Saddle up

Chapter Thirty-Three: Fate

**Brant's POV**

Jess would be here today to check in on me. The thought of seeing her again had my heart racing in a way I hadn't expected. I couldn't quite believe the series of events that had brought us back together. I'd like to think it was divine intervention, a second chance that I didn't deserve but was too grateful for to question.

I heard the dogs barking outside—Chase or AJ must've shown up for work. A few minutes passed, and then the familiar squeak of the screen door reached my ears. Chase.

I could hear his heavy boots, steel toes tapping on the floor, before he made his way into the room. His voice boomed as he entered.

"What's up, boss man?! Finally home, huh?" he said excitedly, plopping down at the foot of the bed like he owned the place.

"Hey, Chase," I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Good to be home."

"For sure! We missed you barking orders at us around here!" he teased, and I chuckled in response, the sound feeling foreign but welcome.

Chase always had that way of lifting my spirits, even when everything felt like it was falling apart.

"Alright, what can I do for ya?" he asked, already getting up.

"If you could grab me some water? I need to take my pain meds."

"Sure thing, boss man." Chase stomped out to the kitchen and came back with the glass, handing it to me before grabbing my pill container. He popped the lid and fished out one of the pills for me. I swallowed it quickly, washing it down with the cool water, grateful for the relief.

As he put the pills away, I finished off my glass and handed it back to him.

"Thanks, man. I really appreciate it. I hate being stuck in this stupid bed. As soon as the doc gives me the go-ahead, I'll be back out there helping you guys."

"Nah, no worries, man," he said, shaking his head. "I'm just glad you're good. Is there anything else you need before I head out to work? Fresh clothes or anything?"

I paused for a moment, realizing that Jess would be here soon. My chest tightened at the thought of seeing her again. It had been seven months, but it felt like a lifetime.

"Uh, actually," I said, my voice quieter now, "Jess will be here around noon to get my incisions cleaned up, so it can wait until then."

Chase's eyes practically lit up at the mention of her name. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he looked at me, his gaze knowing.

"Jess?!" he asked, a bit too eagerly. "How the hell did this all go down?"

I chuckled softly, the memory of her rushing back to me in an instant. "Well, wouldn't ya know? She was my last student nurse before I left the hospital..."

"No way!" Chase interrupted, his grin widening. "That's fate right there, buddy! Right on. Can't wait to see her. It's been like..."

"Seven months," I finished for him, my voice a little more somber.

Chase gave me a look, one that was all too knowing, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort in my chest.

"You're still crazy about that girl..." he said, his voice dropping slightly, almost as if he was treading carefully.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I love her, Chase. That hasn't changed."

His smile softened, like he understood exactly what I meant. "Yeah, I don't blame you. I want to see you two work it out this time."