Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Chad stood. “Where are you going?”
“Mare’s foaling and something is wrong.” I turned to Billy. “Get the rest of the guys up here. When the girls wake up, fill them in on everything. It’s probably best they’re sleeping off the booze. I’m sure Mallory would be freaked out.”
Krista stood. “Do you mind if I head to the kitchen? I cook when I’m nervous.”
I grinned. “Mallory does the same thing.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. I’m sure we’ll be fast friends, and hopefully, when this is all over, you and Chad can get out of your own asses and be brothers.”
Chad’s eyes went wide, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Listen,” Chad stated as he stood and faced me. “Go to the barn, keep your phone on you. I think, just as a precaution, we should have a patrol car at least at the gate.”
“I’ll call Randy on the way to the barn and ask him to send someone. Chad?”
“Yeah?”
“Take care of them, okay?”
He placed his hand on the side of my arm. “I won’t let anything happen to Mallory, or anyone else. I promise you.”
I sighed, still not feeling completely relieved, but glad my brother would be here at the house. I had no idea how desperate Jonathon would get.
“Hopefully this won’t take long.”
I made my way back into the bedroom. Leaning down, I gently kissed Mallory’s forehead and whispered, “I love you, Mal.”
Standing back up, I headed out to my truck. Before I got in, I stood there for a moment. I got the same feeling I had when I thought someone was on the porch. My eyes scanned the area, and I couldn’t see anyone. I pulled out my phone and sent my brother a text.
Me: I have a strange feeling someone is watching me right now.
Chad: We’ll check the area, nothing is going to happen, I promise you. You’re on edge, which is understandable.
One more look around and I shook my head. Chad was right, my nerves were totally on edge. I slipped into the truck and drove away from the house.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Mallory
Turning over, I moaned as my head throbbed. My mouth felt like someone had stuffed cotton into it, and I was pretty sure the smell of alcohol was coming from me. I slowly sat up and turned to see MaryAnne passed out next to me.
“Or it’s coming from you.”
She groaned and opened her eyes. “Oh my God, I’ve never felt so bad in my entire life.”
It was dark in the bedroom, with just a small lamp on in the corner of the room.
“What time is it?” I asked as I swung my legs over the bed and forced myself to stand.
“Um, I can’t read my watch, my eyes are blurry still.” Then she giggled. “It looks like it’s eleven.”
Then she sat up so fast she let out another moan. “Oh God, Billy must be so mad at me. I’m surprised he hasn’t moved me.”
I stretched and started for the bathroom. “I need to brush my teeth. I have mouthwash if you want some. Your breath stinks of booze.”
“Mine?” she asked, following me into the bathroom. “You smell like someone poured it straight over your head.”
We both chuckled.
After I brushed and MaryAnne rinsed her mouth and then her face, we both headed out of the bedroom. The lights were on, and I assumed it was because Liam and Billy were still up. I came to a stop, and MaryAnne bumped into me from behind.
“Chad?” I said as I looked at him, and then to the beautiful woman to his right. She was mixing something in a bowl and was clearly pregnant.
“You must be Mallory,” she said as she put the bowl down and made her way over to me. She drew me in for a hug, then stepped back. “And you must be MaryAnne?”
MaryAnne nodded. “I’m guessing you’re Krista?”
“I am!” Krista said as she gave MaryAnne a hug.
I glanced around the room. “Where is Liam?”
“Down at the main barn,” Billy replied. “Another mare is foaling and he’s with the vet and Larson. She’s having a bit of trouble.”
Nodding, I turned to my left and saw Jimmy and Howdy in the living room. Howdy was asleep on the sofa, and Jimmy was watching a movie and drinking a beer.
“Um, why is everyone here?” I asked.
Chad stood. “Do you want some coffee, or tea, maybe? You look like you’ve been to a frat party.”
I smiled. “I feel like it as well. Coffee sounds good. I may make something to eat…MaryAnne, are you hungry?”
“Starving,” she replied as she slipped onto a stool. “But the idea of eating makes me want to hurl.”
Billy chuckled. “Why don’t we head on upstairs, you take a shower, and I’ll make you half of a sandwich.”
“How about I do all of that and you find some crackers and bring those to me and water. Lots of water.”