14. AUSTIN
Chapter fourteen
AUSTIN
The smells, the tension, and the woman beside me – everything happens so fast.
With one final push, the calf slides out. We quickly clear its airways and rub it down with towels, sighing in relief when it takes its first shuddering breath.
"We did it," Hayley breathes, her face filled with joy.
In our excitement, I don't know who reaches for who, but the next moment, we're hugging tightly. It's only when the cow moos, that we realize how close we are, our faces mere inches apart.
"You did well," I say softly, my eyes never leaving hers. I’m mesmerized and feel that I could never feel anywhere near this wonderful again. She’s beautiful, kind, intelligent, and as cute as a button all wrapped up in one sweet package.
I feel her heart pounding a beat that matches my own. I think, well I hope, that this situation breaks the ice and lets me into her heart a bit.
She wets her lips and her eyes drop. She doesn’t pull away, but instead she lays her head on my chest. Oh man, oh man.
The moment is broken by the shrill ring of my phone.
"Hello, Austin here." I greet, finally taking another step away.
It's the vet, letting me know he's arrived.
Hayley steps back, tucking a strand of wet hair behind her ear. "I should go," she says. "The vet will know much more than I do."
As she turns to leave, I catch her arm gently. "Hayley, wait."
She looks back at me, and I'm struck by how beautiful she looks, even soaked and covered in hay.
"Thank you," I say sincerely. "I couldn't have done this without you."
She gives me a small smile. "As long as you promise to forget about the vegetable garden incident."
"Whatcha talkin’ bout, Willis?" I ask, making her, what? Maybe smile.
As Hayley walks away, I watch her go, feeling a slight shift in the air. I don't know what it is… but I think she just smiled at me.