Chapter 7
Delaney
It was a Friday and I sat at my desk staring at all the flowers in my office. I knew they were from Cole. There were at least twelve different sets of a dozen flowers. Some were mixed bouquets, some were roses, lilies, and wildflowers. The cost alone, my brain couldn’t compute. Each card said something different. Some told me about him, and some said things to try and get me to talk to him. He signed them all Lowell, the name of the town where we went to the carnival. It was very clever.
Give me a chance. Give us a chance. – Lowell
I’m really great at winning stuffies. Give me a chance to win more. – Lowell
Don’t disappear on me. – Lowell
I need to hear your laugh again. – Lowell
There’s no one else I would want to go to the carnival and sweat with. – Lowell
Let’s buy cereal together. – Lowell
Maybe you won’t like me, but at least give me a try. – Lowell
My favorite cereal is Count Chocula and I buy it in bulk and eat it all year. – Lowell
I sleep in my boxers. – Lowell
I stay in a loft downtown. Kinda cool but would be cooler if you visited. – Lowell
My favorite food is chicken wings. I don’t share the flats, but I would be willing to share the flats with you. – Lowell
I miss you. – Lowell
Each card made me smile and a couple made me laugh. We were preparing for Amaryllis’ birthday, and I knew it was short notice but thought maybe I could invite him. If he showed up, then I knew he was serious but if he didn’t then that would be my answer. Not showing up for my girl is not showing up for me and I know that may sound harsh, but we’re a packaged deal. I sat and thought about it for a minute and decided to send Cole a text.
Me: Thank you for the flowers. I can’t believe you did that.
Cole: Wow. Did it work? Is this THE Dr. Delaney Anderson texting me?
Me: Funny guy. Listen. I know it’s short notice, but we are having Amaryllis’ seventh birthday party at my parent’s ranch tomorrow. It starts at 1:00 pm. I understand if you can’t come but thought I would extend the invite.
I sat staring at my phone, chewing my bottom lip as I waited for him to respond.
Cole: I’ll be there. What’s the address and what does she like... besides cotton candy and stuffies? :)
Me: She loves both of those things but tomorrow is a big day for her. My parents bought her a horse and she’s finally old enough to ride it. She’s been practicing. So, I guess anything horse related. Also, it’s Sapphire Wind Ranch out on old Oak Road just before you hit Lowell. You honestly can’t miss it. Big sign.
Cole: Ok. See you tomorrow.
Me: See you then.
I hoped I wouldn’t regret extending the invite to him. And I truly didn’t know what to suggest to him to buy Amaryllis. She was just going to be happy to see him. I knew she would be.
It was going to be a long night and I knew I wouldn’t get much sleep from the nerves alone of seeing him again. I also wondered how I would explain it to my parents.
***
My parents had set up a huge tent on their lawn full of picnic tables and horse themed decorations for Amaryllis. It was one birthday that she would never forget. Amaryllis came running toward me. “Mama, did you see all the tables and pretty stuff on top.”
“I did, baby. Did you thank your Nana and Papa? They did all this for you.”
“I better go talk to them, huh?” She smiled.
“Yes. Go. They worked really hard to make your birthday special.” I cupped her face and gave her kiss on the top of her head and watched her run off toward my parents.
“Hey girl hey.” I turned around to see Amber standing behind me.
“You made it!” Leaning in, I hugged her.
“You’re kidding, right? Of course, I made it. What do you need help with?”
“That’s sweet but I think everything is covered. The cake is on the table, and I think my dad has a plan for Amaryllis to show everyone what she’s been learning while she’s been here.”
“Love that. I can’t wait to see her on Pepper.”
I smiled and then saw Evander coming. “Amber, you know Evander, right?”
“Yeah, Hottie McHottie Ranch hand. Duh.”
I laughed and said, “He’s coming our way.”
“Shit. How do I look?”
“Beautiful. Hey Evander!” I smiled at him, and Amber turned around and smiled too.
“Hey Delaney. Amber.” He tipped his hat to her. “Do you ladies need help with anything?”
Amber was fidgeting which I thought was hilarious because she’s as confident as they come. I was also thinking about what Mama told me about Evander maybe crushing on Amber.
“Um, no, I think we are good to go. Thanks, Evander. Do you know my best friend, Amber?”
“I sure do. I mean, I’ve seen her out here before.” He turned and smiled in her direction. “Amber. How are you?”
“I’m...I’m good. Just staying busy, ya know? How are you?”
“Just busy helping with the Ranch. I love it here though. Did you see the horses yet? Would you like to walk with me?”
I could see her starting to blush. “Yeah, sure. That’d be great.” They started to walk off and she turned toward me and mouthed, “Oh my god” and smiled big. I gave her two thumbs up and laughed.
Just as I went to turn back toward the tables, I saw Cole. He came. I suddenly had knots in my stomach. He walked up carrying a medium sized bag and it had me wondering what was inside. I would wait my turn like everyone else to see what Amaryllis got when she opened it.
“Hi.” His voice sounded deeper than I’d remembered.
“Hi.” I smiled at him and looked down at the bag.
“I brought a gift. Where’s the birthday girl?” He looked around.
“Thanks, Cole. She’s over in the barn with her horse. Let’s put the bag down and I’ll take you over to her.” He nodded and set the bag on the gift table.
Before we reached the barn Mama and Daddy stopped us. I made all the introductions, and they took to him right away. Peeling Cole away from my very talkative parents, we walked over to the barn and before I could even say anything I heard, “COLE!” Amaryllis came running and he crouched down to hug her. I still couldn’t believe how easy Amaryllis was around him. She just wasn’t like that with new people. “Cole! You came to my birthday. How did you know?”
He smiled at her. “Your mom invited me. Happy Birthday. I heard you like horses.”
“I looooove horses. Papa bought me my own horse. Her name is Pepper. Come see.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the barn. I followed behind them.
“Wow, she’s beautiful. Tell me about her.” I listened as Amaryllis went on and on about the details of her horse that she has learned since she knew Daddy bought her one. She’s learned even more since we moved back since she’s been spending more time with my parents.
“You are so smart and know so much about horses.” Cole was showing so much interest and it made me smile.
“I’m going to show everyone what I’ve learned in a little while.” She was beaming at Cole.
“Well, I can’t wait to see it.” Cole looked over at me.
“Baby, let’s head over to the tent. I think all of your guests have arrived and we should get started.” Amaryllis ran to the tent and took her place at the head table where we told her she would be sitting. Cole and I walked back, and I bumped his shoulder with mine and said, “Thanks again for coming. She was so excited to see you.”
“Thanks for the invite. I’m excited to see you both.” I absolutely loved his smile and his deep gravelly voice. He made me want to melt and he made so many memories come back. How could I feel so strongly about someone I had only known for a brief time?
Everyone ate and then it was time for cake. In unison, we all sang happy birthday to Amaryllis, she was all smiles. Happiness was oozing out of her, and it made me incredibly content with our time and place in life. She opened presents and it was time for the main event. She was ready to show everyone all she’d learned with Pepper.
Cole and I leaned against the fence of the riding arena. My dad was holding Amaryllis’ hand and helping her get Pepper ready.
“Are you nervous?” Cole asked.
“A little, maybe. But my dad is a great trainer, and he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” I smiled but inside I was shitting bricks.
“I’m nervous. It’s a big animal.” He had his fingers laced together over the fence as he looked down and kicked the dirt. “I don’t know a whole lot about ranches or horses.”
“She’ll be ok, Cole. Don’t worry. She also wears a riding helmet.” I smiled at him and pointed to her putting it on.
Amaryllis was up on the horse and Daddy had Pepper’s reins and was guiding her around the ring. Everything was going smooth until all of sudden something must have scared Pepper because she bucked, and Amaryllis went flying off. It happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to think and when I went to move to run toward her, Cole was already inside the ring.
“Daddy, put Pepper away. Amaryllis! Baby!” I kneeled down in the dirt next to her.
“Don’t remove her helmet. If she has a neck injury, you’ll want to let the paramedics move her. Amaryllis, can you hear us?” Cole was kneeling over her trying to look at her eyes. He grabbed her hand. “Amaryllis, sweetheart, can you squeeze my hand?”
She squeezed his fingers and said, “My head hurts, Cole.”
“It’s ok, sweetheart. The ambulance is on its way, then we will get you checked out.”
“Mama...”
“I’m here, baby.” I grabbed her hand. Fighting tears, I leaned down closer to her face.
“Mama...I rode Pepper.” That broke me. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. “Cole?” Her voice was so tiny in that moment.
“Yes, sweetheart. I’m still here.”
“Don’t leave.” Her voice was so tiny when she said that.
“Oh, I’m not going anywhere.” He reached over and grabbed my hand seeing that I was a mess.
A short while later the ambulance arrived. “The ambulance is pulling in, Delaney.” I looked up to hear my Daddy’s voice and saw the ambulance coming. They parked and came through the ring gate with a stretcher. That alone freaked me out, but I knew it was necessary.
“What’s happening? Is she going to be ok?” I asked the paramedic.
“We’re going to take her to the hospital and make sure she hasn’t broken anything and doesn’t have a concussion. You’re welcome to ride with us or drive.” I looked at Cole, Mama and Daddy.
“You ride with her, Delaney. I’ll drive behind you and meet you there.” Cole gave me a hug. I nodded at him.
“We are going to stay here so that you’re not crowded. We will clean up. Please call and update us.” Mama said and hugged me. “She’s gonna be just fine, Delaney.”
***
I was pacing the hospital room waiting for them to bring Amaryllis back. Cole walked in with a coffee. I looked at him and said, “Thank you. Thank you for moving so quickly. I felt like I froze.”
“She’s gonna be fine, Laney.” I loved the nickname he’d given me. No one called me Laney but hearing him say it made me feel good.
“Is she still too young to ride? I started riding when I was six but maybe she wasn’t ready.” I was panicking.
“Hey, she could be sixteen and if that horse bucked hard enough, she could go flying off. No one could’ve predicted that. It just happened.” Cole was rubbing my back. “Come here.” I leaned into him as he put his arms around me. It was intimate and comforting. What were we? We weren’t anything but I invited him to her party. I was lost in the memory of seeing him jump the fence and run to Amaryllis without thinking twice. It was more than her own father ever did for her.
The door to the room finally opened and in came Amaryllis and the nurse. She was sitting up which gave me a sense relief. “You ok, baby?”
“Yes. My head hurts but that’s all. They said I could have ice cream.”
“The doctor will be in shortly to give you an update. For now, hang tight. The ER is busy tonight but hopefully we can get you going.” The nurse smiled and I thanked her and then went over to the bed to lay with Amaryllis.
“Can I snuggle you, baby?” She nodded so I climbed into the bed with her and put my arm around her. “You scared me.”
“I know. I was scared too, Mama. I wonder what scared Pepper. She never did that before.” Then she leaned down and said, “Cole is still here.” I laughed.
“You told him not to leave.”
“I did? I don’t remember.” That made me nervous that she couldn’t remember but there was so much that happened in a short time.
“That’s ok, sweetheart.” Cole spoke up when he walked over. “Do you want me to leave now?”
“No. Oh! Thank you for my pony gift.”
He smiled down at her. “You’re welcome. Do you have a place you can put it?”
“I think maybe on my dresser. Right Mama?”
I looked at her, “Wherever you want, baby. We will put all your presents away once you’ve had some rest at home.”
The doctor came in and I hopped up out of her bed. Cole was standing on one side, and I was on the other.
“Hi. I’m Doctor Banks. Amaryllis took quite the fall. She’s going to be just fine though. She has a small, grade one concussion but it was a good thing she was wearing her helmet. She didn’t lose consciousness. It’s normal for her to not remember little things from the accident but I don’t see there being any long-term issues. She needs to rest for at least the next couple of days. Minimal activity. She can watch tv, eat ice cream, and just give her body a little recovery time. The scan didn’t show any bleeding or broken bones so she should bounce back quickly. Just pay attention to how she acts and make sure that headache goes away.”
I felt like I could breathe again. “Thank you so much, Doctor Banks.”
He nodded and before leaving said, “I’ll get you all squared away with discharge paperwork and then you’ll be free to go home. Just take it easy.” Then he left.
I looked down at Amaryllis and she was smiling up at Cole who was cracking jokes with her. What was I going to do about him? About her? What was I going to do about all of it? I didn’t know. I just knew the look in Amaryllis’ eyes when she looked at Cole was exactly how I felt when I looked at him too. Happy.