Page 59 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
She kept quiet and listened to the conversation bounce around the room.It was easy to see that, as Emmett had said, these guys had been friends forever.Blane, Travis, and Ace, of the ones who were here, and, of course, Trip, Deacon, and Cash, who currently weren't.But even the younger MacFarlands—Ty, Tanner, and Janey—were, as Emmett had said earlier, more like family than just friends.
She pressed her lips together.Family wasn't a concept she had too much experience with.
As the time ticked by, she started to wonder if she should make some excuse.Tell Blane that she didn't know if she could stay awake—didn't trust herself to be able to check on Emmett every couple of hours.Of course, that would be a lie.But she didn't think she'd have any problem making Blane believe it.
Everyone turned at the sound of crunching gravel outside when a vehicle pulled up, and then a door slammed.Travis chuckled."Clear a path to Emmett, guys.Brookie's here."
Harper watched with interest when Brooke appeared in the doorway, and only hesitated for a moment to take in the sight of Emmett before dashing over to him and kneeling on the floor by the sofa, grabbing his hand as she asked, "Are you okay?I heard you were shot."
Emmett smiled and gave her hand a squeeze."I'm fine, Brookie.There's nothing to worry about."He pointed at his shoulder."It went straight through.Trip cleaned it out for me.It'll be healed and forgotten in no time."
Janey let out a short laugh."Unlike the cracked ribs.You have to remember, Emmett, I had a couple of those not so long ago, too, and I can tell you now, mister, you're gonna be off work for a while."
Harper held her breath.She hadn't had the chance to process much of anything yet.But of course, Janey was right.Emmett wouldn't be able to work.With cracked ribs and a useless right arm, he wasn't going to be able to do much of anything for a long time.
She watched his face with interest as he smiled and a mask seemed to come down as he said, "I'll figure it out.Don't worry, I'm not gonna leave you with all the work at the clinic."
Janey scowled at him."That's not what I'm worried about, and you know damn well it isn't.I'm worried about you trying to do too much too soon.And you can't."
"She's right, you know," Blane said from his spot in the corner where he'd taken up his usual sentry stance.
"She always is," said Emmett with a smile at Janey.
Brooke got to her feet."Well, I'm sorry I came running in like that.I just had to see you—had to know that you’re okay."
"Don't apologize, Brookie," said Emmett.He looked around at the others."The rest of them are all doing the same thing.No matter how tough they're pretending to be about it."
Harper’s mouth fell open when Blane suddenly stepped forward, a genuine, wide smile breaking his stony face."I don't mind admitting it—you scared me shitless, Mitty.I'm just glad you're all right."
He held an arm out to Brooke, who hurried to his side.Warmth bloomed in Harper’s chest as she watched the "Sentry" melt.Blane hugged his sister tightly."When shit like this goes down," he muttered, "it makes you stop and think."
Travis chuckled."Hey, Blane.Good to see you, old bud.I thought we’d lost you—thought you'd disappeared so far under that stony exterior we'd never see you again."
Blane lifted his head, still clutching Brooke, and grinned at Travis."Fuck you.Love you too, bud."
~ ~ ~
Emmett was grateful to everyone for coming over, but by the time they started talking about leaving, he was struggling to stay awake.
He thanked Ty and Tanner.They were good kids.They'd wanted to check on him, but more than that, he knew they were interested in following up on the break-in.They didn't believe any more than he did that that one single kid was responsible for all the recent ketamine thefts.
Ace gave him a chin lift from the doorway."You gonna be okay overnight?"
"I am."Emmett deliberately didn't look toward Harper.He felt bad that she wasn't completely at ease with the whole gang yet.He didn't want to embarrass her by explaining that she was spending the night.
"I'll give you a shout tomorrow," said Ace."Looks like we're gonna need another roster."
"What do you mean?"
Ace chuckled."You know how we all take turns getting Alana home from rehearsals and Tanya where she needs to be?Looks like we're gonna have to do the same thing with you.You're not going to be able to drive, and I know damn well you're not going be able to sit on your ass at home.We can figure it out between us to get you to your appointments if you want to go."
"Thanks, bud.Appreciate that.I'll have to follow doctor's orders for a little while, but you're right; I'm gonna have to find a way to get myself around."
Travis joined Ace at the door and grinned."We've got your back between us all.Right, Harper?"
Of course, Travis would be the one to spot her discomfort and make sure he did his best to include her.Emmett was relieved when she smiled back at Travis."You know it."
Soon, Blane was the only one left, and Emmett wondered how long he planned to hang around.When Harper excused herself to go to the bathroom, Blane stepped forward."Don't look at me like that.I don't intend to play chaperone all night, but I figured you'll want a hand getting to bed."
