Saturday
Mere seconds before the break of dawn, he woke with a start from a vivid dream of her. His bladder was full, begging to be emptied, but his morning swell made the task impossible. With a deep breath, he tried to shift his thoughts to something mundane. His go-to mental mundane was mucking, load after load of stinky horse manure. As his mind mucked, the rising sun peeked over the eastern horizon, its nubile rays reached through the cheap window blinds, into his bedroom, shifting darkness to light, revealing her. Thoughts of mucking and urinating disappeared.
Amy laid on her back, her body just inches from his. Her bedcovers were pushed away, discarded. She wore one of his t-shirts, gray and soft with age, and panties, lacy and white just barely peeking out from the hem of the t-shirt. Her chest rose and fell, even and steady, with each sleeping breath. Each inhale gave a fleeting definition to her firm breasts through the worn fabric.
Ty repositioned, propping himself up on one elbow, hand supporting his head to watch her sleep. A contented smile rose on his lips as his eyes drank in her every breath, observed her every inch, every facet of her loveliness, head to toe and back again. He did not move, he did not touch, yet his heart began to flutter. The pressure inside him, his manhood, grew, mounted.
Amy stirred ever so slightly in her sleep. Her lashes fluttered, lips parted, her toes curled, her face turned slightly toward him.
"Mmmmm." A long purr escaped deep from within her throat. She swallowed, breathed in deeply, then settled back into sleep.
Although he desperately wanted to wake her, kiss her, hold her, he knew she needed her sleep, the meeting with Summer yesterday took a lot out of her. More importantly, she needed time. Careful not to wake her, he hesitantly rolled away to concentrate on mucking once more. When that failed, he noiselessly rose from bed, left the room to take a cold shower.
Clad only in a towel, he returned to the bedroom to dress for the day. Checking, he saw that she was still asleep, in the same position as when he left her. From his dresser, Ty retrieved a pair of white briefs from the top drawer, dropped his towel and stepped into them.
"You showered?" Her voice was faint but clear, startling him.
"You're awake." He turned to her, replied, but not answering her question.
She nodded sleepily, then partially sat up, reclining against her pillow.
"So, were you watching me?" He teased.
"No..." Suddenly embarrassed, she averted her eyes, denied it, covering herself with the bedsheet.
"Sure. I bet." He chuckled, pulled on a t-shirt, then crawled into bed, under the covers, sitting next to her. He slid his arm around her, his hand squeezed her shoulder, pulling her to him. Her head nestled into the crook of his neck as he kissed the top of her head. Her arm drew around his stomach, inching even closer to feel his warmth. Inhaling his fresh scent, she closed her eyes, not wanting to move from his side.
"You smell nice." Amy said quietly.
"Soap does wonders." He chuckled. "Sleep good?"
She nodded. "You?"
"Yeah. I always do when I'm next to you." He said tenderly. "Have fun last night?"
"Mmm. I did." She murmured. "You have really nice friends."
"I do. They really like you. Especially Amit."
She laughed. "He kept playing Wild, Wild Horses on his phone last night."
"Yeah. He's a funny guy."
"Hmm." She snuggled closer. "Has he said anything lately about you going to India?" Amy was curious.
"Why? Did he say something?" His jaw tensed imperceptibly.
She answered honestly. "No. I just know Amit wants you to go. That's all." She shrugged, ready to move on.
"I can't go. So drop it." His words were curt, snippy.
Perplexed by his response, Amy pulled away, just an inch or two, and turned to look at him. She tried to catch his eye but he was staring off into space, his jaw muscle twitched. Without a word, she observed him looking for clues.
Though it seemed longer, an uncomfortable minute or two of silence passed before Ty finally looked at her, then apologized. "Amy. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you." He did not attempt to explain his reaction. "Come here." He pulled her closer. She didn't resist as she eased back into his side. Silent minutes passed as they relaxed against each other.
"Ty?" Her voice was calm.
"Hmm?"
"We promised to be honest. Something is bothering you. We don't need to talk about it now but we need to at some point. Okay?"
His heavy sigh had the weight of the world on it. "It's not you. Truth is... no matter how much I might want to go, I can't. No matter how many times I say No, he constantly bugs me about it so...So, I guess I don't want to talk about it."
She nodded, accepting his explanation without question. "Thank you for telling me. But, if you want to go.."
Ty gave her a tight smile, shook his head No. "I can't. Okay?"
"If it's a money thing, I can help." She offered.
"Amy. Please." His body tensed.
"Okay. I'll stop bugging you." She hugged his waist a bit tighter.
"Thank you...Amit." He teased her.
"HaHa!" She shook her head.
In a lighter mood, he changed the subject. "Um. So. What's your day look like?"
"The usual mostly. Chores. Cassidy's jump competition. Bleu. Mrs. Bell. Summer is gonna to call when FEI gets my complaint. Spartan and Harley."
"The usual? Sounds like a lot more than the usual."
She shrugged. "And you?"
"Got a ten hour shift at the clinic starting at 10."
"That's a long day." She sighed. "Wish we could just stay here, just like this. It's kinda nice."
"Only kinda nice?" His eyebrows raised.
"Okay. Very nice." She murmured as she lifted her head, kissed his neck, her words, her breath tickling him.
His shoulder rose involuntarily to protect his ticklish spot. "Hey. That tickles." He protested, his fingers going on the offensive, slid from her shoulder to her waist to tickle her.
"Hey! That's not fair." She complained as she giggled. Her fingers retaliated, lifting his shirt, tickling his taut abdomen.
He yelped. "Amy! Stop! You know I hate that." He crunched up to protect his midriff.
"You started it." She shot back.
"No! You did." He rolled away from her reach, falling off the bed, on to the floor with a thump.
"You okay?" She lean over to check on him.
"Ohh." He moaned dramatically. "My gluteus maximus is broken."
"You can't get away that easily." She teased before she launched herself from the bed, landing on him like a linebacker tackling a quarterback. Her fingers found his sides, continued their tortuous ways, tickling him unmercifully.
"Amy!" He begged her to stop, but still playing their game. "Quit!"
"Never!" She laughed.
He had no choice, his hands grabbed her wrists, his legs tangled with hers. Enmeshed, he rolled her over so he was on top, pinning her arms above her head, trapping her body under his.
"Ha. Gotcha ya." He taunted, his face grinning, looming over hers. "Give up yet?"
"No! Never!" She squealed, struggling to move, escape his clutches.
Amy's laugh settled into a smile as her blues eyes found his green ones, dancing, gazing back. He raised up on his forearms, slightly shifting his weigh from her, freeing her arms and legs, but she did not move. Instead, she watched his expression soften. His fingertips drew tenderly across her cheek, pushing away a strand of wayward hair. Lingering there, his thumb caressed her cheek, giving rise to renewed spark in its path. He lowered his lips closer to hers, leaving only the warm, moist air between them. He paused, his eyes searched hers, looking a sign. She raised up to meet him, her lips touching his for a second, before she pulled away, exhaling a delicate sigh.
Taking her signal, he smiled into her eyes then lowered his lips to hers. Her lips responded, her arms drew around his body, pulling him even closer. The long kiss was tender and sweet, each closing their eyes.
Ever so slightly, she turned her head to one side, breaking their moment, their connection.
"Ty." She whispered into his ear.
He pulled back, searched her face. "Am I crushing you?"
She shook her head, No, as her eyes moisten. "I'm not..."
He nodded as he composed himself. He kissed her forehead, before he rolled away into a sitting position beside her.
"Ty." She started as she sat up. "I want...It's just that..."
"It's okay. I understand." He smiled tenderly. "You have a lot on your mind." He gave her an excuse, knowing it was something else.
She nodded in agreement, eyes downcast.
"Come on." He said as he got to his feet, then held out his hand to help her.
From the nightstand, his phone rang, displacing the awkwardness between them. Ty cleared his throat before he answered with a serious tone.
"Hey Gary." He listened. "How bad?" His face registered growing concern as he listened. "I'll be right there." Hanging up, he immediately began to put on scrubs.
"What happened?" Amy said as she pulled on her jeans.
"A pregnant dog was injured in a hit and run. Someone just brought her into the clinic. Gary thinks her pelvis may be broken." He explained, already in Vet mode. "I gotta go in. He needs help. He's only a second year and he's all by himself.
"I'm coming too." Amy said definitively, sitting on the bed, pulling on her socks.
"Amy, no. You…" He sat down next to her, putting on his own socks.
"I'm coming. I can help." Not budging, she reiterated her stance assertively, then reasoned. "And. You need someone to keep the dog calm while you do the exam and surgery."
He exhaled, nodded. "We could use your help, but we need to hurry." He pulled a pair of scrubs from his dresser, handed them to her. "Here. Wear these."
"Thanks." Turning her back to him, she unceremoniously peeled off his t-shirt, put on her bra, then slipped on the scrub top. Just as quickly, she shucked her jeans for the scrub bottoms, tightening the drawstring, then stepped into her boots.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah. After I brush my teeth."
"Your toothbrush is in the cup holder."
Within ten minutes, Ty unlocked the clinic's front door, pushing it open. They greeted by a plaintive wailing and yelping from a dog clearly driven by pain.
"Oh Ty. That poor dog." Amy stepped into the waiting room as Ty held the door.
"Hopefully, we can help her." Ty said calmly, locking the door behind them. "Gary's in the back exam room." He pointed, then led her down the hall.
Sweating profusely, Gary stood bewildered at the large exam table, trying to hold and calm the very pregnant, small, white haired mix breed with rust colored spots and freckles without much effect. The panting dog continued to wail, whimper and yelp in equal measures as her chest heaved with shallow, rapid breaths. Her body shook uncontrollably. Her back right leg and hip, bloody, scraped raw, was bent into an unnatural position.
"Gary." Ty touched his shoulder.
Gary looked up at Ty, then started rambling. "Thank god you're here. Someone rang the front bell and left this dog on the front porch with this." He pull a folded up sheet of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Ty.
Unfolding the note, Ty read it aloud. "She was hit by a car. Driver didn't stop. Please help." He frowned. "Hmm. No name, no number. Was there a collar?"
"No collar." Gary responded. "She must be a stray."
Amy spoke up. "If she's stray, someone's been feeding her. She's a descent weight, not just skin and bones. I don't see any ticks or fleas either. Maybe she's chipped."
"I agree." Ty said.
Noticing Amy for the first time, Gary demanded. "Who are you?"
"Gary this is Amy Fleming. Amy, Gary Martin."
"Hi Gary." Amy said, reaching her hand out to shake his.
Gary looked from Amy to Ty and back again without shaking her hand. "Are you a vet student? Or a vet?"
"No, I am not a student nor a vet." Amy replied.
"Ty. You know it's against the rules for her to be in here." Gary stated. "We could all get in trouble."
Before she could say anything else, Ty spoke up. "Gary, Amy is a professional animal behavioralist. She can calm the dog and assist us while we do our examination and surgery." Ty explained.
Gary shook his head No.
"Look. I take full responsibility. Plus, she is a personal friend of Dr. Johnson." He added for good measure.
"Dr. Johnson?" He stammered nervously. "Did you already tell him?"
"No. We need to stabilize and assess the patient first." Ty replied firmly, stressing the WE.
"Um. So maybe it's unnecessary then.. to call him?" Gary stammered. "I mean, I don't want to disturb him so early. I don't want to be fired on my very first shift." He confessed.
"Gary, listen to me. Relax. You won't be fired." Ty touched his shoulder. "You did right by calling me, especially given the seriousness of the situation. Not even a seasoned vet can handle this alone. And. Believe me, Dr. Johnson will want to know what's going on."
He nodded at Amy. "Um, okay. Be careful." He said as he took a step to the side.
"Gary. I promise I will be careful and gentle." She tried to reassure him. "So no name, huh?"
He shook his head No.
Amy stepped into his spot, crouched to eye level with the dog. "Hey pretty girl. I'm Amy. Ty and Gary are here too. We here to help you and your babies. Okay, momma?" Her voice was relaxed, calm, tender as she crouched down to make eye contact with the frightened dog. The dog continued to whimper.
"I know you're frightened. But, it's gonna be okay. We're going help you feel better." She reached out her hand slowly, stroked the back of her neck, top of her head. "You're a good girl. You are a very brave girl."
As Amy rubbed her ears, then her chin, the dog quieted some, her dilated pupils narrowed some, though she continued to whimper, shake and shutter intermittently. "Rosie. I think that's a good name for you. What do you think, Rosie?"
The dog seemed to respond to her new name, her eyes glued to Amy. She rubbed her short nose, then its tip.
Worried, Amy looked up. "Ty. I think she dehydrated. Her nose is really dry."
"Okay. Check her gums. Run your finger across them. See if how quickly they return to pink." Ty instructed her.
"Okay Rosie. You need to check your gums. This won't hurt a bit. Promise." Carefully Amy lifted her top lip. "Ty. They're are pretty pale."
"You were right. Let's get her on fluids Gary. Amy, tell us when you and Rosie are ready."
Amy's fingertips began meander, roam slowly down her chest, her front legs.
"Rosie sweetheart. You need fluids in your body. Your pups do too. It's gonna sting for a second right here on your front leg, then it will make you feel better. Are you ready?" The small dog seemed to sigh. Amy nodded to Ty. "She's ready."
Amy held Rosie gently, whispering in her ear while Gary shaved the front of her leg just below the elbow then disinfected the skin. He inserted a catheter, connected to the plastic tubing then taped it to her leg.
"Good girl." Amy praised the young dog when the procedure was over.
"Good work team." Ty patted the vet student on the shoulder. "Okay. Let's see what else we have here."
While Amy kept the dog calm and still, she watched and listened to Ty patiently instruct and encourage Gary as he performed ultrasound, X-rays, and examination of the injured dog.
"So, Gary, summarize her symptoms, status and diagnoses?" Ty challenged the young vet student.
"Um. Okay." He looked closer at the treatment log. "She roughly a 2-year-old female, mix, approximately 35 pounds. She is in the 8 or 9th week of gestation with four puppies, all with heartbeats but at high risk. She is not actively in labor. Minor internal injuries, swelling, contusions. The dog's right hip has numerous abrasions, is swollen and warm to the touch. Dog appears fairly well nourished, but dehydrated. Her gums are pale in color." He glanced at Amy then back to Ty. "Fluid therapy has commenced. Um. We will monitor her gums for change in color every hour. Elevated respiration and shallow, poor chest expansion are likely due to stress and shock. Oxygen has been administered via mask. Heart rhythm and rate are within normal range given situation. X-ray show that the hip has been dislocated. What's that called again?"
"Coxofemoral luxation. Hip dislocation is the common term for the separation of the femoral head from the pelvic acetabulum." Ty reminded him.
"Okay."
"What else did the X-ray show?"
"Um. No chips or fractures or dysplasia?" He seemed uncertain.
"Excellent. Good summary, Gary." Ty complimented him.
"Thanks." He asked. "So, what next?"
"We want minimal impact of the anesthesia on the pups so we'll do the c section first. After the pups are delivered, we'll close up her uterus and abdomen. Then we'll move right into the closed reduction."
"Manual manipulation of the ball back into the socket?"
"Exactly. We'll x-ray to make sure it's in place and stabilize the hip and joint with an Ehmer sling. After the anesthesia has worn off, the pups can nurse. Maybe we can get this done in an hour. Maybe less."
"What do I need to do?" Amy asked.
"Continue what you're doing to keep her calm."
Amy nodded.
"Gary, you prep Rosie. Shave, cleanse and disinfect her abdomen while I set up the operating space. We'll get everything ready before we get the anesthesia started." Ty said confidently. "Let's move. We don't want her going into labor."
"See. You came to the right place, Rosie." Amy whispered in her ear.
When the prep work was completed, Ty instructed. "Gary, you operate. I'll assist."
"Me?" Gary's eyes were wide. "Are you sure?"
"Of course. You can't learn to drive from the passenger seat." Ty quipped. "I'll guide you."
"I've never done a C section." He admitted.
"First time for everything." Ty replied. "You'll do fine."
Gary nodded. "Will you reset the hip?"
"Sure. That's a bit trickier. Amy, will you handle the pups as they're delivered?"
"Okay. What do I need to do?"
"Gary will open the placenta around the face and hand the pup to you. Take it to the warming table." He pointed to the table a few feet away. "Clean off the membrane, siphon the mucus from its nose and mouth. Rub it down til it cries. Clip the umbilical cord. Keep them warm. Just like a newborn foal."
"I can do that."
"Good. Gary and I will scrub up. Once she's asleep, Amy you can scrub up. Got it?"
Amy and Gary nodded.
Just as Gary removed the four and last puppy from the uterus, opened the sac and handed it to Amy, Dr. Johnson entered the surgical room with three other men.
"Dr. Johnson." Gary said nervously.
"Gary, Ty." Dr. Johnson said, then noticed Amy standing behind Ty. "And, well, Ms. Fleming, what an honor to see you."
"Likewise Dr. Johnson." She smiled then moved the tiny puppy to warming table and began to work.
The three men silently watched as she removed the slimy membrane encasing the pup, siphoned mucus from the nostrils and mouth with an aspirator then rubbed the puppy's to stimulate body heat and breathing. When the puppy cried out, Amy moved the pup closer to the other three. She continued to rub each puppy in turn with a soft terry cloth.
"Excellent work Amy. Are you showing these boys how it's done?" Dr. Johnson asked, impressed by her skill and efficiency.
"Hardly. They have it all under control. I'm just doing what Ty told me to do." Amy said modestly.
"Somehow I doubt that." The professor chuckled. "Amy, Ty, Gary. Let me introduce you to Dr. Agarwal from Ahmedabad, India and his two associates, Dr. Laghari, and Dr. Reddy. Doctors, please meet Ms. Amy Fleming, Ty Borden and Gary Martin."
They all exchanged pleasantries.
"Ty. Give us a summary of the situation." Dr. Johnson requested.
"The patient, a two year old pregnant mix breed, was allegedly struck by vehicle and injured. She was dropped at the clinic in severe pain. Amy was able to quickly calm the young mother while we conducted the examination. We determined that she suffered a dislocated hip and minor internal injuries. As she was full term in her pregnant, we opted to deliver the pups via cesarean section under mild sedation. As you saw, Gary just delivered the last pup. He's done a wonderful job."
Gary grinned.
"And, Amy has expertly seen to the puppies."
Ty gaze shifted to Amy. Their eyes met, locked for a moment. They each smiled at the other.
Dr. Agarwal, who was observing Ty closely, glanced at Amy as well.
Ty cleared his throat, wiped his forehead with his sleeved firearm. "Clearly, we still have to situate the uterus back in place, close up her abdomen, reset the dislocation, X-ray, brace and get the pups nursing. Gary, you ready to replace the uterus?"
He nodded.
"Tell us about the dislocation?" Dr. Johnson asked.
"Craniodorsal displacement. No sign of chips, fractures, hip dysplasia or other genetic abnormalities. We'll realign with closed reduction."
"Good work. We'd like to observe."
While the others watched Gary under Ty's instruction, Dr. Agarwal joined Amy at the warming table.
"Good looking puppies." He said with a slight accent, gentle voice. "Mind if I watch you work, Ms. Fleming?" His brown eyes, thick with lashes, looked at her intently.
"Don't mind a bit as long as you call me Amy." She looked up briefly, then refocused on the puppies.
"As you wish, Amy." He asked. "You seem quite adept with this. Have you done it before?"
"Only with foals." As she rubbed the puppy with black ears and a pink nose, he emitted quiet squeaks and squeals. "Are you, by chance, Amit's father?" She asked.
"Not by chance, my dear." He chuckled, then smiled. "But, I am indeed Amit's father."
Glancing at him, she smiled back. "You have a very kind and smart son. Witty too. I can see where he gets it from." Amy said. "I have enjoyed getting to know him over the last few weeks."
"Yes. Amit is a good man and a good son. His mother will be pleased to have him and his wit home in India once again."
"I bet." She said, then asked. "When do you go back?"
"Tuesday." He sighed. "But, I am afraid it will be difficult for Amit to leave Calgary behind. He's grown quite fond of his colleagues here."
"And, Amit will be missed by the everyone here. Ty especially."
"Ah. So the feeling is mutual." Dr. Agarwal said. "Amit is hoping to convince Mr. Borden to come with us to India." The doctor informed her.
"Yes, so I've heard." Amy nodded knowingly. Suddenly she stopped, looked at him, then asked. "Wait. Do you mean leave with you on Tuesday?"
"Yes. I've invited him to join us."
"You did? I thought it was Amit's idea." She said trying to digest the new information.
"Amit recommended Mr. Borden as a volunteer. I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Borden yesterday in clinic as he operated on a goat. I agree that he would be an ideal addition to our clinic." He explained.
"Oh." Amy tried to remain calm, focused on another puppy. "Um. Tell me about your clinic."
"Ah. India Vet Clinic is a charitable foundation that helps animals who are wild, stray or whose owners live in poverty. We are busy 24 hours a day. We work with vet schools, local and abroad, to train vet and nursing students and credentialed professionals to gain medical and surgical experience. We have 7 teaching vets and 40 staff on our 10 acre facility. We are just one of many projects under the Worldwide Vets organization."
"Is Worldwide Vets like Vets Without Borders?" Amy asked.
"Similar. Except that Worldwide Vets partners with various Veterinary Schools and permanent projects such as the India Vet Clinic, and provides resources, funding, equipment, personnel. Worldwide Vets has just established a partnership with UCVM. That is why we are here in Calgary."
"I see. But, I'm not sure Ty feels he can afford to go to India." Amy explained.
Dr. Agarwal chuckled. "Mr. Borden wouldn't be a student. He'd be a part of our staff as a salaried vet."
"As a salaried vet? Ty hasn't graduated yet." Amy was confused.
"Yes. But, if he works at the clinic the entire semester, he will be. So, in the meanwhile, he will paid as such." He reassured her.
"The entire semester? What happens after the semester is over?" She questioned him.
"He would have a permanent position, if he chooses. But, we understand it's a big decision, so the semester is the starting period."
"Oh." She paused, not knowing what to say otherwise.
"Amit tells me that you and Mr. Borden are quite close. Engaged, maybe?" He suggested raising a thick eyebrow.
"No." Not expecting the question, she blurted out, then shifted her answer. "Um. I mean, yes, we're very close friends. Best friends really."
"I see." Dr. Agarwal paused as he read her expression. "As his best friend then, I sincerely hope you encourage him to seriously consider our offer. Even the semester position will accelerate his training and sharply hone his skills, especially his surgical skills. At the clinic, he will perform multiple, often complex, surgeries per day. Amit tells me that Mr. Borden wants to be a surgeon primarily. So, this opportunity is ideal for him."
Amy swallowed hard as dizzying thoughts swam around in her head.
"Don't you agree?" The doctor asked.
She slowly nodded. "Ah, yes. The offer does seem like a wonderful opportunity. An opportunity of a lifetime. And, you couldn't have selected a more dedicated, talented vet than Ty." Amy said sincerely.
"Will you speak with him then?" He pushed gently.
"I can't promise you that he'll accept your offer. But, yes, I will talk with him." She agreed.
"Ms. Fleming. I would be most grateful." He cleared his throat. "And, if your status with Mr. Borden changes, we accommodate committed couples."
Struck momentarily speechless, Amy blinked several times, then simply uttered. "Oh. Okay."
Needing to escape, her eyes glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh goodness, look at the time." She hurriedly covered up the puppies that had formed a tiny pile on the warming table.
He glanced at the timed watch in his arm. "Why yes. It's nearly 8am."
"You'll have to excuse me. I have to go...ah, to work." She glanced at Ty who was concentrating on Rosie's hip. "Will you let them know?" She started to walk away.
"Of course. But, you don't work here?"
"No. I was just helping Ty out this morning. I really have to go."
"I see. Well, I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms. Fleming. I hope to see you again."
"Likewise Dr. Agarwal." Amy bid him good bye. The others were engrossed in the realignment procedure as she slipped out the door without their notice.
Amy's luck didn't hold as Ashland caught her as she tried to slipped into her apartment without notice.
"What kind of getup are you wearing?" Ashland made a face. "You stink. Is that fish guts on the front of you?"
Amy looked down at her shirt, then answered nonchalantly. "Placenta most likely."
"Eww. Are you serious?"
"Yeah. I helped Ty at the vet clinic this morning." Amy unlocked her door. "Look. I'm going change and do chores. Are you up for a ride after?"
"Sure. If I can ride one of yours. Mine are already exercised."
"You can ride Harley. Meet you at the barn?" Amy step inside her apartment and closed the door.
Throughout her entire morning of chores, riding, Cassidy's competition, Bleu's workout and even lunch with Ashland, Amy didn't allow herself to think about Dr. Agarwal offer to Ty. Not even one second of thought. She didn't dare trust herself to ponder why Ty didn't tell her, why he wasn't honest when she asked him point blank. She didn't want to jump to the wrong conclusion.
And, even before she talked to Ty, she knew she need to seek the advice of just one person. Mrs. Bell.
Dear Readers.
Hope you enjoyed this short chapter. Let me know what you think. SBR