re doing our first Visiting Pet Pals event tonight.”

  “Let me try to reach Doc Willoughby. Can you—”

  Tripp stepped into the area behind the reception counter. “What’s going on with Darby?”

  Yolanda whirled around. “I thought you might be under the weather again.”

  “I’m okay.” Giving Yolanda’s shoulder a pat, he peered over the counter for a look at Vince’s mutt. “What happened, fella?”

  Seated on his haunches, Darby whined softly and held up his left forepaw.

  “I let him out to take care of business after breakfast, and he decided to chase a squirrel,” Vince explained. “The grass was slippery from the rain, and he tripped on a tree root. Been limping ever since.”

  “Let’s take a look. Bring him on back.”

  In the exam room, Tripp pulled a rolling stool over and sat down to perform his examination. He palpated Darby’s leg from shoulder to paw, then gently flexed the joints to determine which movements caused discomfort.

  “Nothing appears to be broken,” he said, straightening. “Most likely a simple sprain. The best thing for Darby is rest and an ice pack.”

  Stroking the big dog’s head, Vince heaved a sigh. “Then we shouldn’t join the rest of the group at the center this evening?”

  Tripp gnawed the inside of his lip. He hated disappointing Vince, but even more, he knew how much a full contingent of volunteers tonight would mean to Diana. “See how he’s doing later this afternoon. If the swelling has gone down and he isn’t favoring the leg so much, it would probably be safe to take him over for at least part of the evening.”

  “Well, you’ll be there, right, in case we have any problems?”

  “Uh, not sure I can make it.”

  Vince’s mouth fell open. “What? After all you did to help Diana make this happen? Come on, Doc, you gotta be there.”

  Tripp sat forward, elbows on his knees. “The thing is, I’m leaving in the morning to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and—” He clamped his teeth together against the heartbreaking ache in his chest. “It could be the last time I see my mom.”

  “Aw, Doc, I’m real sorry. We all understand you’ve got a lot on your mind.”

  “Which is why I’m not sure my being there tonight is a good idea. I’d just put a damper on everyone’s enjoyment—especially Diana’s.”

  “That’s just plumb crazy. You mean the world to her. Should have heard how she talked about you last weekend at our volunteer meeting.”

  Tripp swallowed. “What exactly did she say?”

  “Mostly what a hard time you were having with your mom being sick and how we might still be waiting on approval if you hadn’t stepped in with Mrs. Kraus.” Vince quirked his mouth in a dubious frown. “So you better not let her down, Doc. Or the rest of us, either, because we’re all counting on you.”

  Warmth spread through Tripp’s insides. “I’ll think about it,” he promised. “Maybe I’ll see you at the party, after all.”

  * * *

  Prickles of excitement darted up and down Diana’s spine as she tapped on Aunt Jennie’s door. When her great-aunt invited her in, she swept the little woman into a hug. “Happy birthday!”

  Aunt Jennie released a hearty chuckle. “Got plenty to be happy about. Making it to ninety-three is nothing to sneeze at!”

  “Mom and Dad are meeting us in the dining room. Ready to go over?”

  “Just let me get my sweater. It’s always so chilly in there.” Snatching a baby blue cardigan off a chair, Aunt Jennie took Diana’s arm. “So glad you and your folks could come over and have dinner with me. Makes my birthday extra special.”

  Diana could hardly wait to make her great-aunt’s day even more special.

  In the dining room, her parents met them at a festively decorated table for four. As Diana’s dad seated her, Aunt Jennie gasped with delight. Her smile stretched even wider when the server brought out plates heaping with some of her favorite foods: sugar-cured ham, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, baked apples, creamed peas and yeasty dinner rolls.

  “Don’t forget to save room for ice cream and cake,” Diana said with a wink.

  Laughing, Aunt Jennie squeezed Diana’s hand. “Oh, my, you’re spoiling me.”

  Taking a quick peek at her watch, Diana replied with a tight-lipped smile. Her volunteers should be checking in at the front desk anytime now. They’d be ready to make their entrance shortly after Aunt Jennie and the other residents finished dinner and gathered in the community room.

  Halfway through dinner, Aunt Jennie remarked, “How is your sweet young man doing, honey? You haven’t brought him to see me in a while.”

  Releasing a tremulous breath, Diana clutched the napkin in her lap. “He’s been busy. And still very worried about his mother.”

  “Oh, yes. Please let him know I’m keeping him in my prayers—” Aunt Jennie’s eyes narrowed as she looked toward the opposite door. “Could be mistaken, but I think I just saw him peek in.”

  Heart hammering, Diana twisted to look but caught only a glimpse of a plaid shirtsleeve before whoever it was disappeared around the corner. She’d hoped Tripp would try to be there, but she hadn’t dared to count on it.

  Excusing herself, she rose on shaky legs. She found him in the community room mingling with the therapy pet volunteers. Tripp glanced up from his conversation with Kelly Nesbit, his gaze locking with Diana’s. He said something to Kelly, then ambled over. His mouth twitched in a nervous smile. “Looks like everything’s going according to plan.”

  “So far. Aunt Jennie’s going to be so surprised.” Diana studied him. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of slim black jeans. “Couldn’t bear to miss your great-aunt’s expression when she’s greeted by all these furry friends.”

  “I can’t wait, either.” Diana glanced up with a sincere smile. “You helped make this happen, and I haven’t begun to thank you enough.”

  “No need. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” He looked past Diana, a flicker of uncertainty in his expression. “Mr. Matthews. Nice to see you again.”

  “Hello, Tripp.” Diana’s father rested a protective arm around her shoulder. “Sweetie, they’re ready to bring out Aunt Jennie’s birthday cake.”

  “Be right there, Dad.” She waited for her father to step away, then murmured, “I should make sure my volunteers are all set.”

  “Right. If there’s anything I can do, just ask.”

  She replied with a quick nod, then shared some last-minute instructions for the volunteers before rejoining her family in the dining room. Her mother signaled the server to bring the cake to the table, and Aunt Jennie’s eyes sparkled brighter than the twinkling candles atop the German chocolate cake. As they began the birthday song, the other residents took notice and chimed in.

  As the applause died down, Diana took the opportunity to make her announcement. “Don’t forget, the party continues in the
community room right after dinner. Please join us!”

  “There’s more?” Aunt Jennie asked.

  “Oh, yes.” Diana grinned. “The fun is just beginning.”

  * * *

  Finding a chair in an out-of-the-way corner of the community room, Tripp settled in to watch as residents began to gather after dinner. Those first glimpses of eight mannerly pooches of all shapes, colors and sizes brought varied reactions—everything from bewilderment, to curious smiles, to full-out grins and laughter.

  Tripp couldn’t help smiling, himself. This was even better than when he’d worked with a therapy pets group while doing his veterinary internship. Not that tonight’s experience was so different, but because he was getting to share it with Diana.

  He looked toward the entrance to see her escorting her great-aunt into the room. The tiny, white-haired woman’s eyes grew big as saucers. She threw a hand to her mouth to cover a gasp.

  “Oh, my, look at all the puppies!” Laughing, Jennie clutched Diana’s wrist. “How delightful! Can we pet them?”

  “That’s why they’re here.” Beaming, Diana showed her great-aunt to a chair near the center of the room. “This is your birthday surprise, Aunt Jennie.”

  One by one, Diana had the volunteers come over and introduce their dogs. Jennie oohed and aahed over each of them, caressing their heads and tickling them under their chins. After she’d had a few minutes to enjoy the dogs, the volunteers began taking their pets around to meet other residents. Some responded shyly, others eagerly, but Tripp could see in each face the pure joy of giving and receiving this singular gift of affection.

  While he watched from his corner, Vince and Janice Mussell wandered over with Darby. “You’re awful quiet over here,” Vince remarked.

  “Just taking it all in.” Tripp gave Darby a pat while unobtrusively checking the dog’s leg. “Looks like this fella’s doing better this evening.”

  “Followed your orders with the cold packs and kept him off his feet most of the afternoon. He was rarin’ to go by suppertime.”

  “Isn’t this the most fun ever?” Janice’s gaze swept the room. “And so rewarding. Diana says we’re going to try scheduling visits twice a month.”

  A stooped gentleman hobbled over, leaning on his cane. “Can I pet this boy again? Reminds me an awful lot of Duke, my boyhood dog. Never stopped missing that sweet old guy.”

  Vince and Janice sat down with the elderly man, and while he showered Darby with attention and reminisced about Duke, Tripp decided it was time to slip out.

  He made it as far as the foyer when Diana caught up with him. “You’re not leaving already, are you?”

  “I’ve got that flight to catch in the morning, remember?”

  “Oh, Tripp, I wish I could go with you.”

  “You have your shop to run. Besides, you should be with your own family for the holiday.”

  Diana dropped her forehead against his chest. He was right, she couldn’t exactly skip out on her mother’s Thanksgiving feast. They’d have Aunt Jennie with them this year, too. “You’ll keep in touch, though?”

  “I promise.”

  She sniffed loudly and raked her hand across her cheeks. “If your mom—I mean, when the time comes—”

  “I’ll let you know.” He pulled her close, his throat closing over the words he had to say before he left. “Don’t ever forget how much I love you, Di. Always have, always will.”

  “Tripp—”

  “Walk me to my car. I need to get on the road to San Antonio.”

  Her steps faltered as he guided her toward the exit. “Now?”

  “My flight leaves at six a.m. I booked a room for tonight at a hotel near the airport.”

  He was back to all business again. And not fooling her for a moment. They stopped beside his SUV. “Tripp?”

  “Yeah?” He climbed in behind the wheel.

  “I’m still in love with you, too.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Watching Tripp drive away, Diana felt her heart ripping in two. She’d have given anything to be with him during what could turn out to be the most difficult Thanksgiving anyone could face. Instead, all she could do was pray for him.

  For the present, though, she took comfort in knowing she’d made her beloved great-aunt’s birthday special. When Diana telephoned Aunt Jennie the next day during a break at the shop, the sweet woman spent almost the entire conversation raving about the party and the time spent with all the adorable, well-behaved dogs. According to Aunt Jennie, everyone else at the center had fallen in love with the dogs, too, and couldn’t wait for their return.

  “I’m scheduling another visit in a couple of weeks,” Diana assured her. “In the meantime, I’ve gotten the okay to bring Alice, my rabbit, for an afternoon visit next Sunday. She’s not as playful as the dogs, but she’s great for cuddling.”

  Changing topics, Diana reminded Aunt Jennie she’d be picking her up on Thursday morning to spend Thanksgiving with Diana’s parents.

  “I can’t wait. Much as I’ve enjoyed the meals they serve us here, I’m ready for your dad’s famous smoked turkey and your mother’s delicious corn bread dressing.”

  On Thanksgiving morning, Aunt Jennie already had her coat on and was waiting for Diana in the lobby. The day held just enough nip in the air that Diana hoped her parents had a cozy fire going in the wood-burning stove. They did, and Diana settled Aunt Jennie in a padded rocker close by, then brought her a steaming cup of tea with honey and lemon.

  “Dad’s out back keeping an eye on the smoker.” Diana tuned the TV to a holiday parade broadcast for her great-aunt to watch. “Need anything else before I help Mom in the kitchen?”

  “I’ll be just fine, sweetie.” Aunt Jennie patted Diana’s hand and looked up with a concerned smile. “Any word from your young man today?”

  Glancing out the broad picture window at the barren pastures, Diana sucked in a tiny breath. “No, not yet.”

  “You should call him, let him know you’re thinking about him.”

  “Maybe later. I don’t want to intrude on his family time.” Diana gave her great-aunt a quick kiss on the forehead, then excused herself to help her mother with dinner preparations.

  It didn’t take Mom long to notice Diana’s preoccupation, especially after she accidentally dropped one of her mother’s crystal water glasses on the tile floor.

  “It’s okay, honey,” Mom said, swooping in with a broom and dustpan. “It’s just a glass.”

  “I know, but—” Making a growling noise in her throat, Diana tore off a handful of paper towels and wet them at the sink, then knelt to help her mother clean up the remaining glass fragments.

  When they finished, Mom pulled Diana close for a hug. “This is all about Tripp, isn’t it?”

  “I hate being so conflicted.” Diana pressed her temple against her mother’s. “Right before he drove away Monday night, I finally told him I’m still in love with him.”

  Chuckling, Mom shifted to face Diana. “And that has you conflicted?”

  “Actually, more like terrified. Because I can’t shake the sense that something’s going to happen to keep us apart.”

  * * *

  I’m still in love with you, too.

  Every time Diana’s words whispered through Tripp’s mind, he thought his heart would burst right out of his chest. The memory had carried him all the way to San Antonio, comforted him through a restless night at the airport hotel and buoyed his flagging hopes during the long flight to Los Angeles.

  The next two days and nights spent at his mother’s bedside, though, blurred such hopes into oblivion. Mom had grown so weak and pale, she was a shadow of the woman he remembered from the last time he’d visited. She seemed to sleep most of the time, and whether she heard the conversations going on around her, Tripp couldn’t tell. He could only thank God he’d made it
in time to spend this last Thanksgiving with her.

  As he sat holding his mother’s hand on Thursday morning, Brooke asked him for some help in the kitchen. Reluctant to leave his mother’s side, he rose and brushed the papery-thin skin of her forehead with a kiss. His dad immediately took his place beside Mom’s bed, and the tragically endearing expression on Dad’s face as he gazed at his sleeping wife just about did Tripp in.

  Halting outside the kitchen door, he squeezed his eyes shut as a vision of Diana someday wearing that same expression at his bedside smacked him hard.

  I’m still in love with you, too.

  His belly cramped. He didn’t realize his groan was audible until Brooke called his name.

  She jabbed her finger toward a chair at the dinette. “Get in here and sit down. And don’t pretend with me that you’re not hurting. It’s written all over your face.”

  One hand pressed against the pain in his abdomen, he glared at his sister. “Drop it, will you? I don’t need—”

  Their father’s anguished cry rang out from the other room, and they both rushed to Mom’s bedside. The hospice nurse stood on the opposite side, her stethoscope pressed to Mom’s chest. Moments later, she silently shook her head.

  That quickly, it was over. Within the hour, two gentlemen in dark suits arrived from the mortuary and took Tripp’s mother away.

  Sick with grief, worsened by his unrelenting remorse over not being able to save Mom with one of his own kidneys, Tripp collapsed on his bed and stayed there for the rest of the day.

  Dusk was falling when Brooke peeked in on him. “Hey, brother mine. Come eat something. We’ve still got all this Thanksgiving food in the oven.” She sighed. “And we all need to keep our strength up for what happens next.”

  With a barely suppressed moan, Tripp eased his legs off the side of the bed and sat up. “Not hungry, but I’ll try.”

  “Good.” Brooke tucked an arm around his shoulder. “Oh, and I left messages for Diana about the funeral. I know you don’t feel like talking yet, but you should call her. She’ll be anxious to hear from you.”

  Nodding, Tripp made a vague promise to call Diana soon. The problem was, he had no idea what he’d say to her. The last thing he wanted was to break her heart again, but these last few days had reaffirmed his convictions that he had to spare her even the remotest possibility of suffering through what his dad had just endured. But if he suddenly told her there was no chance of a future together, she’d beg for explanations and, once again, he’d hold back, because Diana was just stubborn enough to stay with him no matter what.