Page 83 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
Emmett hadn't thought about retirement until Deacon mentioned it.But the thought had kept crossing his mind since then.
"What did you say to Janey about letting her friend Hallie come help out?"
Emmett made a face."She's coming in to work the clinic on Monday morning.The domestic animals.I figured that'd be an easier way to start."
"It might be easier, but it won't give you a read on whether your clients will accept her."
"Maybe not, but I'll think about it on Monday."
Blane took a step toward the door."Right.I'll see you later then, when we bring the girls home.But don't expect us before about ten o'clock, will you?"
Emmett shook his head with a smile."I'll be surprised if you're back that early.We both know what Cash is like."
"Yeah, he's a pain in my ass."
"But you wouldn't have him any other way."
Blane chuckled."Don't know what the hell I'd do without that over-optimistic, manipulating bastard around."
"Exactly.That's how we all feel."
"Yeah, but don't ever say it out loud again.I swear that man has eyes and ears everywhere.The last thing we need is him getting an even bigger head."
"As if that’d be possible.And besides, it's not as though he doesn't already know, is it?"
"I guess not.I'll be on my way then.I said I'd be at his place as soon as I could."
"Okay, thanks, bud.Have fun."
Blane grinned at him before he left."You know I always have fun with the girls.And you tell me I don't need to, but I want to say again...thanks for all you've done with Brookie over the years."
Emmett met his gaze and held it."I tell you that you don't need to thank me, because it's always been my pleasure.You know that."
"Sure do.Anyway, I'm out of here before you start getting mushy on me.See you later.I'll give you a call and let you know if we're going to be late, late, or if Cash gets us into any trouble."
Emmett squeezed his eyes shut."I'm trusting you to keep them out of trouble, Blane."
All he heard was Blane's laughter just before the front door closed.
He lay back against the pillows, closing his eyes again.It'd be easy to drift off.Maybe he should take a nap.A short nap.He was looking forward to spending the evening alone with Harper.The last thing he needed was to drift off while they were talking.
As he lay there, he took stock of his injuries.
His head was fine — well, the lump was going down now.But that was the only lasting effect.The headaches were gone.There was no lingering dizziness or blurriness.And that was a relief.
His shoulder was healing well.Trip had been out to check on the wound again yesterday.He tugged at the sling to free his arm and hissed through his teeth as he moved it around.It was fine to have it immobilized while he was out and about, but as far as he was concerned, it was far better to keep it moving as much as he could.
He forced himself to take a few deep breaths.His ribs still hurt like a bitch, and that was going to last for a while.He knew that.But every morning when he woke up, he told himself that the pain was a little less.Whether it was or not was less important than telling himself whatever he needed to get through the day.
He smiled when he heard a vehicle pull up outside.He might not get a nap, but he was still glad Harper was here.He listened to a truck door close and then heard footsteps coming up to the front door.He relaxed a little when she didn't knock before opening the door.She'd gotten used to coming on in.She didn't wait for anyone to open it for her, but until now, she'd insisted on knocking before she entered.
When he heard the door close, he called out, "Hey, Harper, how was your afternoon?I'm glad you're back."
"Sorry to disappoint you.It's not Harper, it's only me."
Libby came to stand in front of the couch and greeted him with a smile, a basket held in both hands.
"Hey, Lib, it's good to see you.Why would I ever be disappointed to get a visit from you?"
