Page 65 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"I wouldn't offer if I couldn't."
"I know, but..."Emmett sighed."I need to figure it out for myself."
"You just did.You got yourself a chauffeur, an assistant, and whatever else you need."Blane's lip curled."Until it comes to assisting you with anything hands-on.I'll be no use if you're delivering calves."
Emmett chuckled and then winced as the pain shot through his chest."You're safe there.We're past calving.But that's beside the point.You have your own job to do.You have your own life.I want you to get on with them and let me figure out how to get on with mine."
Blane glanced toward the kitchen, where they could hear Harper moving around."What about her?"he asked in a low voice.
"What about her?"
"Does she work?Is she gonna be staying here to help you out, or what?"
"No...I don't know...I mean, we haven't talked about it.But the girls and I will be able to figure it out."
Blane scowled."You don't think she'd stay and help?"
"Whoa, cool it, bud.I know damn well she would if I asked her.It's just..."
"You're not sure if you want her around that much?"
Emmett glanced toward the kitchen."I do, but it's a lot to ask of her.And besides, the wanting her around has nothing to do with needing her help."
Blane nodded slowly."Gotta say I'm surprised."
"Well, that makes two of us.I never thought..."
Blane met his gaze and held it."I know you didn't.But Em did.She told you the time would come when you were ready.She told me too, you know."
Emmett swallowed, not trusting his voice to speak.
Blane gave him a wry smile."She told me she made Cash promise her he'd steer you in that direction."
"And what did she ask of you?"Emmett asked eventually.
"To have your back.You know how we were; me and Em were always the ones who knew you best.She knew Cash would push you beyond where you wanted to go.And that I'd have your back no matter what."
Emmett nodded.
Blane glanced toward the kitchen again."I'm glad you're opening up to the possibility.But as far as I'm concerned, the jury's still out."He turned back to Emmett."You know my deal; I'll protect you even against yourself if necessary."
~ ~ ~
They'd finished breakfast, and Blane was clearing the dishes away, having insisted that Harper should sit with Emmett for a while, when Emmett's phone rang.
"Hey, Cash...Yeah, of course.Put them on..."
Harper's heart melted a little bit as she watched him talk to the girls.
"Yeah, I'm fine...Hey, Alana.Don't be mad at him...I told Uncle Cash not to tell you last night.There was nothing you could do.I didn't want you girls to worry.And all I needed was some rest...Yeah, she did.She kept an eye on me..."He glanced over at Harper and smiled."Yeah, she's still here..."He glanced over at her again."I don't know yet.We'll see, okay?..."He smiled."I'll be fine to take care of myself by Monday, Tanya.Yes, you do need to go to school."
Harper chuckled at that.
"Okay.Well, we'll see you in a few minutes then.Okay.Love you, Button...Okay, Alana.Love you, too."
He ended the call and set his phone on the coffee table in front of him.
"They're okay then?"Harper asked.
