Page 17 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
Emmett nodded slowly.
"I thought as much.I'll leave it at that for today.Although on second thought, no, I'll tell you this—I feel like it's time for me to make good on my promise to Emily.So, I'm going to get on with it, unless and until you tell me otherwise."
Emmett didn't know what to say.He knew damn well what Cash meant, but he couldn't even let his mind approach it."Do you want that drink?"he asked eventually.
"Sure."Cash smiled."I'll take one of Alana's diet sodas, just so she can get mad at me about it next time I see her."
Emmett chuckled, grateful that his friend had so easily turned the conversation back onto safer ground.
They took their drinks out back and sat in the rocking chairs.Cash stared at the mountains, and Emmett waited for him to talk.
The minutes dragged on until Emmett chuckled."Damn you, I forgot you could outwait me—or anyone when you want to."
Cash laughed with him."I can, but in this case, I was giving you a chance to go first.Tell me what you want to talk about—or ask.It's a two-way street, you know."
"Seems to me that you've settled right back in.If I want to ask you anything, it's how things are going for Mav and Blane.Are the teams settling in down at Mav's ranch?Do you think it's going to work having the company's home base here?"
"The teams are settling in just fine.I think working out of Mav's place will suit everyone—except him.He and Blane are still living up to their new names."
"Grumpy and Grumpier?"
"Yup.Either that or the Sunshine Twins."
"I thought being back here might help.I mean, I know Blane’s happy to be around his little sister again?"
"Yeah.He's glad to be home for Brooke, but you know what he's like."
"And Mav?"
Cash shrugged."I was hopeful for a while there.But he and Libby are back to avoiding each other and each making excuses about why it's for the best.Oh, that reminds me.Are you free on Thursday night?Can the girls hang out by themselves for a while?"
"Yeah, once they're home, they're fine.They're capable of taking care of themselves.Why, what do you need?"
"I might ask you to give Libby a ride home.The women are having one of their nights out.You know how Mav gets—always wanting to know who Lib's going home with.I figure if we can tell him that she's riding with you, that should give us all some peace."
"Sure, I can do that."The request surprised him, but he'd do anything to help Libby out—and Mav, of course.He thought Trip usually gave her a ride home when the women went out.But if Cash was asking him to do it, then there'd be a reason.He knew that much.
Cash drained the last of his soda and got to his feet."Thanks, bud.I'd best be on my way.Say hi to the girls for me, and if I don't see you before, I'll see you Thursday."
As he watched Cash's black Suburban pull away, Emmett couldn't help wondering why Cash wanted him to take Libby if he was going to be there himself.But whatever the reason, it'd be fine.The girls would be fine at home for a couple of hours.He had to leave them when he was called out for work in the evenings—they were used to it.It'd be good to catch up with Libby, too.
~ ~ ~
Harper walked out onto the back deck with a large tray in each hand.Brooks and Boone jumped up, and each took one from her, making her laugh."I'm quite capable of bringing things to the table, you know, guys."
"We know it," said Jim from his spot at the head of the table, "but these boys like to show off their manners."
Her heart melted in her chest at the smiles the brothers gave him as he nodded around at them.
"We do," Brad, who was the eldest, agreed."Miss Kitty taught us well."
Harper glanced at Jim.She tended to wait for him to bring up Kitty's name, rather than push to hear stories about her.She was relieved to see the big smile on his face.
"Aye, I reckon you all turned out okay, thanks to my Kitty."
"I'd say we're more than okay," said Banner, "and not just thanks to Miss Kitty, but to you too, Jim."
The others nodded their agreement, and Jim turned to Harper."You'd better sit back down and serve yourself.Those pies look so good that they'll all be gone within a few minutes.They might have decent manners, but they have big appetites, too."
