Mine

Chapter Nine "Gonna Make It"

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters!

Monday, January 9th Molly POV

"Dad, you can't live by yourself." Luke huffed as Mac shook his head stubbornly. I looked down and picked at a string on my jeans. It had been two weeks since the accident and Mac was being released from the hospital. The doctor had insisted he either had to stay with relatives or have in home care since Mac still hadn't regained feeling in his legs.

"I'm not leaving my home and I don't want any nurse coming in either. I'll be fine." I heard Maxine groan quietly at Mac's words and Luke looked out the window, irritated. I decided to speak up with maybe a helpful solution.

"Maybe Mac doesn't have to leave his home." Everyone turned to me. "If he doesn't mind, I'll stay on the reservation with him. It's close enough that I can still work for Katie and he'll have someone to take care of him." I glanced at Mac. "But someone will have to take over during the day or you'll have to come with me."

Maxine and Luke exchanged looks while Mac smiled at me. "I think that's a perfect idea. I can handle Molly being my nurse."

"Are you sure about this Molly? Taking care of Mac all the time could be hard." Maxine asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, we'll be fine. I'm sure we'll have to work some kinks out at first and we'll both be learning but I want to help out." Maxine's sympathetic look said she knew why I was so eager to help. I still felt guilty over the accident even though no one blamed me, not even Mac. Kit had tried convincing me up until he had to leave last Friday.

"I mean, it'd work." Luke shrugged, looking to Maxine to see if she agreed. "We could always give her breaks on the weekends when we're home."

"If you're sure." Maxine replied hesitantly. I grabbed Mac's hand and smiled.

"Of course I'm sure. I love Mac." He squeezed my hand and I saw he was grateful that he was going to be able to stay in his home. I knew it helped him feel closer to his late wife and he didn't want to move, ever. Said the only way he was leaving that house forever was in death.

And so it was settled. I went back to Sterling Stables to talk to Katie about the new arrangement. Dr. Scott was there when I walked into the barn office, and I knocked as I realized I was interrupting something. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." I said as they jumped away from each other. Katie looked up with a smile and Dr. Scott blushed.

"What's up Molly? How's Mac?" Katie was very supportive of me going to see Mac every day and we worked out my lesson schedule great together.

"He's good. He's actually being released today. That's what I wanted to talk to you about." I didn't exactly want to do it in front of Dr. Scott.

He seemed to know this. "Well I better get back to the office. Keep me updated on the mare with the runny nose."

"Will do." Katie smiled at him and I knew he wasn't just here for a horse. It was really cute the way they both were so secretive and shy. I sat down across from her. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well you know Mac still doesn't have feeling in his legs." I started and Katie nodded. "The doctor won't release him unless he stays with a family member or he receives in home nurse care. Mac doesn't want to move in, no matter how temporary, with Maxine and Luke, and he's also refusing in home care." I shook my head amusedly at his stubbornness. I took a deep breath before continuing. "I offered to stay at his place to help him. I would still be able to drive here in the mornings because Mac is going to let me use his truck and I promise I'll be on time every day."

Katie's face showed her care and sympathy for Mac. "If you're asking me for permission, you don't have to. I wouldn't hold you back from helping Mac and he's welcome to spend the day here while you work. We'll all help out, we love Mac."

"Thanks Katie." I was grateful for her support. I definitely believed Maxine when she said it would be hard work. "I'm supposed to grab some clothes and Nate is going to drive me to Mac's house once I settle Honor in for the night."

"Do you want me to settle her in so you can go?" I shook my head at her question.

"No, with how she's been the past few weeks, I'd rather see to her myself. Keep up the routine we have going." Honor was a little bit of a spooky mess ever since the incident and I didn't want to make other people handle her, possibly getting hurt. Plus, I think it helped her to see me every day and keep up her routine.

….

"And there you go." I helped Mac settle into his bed. Mac was a big guy and luckily I had been doing lifting all my life. Not like gym type lifting but lifting that was required when owning a horse. "Anything you need? I can get you another bottle of water or a snack if you're hungry."

Mac smiled tiredly at me. "No, but thank you, Molly. For doing this so I don't have to leave my home." I squeezed his hand.

"I'd do anything for you, Mac." I said softly. "But this is something I especially should do considering I'm the reason you're in the situation you are."

Mac shook his head. "Molly, this was not your fault."

"My horse, my ride." I shrugged. "If you hadn't come with me and if you hadn't ridden Honor, this wouldn't have happened."

Mac sighed. "Molly, please do not blame yourself. I don't, none of us do."

"Okay." I whispered. I pulled the covers up. "If you don't need anything, I'm going to go out in the room."

"You should make some tea and go outside. The stars are beautiful this time of night." Mac suggested. I bid him a goodnight and decided to take his advice. I made a cup of chamomile tea and went to sit in one of his wooden rocking chairs. It was chilly but I had brought a jacket and blanket outside with me. I held the warm cup of tea in my hands and rocked in the chair.

The stars were so beautiful out here. Mac was certainly right. The sky was filled with them and out here on the reservation there were not many lights to block them out.

Now that I was alone, I let the tears come. My chest tightened and I took a shaky deep breath. Ever since Mac's accident that had been happening to me. Joe had insisted that I needed to see a doctor when he caught me in the tack room the other day, having what he called another panic attack. I had pushed away his opinion, telling him that I was fine but I knew I wasn't.

I was struggling with Mac's accident way more than Mac was and I felt like there was no one to turn to. Usually I would turn to Kit or Mac but it certainly wasn't the right thing to talk to Mac about since he was the one paralyzed. And Kit was off riding on the circuit. Katie was really busy with the business since Drew had gone to visit his sister a few days ago and would be gone for another week or so.

In all the years of riding around the circuit, this was the first time I felt truly alone. I wasn't a very religious person really but every night I prayed to whoever was listening that Mac would regain feeling in his legs. That he would be okay.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I answered it, seeing that it was Kit. I hoped I wouldn't sound like I was crying. "Hey, is your event over?" He was riding in Western Arizona this week in a few different smaller rodeos.

"Yeah, got second place." I could hear his happy smile over the phone and there was plenty of voices in the background. He must either be out or a lot of guys were staying with him. "Justin Fayez took first place."

"And don't you forget it, Ely!" I heard a voice shout in the background and laughter.

"Sounds like you've got company." I tried to sound happy and not like I was falling apart. "You can get off here if you want to."

"No, no it's fine. We're just at a bar, celebrating, on Justin." The noise quieted and I could tell he must have stepped outside. "Mom called and told me about what you're doing for Grandfather. Are you sure you can handle that?"

"Of course I can, would everyone stop asking!" I snapped, feeling defensive. Why did everyone think I couldn't handle this? "Little Molly can't handle anything apparently."

"Whoa, I was just asking. Where did that come from Mol?" Kit sounded genuinely surprised at my snapping but I didn't care.

"I'm just tired of everyone thinking I can't handle anything. You're just like my dad!" The words were out before I could stop them and in a rush of a mix of embarrassment and anger, I hung up. Frustrated with myself and everyone else I went back inside and tossed the remaining tea out, placing the cup in the sink. I quietly went into the room that used to be Luke's but now served as a guest room, leaving the door open in case Mac called out for me.

…

(Tuesday, January 10th)

The next morning, I woke up to missed phone calls and text from Kit. I cleared them off my phone and checked on Mac. He was still sleeping since it was still early so I jumped in the shower quickly. I knew I had acted irrationally last night but I was just tired of being seen as someone who couldn't do anything. Everyone still saw me as the sheltered girl but I wasn't anymore. I was learning all kinds of things and had a job and I wasn't that girl anymore.

When I got out Mac was awake and I helped him get dressed. I would have to figure out something to put in the shower that he could sit on and wash off or the more awkward option of bathing him myself. I didn't like the idea but I had to do something to allow him to get bathed.

"What would you like for breakfast? Eggs? Bacon? Pancakes?" I pulled open the fridge, wanting to get to work and distract myself. I looked up when Mac still didn't answer. He was frowning, staring at me. "What? Is something wrong? Are you in pain?" I moved towards the basket of pills sitting on the counter. He reached out and grabbed my hand gently.

"Molly, you were crying in your sleep last night." Mac held onto my hand. "I want to make sure you're okay. Are you sure you can do this? Do you feel like you took on too much? Because I can always move in with Luke and Maxine for the time being…"

I shook my head quickly. "No! God, no, Mac. It had nothing to do with coming to care for you…it's about the distance between my dad and I." I lied quickly. "I just wish he'd let it go."

Mac's grip loosened. "He will Molly, I'm sure of it. He'll realize that the arguments between you and him is nothing to lose you over."

Even though I had lied to Mac, I sure hoped he was right.

….…..

"Hope, gather your reins, they're just sitting on Dancer's neck!" I called out to the young girl. She immediately corrected herself and I smiled. "Good job!"

Mac watched from his wheelchair in the section Katie had taped off for parents who wanted to watch their children. Hope's mother, Tia, watched beside him, talking to him while the girls rode. It was nice that he had someone to talk to while I taught.

I loved teaching. It was so nice to see how my students progressed each week and know I had a part in that. This group—my older girls—were already jumping well and I could see us entering a few shows this season if they kept it up. Katie and I really wanted to get their "toes wet" in the show circuit this year to give them an idea of how it was going to be.

Once our lesson was done, I led the girls to the barn to untack the horses. As our routine had become, I turned on the barn radio to a station all the girls loved and a fun dance song was on. The girls squealed excitedly as they started to loosen their girths.

By the time we got to brushing the horses, I was singing along loudly with them to whatever song was and dancing a little. "Oh don't you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me, I said you're holding back. She said shut up and dance with me…."

"Whoa did I walk in on an American Idol audition?" Joe joked as he walked into the barn. The girls giggled at him in the way thirteen-year-old girls did when they thought a guy was cute. I rolled my eyes and tried not to blush in embarrassment at getting caught dancing.

I laughed, a little breathless. "You're missing all the fun." I told him. "We always sing after our lessons—you're free to join."

He chuckled. "No thanks. I don't want to kill anyone's hearing."

"I'm sure you sound great, Joe!" Piper piped up bravely. Joe's eyes met mine and we shared a smile. I can't believe I missed this awkward but wonderful phase of liking boys. But maybe it was better so I couldn't embarrass myself.

"One day I'll prove you wrong." Joe promised with a smile then he turned back to me. "I know it's not my day for a lesson, I actually came by to ask you something." He gestured towards the tack room, meaning he wanted to ask me alone. The girls watched me wide-eyed as I followed Joe. I left the door cracked and then turned to Joe.

"What's up?"

"I have these tickets to see Luke Bryan, I've heard you listening to him around the barn. They're actually my sister's tickets but she can't go because of her job so I was wondering if you'd want to go." I opened my mouth to tell Joe no, that I had Mac to take care of but he held up his hand. "I know you've got stuff going on with Mac but the concert isn't for another two weeks. I figure maybe you can work something out by then."

I hesitated. I wanted to go, I loved Luke Bryan's music and I had never been to a concert before. But was this crossing the line with Joe? Was this okay to agree to since I was dating Kit?

"It would totally just be as friends. I just am looking for someone to go with me and I remember you telling me once that you've never been to a concert. Thought it'd be fun." Joe explained. I bit my lip but then smiled.

"Yeah, I'd love to go. I'll have to talk to Maxine and Luke about Mac but I'm sure we can work something out."

Someone burst into the tack room and I jumped out of the way of the door. Katie gasped when she saw us. "Oh God, I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone was in here. I was just looking for my lunge line." I grabbed it off the shelf and handed it to her. She seemed even more flushed and hurried than usual. I made a note to ask her about it later. "Thanks!" She dashed back out.

Joe and I exchanged looks but didn't say anything. "So I'll get you all the information as soon as I can so you can make arrangements, okay?"

"Thanks Joe, for asking. I'm glad you asked me." I said gratefully as we left the tack room. The girls watched intently as Joe left and then turned to me.

"What did he ask you?"

"Did he ask you on a date?"

"Don't you think he's so cute?"

I laughed a little bit off at their questions. "Nosey girls today, aren't you?"

"They're always nosey." Tia, Hope's mother, said, amused as she helped Mac into the barn. "All five of 'em always asking questions."

I smiled at them. "I guess it's only natural at this age, huh?"

"Oh yeah." Tia laughed. I helped the girls get their horses into stalls and fed so they could go home. Mac handed me a bucket that I had missed. I decided it was a good time as any to ask about the concert. I looked up at Mac.

"So Joe invited me to a Luke Bryan concert in two weeks…" I started as we sat in the barn, me on a bale, Mac in his chair. Mac smiled over at me.

"Yeah?"

"It's in two weeks but I told him I'd have to see if I could work something out with Maxine and Luke to help you. But I don't have to go if you don't want me to, I'd totally understand." I glanced down at my boots.

Mac chuckled. "No, Molly, you should go. You've never been and concerts are a fun experience." Mac paused. "I would run it by Kit though as he might have an issue with another guy taking you somewhere."

My face became hot. "I, ah, was definitely going to do that." He patted my knee and that's when Drew walked in.

"Mac! So good to see you out and about!" Drew shook his hand with a big smile. "Hey, we just got this new horse, wanna take a look?"

"Of course." Mac replied and Drew pushed him out of the barn. I sighed and pulled my phone out of my pocket. More missed calls and texts from Kit. I quickly sent a text saying I couldn't talk now but we'd talk later and put my phone in my pocket. I took Honor out of the pasture and into the round pen.

I worked her for a little bit to both clear my mind and work some of her energy off. I clipped a lead rope to her halter and turned to see Katie standing there watching me. "You're not going to ride her?"

I tried to speak clearly with no emotion in my voice when I spoke, but I wasn't sure I managed. "I'm just giving her a break from the accident. I don't want to push her."

Katie frowned. "Molly, it's been almost three weeks since the accident. She's had plenty of a break, I think you need to ride her."

Fear sparked through me. Ever since the accident, I was afraid to ride Honor. I wouldn't admit it but I was. I was afraid she'd freak out on me when I got back on her. "No—not today. I have a lot of work to do in the training barn. I've been slacking on my duties these past two weeks."

Katie opened the gate for me wordlessly, eying me the whole time but letting me go. I was glad she didn't question me.

….

Kit POV (same day)

I watched blankly as bull riders competed. No one came to talk to me, probably because of my expression. I didn't even care. I was worried about Molly. I had never meant to imply that she was incapable of caring for Grandfather, just worried she was taking on a lot when she already had a job that took up her time.

Molly hadn't been acting right since Grandfather's accident and I noticed her distance when she talked to me, it's as if she was always thinking of something else other than our conversation. She denied that—saying she wanted to talk to me but I was unsure. Then last night happened.

She said I was just like her father of all people. She was saying that I didn't believe in her. That was so untrue. I believed Molly could do anything she put her mind to. I mean she was excelling with teaching lessons and she had only just begun a few months ago. Molly could make her dream come true, like it already was. Katie was always emailing me, telling me how impressive Molly was doing. She hoped Molly would stay on after her six months.

I looked down at my phone as it beeped and saw, relieved, that it was a text from Molly. "Can't talk now, we'll talk later."

I frowned. I wished, once again, that I was there in Darton. At least then I could go over there and make her talk to me, assure her that I believed in her, tell her how proud I was that she was helping Grandfather out. I sighed as I heard the call that ended bull riding and would start bronc riding. I had to get ready.

…

Molly POV

I watched as the clock ticked closer to eleven. Kit was supposed to call me then. I didn't know what I would say to him. I knew I reacted unfairly but yet I needed that vote of confidence from him. I needed him to believe in me, not doubt me.

The phone buzzed and I answered it. "Hi."

"Mol." Kit sounded so happy to hear my voice.

"I'm sorry." We both said in unison. I smiled as he laughed.

"I really am sorry, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did…I just…ever since we met, you've been the one to believe in me and encourage me…last night I felt like you were saying you didn't believe in me and it hurt."

Kit sighed. "Mol, I didn't mean that at all. I know how it sounded but I was just worried about you straining yourself, stretching yourself too thin. You're doing your lessons, working in Katie's barn, riding Honor, training Bailey…"

"I can handle it." I said firmly. "I know I can Kit. I want to. Mac doesn't deserve to have his life flipped upside down any more than it has been. As much as he and you and everyone says I'm not at fault, I feel like I am and Mac has been so great to me these past few months…."

"I know that, Molly." Kit replied. "I know Grandfather means a lot to you and I'm so glad you have that someone there to be with you while I can't. I just worry, okay? But don't you ever think I don't believe in you because I do, Molly. I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. Look at how well you're doing at Katie's! You did that. You made it work. Katie can't stop saying enough good about you."

I bit my lip to try to keep from smiling but it didn't work. "Really?"

"Yes, of course." Kit was smiling now, I could hear it in his voice. "Molly, you're amazing. I just wish I was there to see you doing so well."

The loneliness crept into me. "Me too." I whispered. "I miss you."

It was silent for a moment. "I miss you too, Mol. I just wish the circuit wasn't so hectic right now. There's so many big rodeos going on right now that I have to go to. But I'll see you soon, you know that. Can't stay away from my girl for too long."

I half-smiled at his words. "I know." I yawned. "Well I'm glad we talked this out…and I'm sorry to, but I have to head for bed. I am so wore out. I did so much work in the training barn and my muscles are screaming at me."

Kit chuckled. "I understand. I'm going to have a few beers with the guys to celebrate my win but you head to bed."

"You won?!" I asked excitedly.

"Yep. I got lucky and hung on more than the other guys and had a wild bronc."

"That's great, Kit, congratulations!"

"Thanks, Mol. Now get some sleep, honey, I'll text you in the morning."

We hung up and I went to sleep feeling good about this day but feeling like I forgot to ask him something.

…..…

A/N: Hey readers! Hope you enjoy this chapter! What do you think of Molly taking care of Mac? And what do you think of Joe asking her to the concert? Does he maybe have ulterior motives?

Let me know what you think in a review!

To my reviewers:

SoccerGirl58: so glad you love my story! It makes me so happy to hear this! Hope you're still reading! Thank you for your review!

Jessica: It was super scary! We all know she shouldn't feel bad but I'm sure we all have had something happen accidently and felt guilty about it, I sure would feel bad about this if I was her! It's just something she'll have to work through. I bet you're not going to like Mac's diagnosis :(

Joe can definitely be trouble, but he can also be helpful sometimes! Kit is a sweetheart and perfect for our Molly! If only they both keep thinking that! Thank you for your review!

I will try to update soon with another chapter!

Thanks for reading! -Quinnandsethsgirl15