Chapter 8 #3
Lindsay watches this reunion with tears in her eyes, and when she thinks I’m not looking, she wipes them away with the back of her hand.
I realize she isn’t crying from squeamishness or distress about the medical procedure but because she understands what Midnight means to me, and she’s sharing in my relief and gratitude.
Dr. Barrett finishes packing up her equipment and goes over the aftercare instructions with Lindsay, who takes detailed notes and asks follow-up questions I’m too emotional to think of.
I overhear them discussing insurance claims, and the vet promises to send the paperwork I’ll need for that in the next few days.
My thoughts are on Midnight, not compensation, but I appreciate that Lindsay thought to ask about it.
When the vet leaves, Lindsay turns to the practical matters I’ve completely forgotten about.
“I’ll call your insurance company to report the incident,” she says while checking something on her phone.
“I imagine they’ll want to send an adjuster to assess the fence damage and probably another to evaluate any loss on Midnight’s value.
” She frowns. “It’s annoying they just assign a dollar amount to that like he’s only a possession, but anyway.
.. I’m about to contact your feed supplier to arrange delivery of the special recovery diet Dr. Barrett recommended.
She passed along the local store carries it and is already your supplier, so I have the number right here with the magic of Google. ”
I stare at her in amazement. “Are you sure you want to do all that?”
She nods, looking confused about why she wouldn’t. “You need to focus on Midnight.” Lindsay slides her phone back into her pocket. “You have more important things to worry about, so let me handle these tasks.”
The simple competence of her plan combined with her obvious emotional investment in Midnight’s welfare is overwhelming in a good way.
This isn’t the corporate executive who tried to buy into my ranch or the city woman who needed coaching on ranch work.
This is someone who sees what needs to be done and does it, stepping up during crises without being asked.
“Lindsay.” I reach for her hand, trying to find words for what I’m experiencing.
“What?”
“Thank you.” It’s inadequate for what she’s done, but it’s a start. “Thanks for coming with me, handling the practical stuff, and understanding why this matters so much.”
“Of course.” She squeezes my hand. “That’s what partners do.”
Partners. The word means significantly more than business proposals or casual dating. Looking at her now with her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, designer jeans dusty from the barn floor, and tear tracks still visible on her cheeks, the epiphany hits me.
I’m falling in love with her. Not with the idea of her or the convenience of our attraction but with the woman who came to help me through a crisis and cried when my horse was in pain.
She sees problems and solves them without being asked while stepping into my world and finding ways to contribute without trying to change what works.
“Partners,” I repeat, testing the word.
“If you want to be.” Lindsay’s voice carries uncertainty that surprises me. “I know I’ve been pushy about the business stuff, and I probably overstepped...”
“You didn’t overstep.” I squeeze her hand, wanting to pull her into my arms, but Midnight’s head is still on my lap.
I doubt she wants that kind of tumble in the hay where I’m currently sitting.
I need her to understand what she’s come to mean to me.
“You’ve been exactly what I needed, even when I was too stubborn to see it. ”
“Really?”
“Really. You matter to me more than I expected anyone could.”
Her smile is soft and genuine. “You matter to me too, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever really feel this way about someone.”
When she bends over to reach me, I kiss her gently, tasting salt from her earlier tears. “Thank you for being here.”
“Thank you for letting me be here.” She surprises me by sitting down in the hay and settling against my side to lightly stroke Midnight’s mane. “This is what partnership looks like. Isn’t it? Being there for each other when it matters.”
“This is exactly what it looks like.” I wrap one arm around her, holding her close while my other hand remains on Midnight’s head on my lap. For a long second, I almost see our future, and it’s full of possibilities.
For the first time since Miguel’s call this morning, I feel completely calm.
Midnight is going to be fine, Lindsay is here with me, and we’ve found our way to something real and lasting.
Sometimes, the best things come out of the worst moments, and today has taught me love isn’t just about passion or attraction.
It’s about showing up when someone needs you most, and she’s done exactly that. The realization that I’m falling in love with her should probably scare me, but instead it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
“Damn,” I suddenly say, startling her.
She tilts her head in my direction. “What’s wrong?”
I give her a rueful smile. “I’m going to have to admit Emma was right about Red and Romance Expected. I hate having to tell her she’s right about anything.”
She laughs. “Why’s that?”
I shrug. “She’s my annoying little sister. I guess it’s a childhood thing.” I pull her a bit closer, giving her a one-armed hug. “Of all the things she could be right about, I’m glad it was this…you.”
She lays her head on my shoulder, sighing softly. The sound is pure contentment, and I feel it too.