Lockwood Creek Book Two - This can be read as a stand-a-lone.
A Why Choose Story.
Maddy Lockwood was the Perfect Daughter and to save the Lockwood family she agreed to a marriage she did not want, but now she will learn the hard way that no matter...
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~ ~ Maddy ~ ~
Arriving at Riley Jo's, she'd already messaged me to say I'd find her in the foal nursery. And stepping inside, I heard the sound of a different baby begging.
"C'mon, you're just in time." My sister's voice carried from the last pen.
Hurrying, "how's she doin'?" I found her testing the temperature of a feeding bottle on her wrist as my gaze landed on the cutest brown foal.
"This little girl is doin' just fine. Took to the bottle like a tic on a dawg."
The poor little thing had lost her mama, Spirit, had died a day after giving birth to her even though they'd tried everything to save her.
"I put the feelers out for a foster mama and luckily, I'll have a mare named Destiny arriving later on tonight from two towns over."
"Do you need me to come over later to help? You've already got a lot on your plate with Gracie." I didn't mind lending a hand. Truthfully, it would be a blessing.
"Nah. I think I'll be fine. Only one more night to keep watch and then tomorrow, if it all goes to plan, we can leave them to themselves."
"Have you given her a name yet?"
"What do you think of Miracle? I thought it was fitting. The vet said Spirit must have held on till she gave birth."
"Its perfect." My heart squeezed as I watched the cute little thing swallow the nipple and start guzzling it down. "Well, its looks like she's not suffering too badly now." I could smell the baby formula. It was sweet, especially compared to the smells of manure and hay.
Riley Jo smiled and sighed. "She'll be good. I'll make sure of it."
Looking around, I couldn't see my niece. "Who's looking after Gracie?" I knew Adam was working today.
"What?" She looked like she was up to mischief. "You think I left my baby girl to fend for herself already?" She giggled. "Don't look so worried. She's inside with Nana."
Ahh.
"C'mere, you feed her." I happily swapped places.
Finishing up in the nursery, we headed back to the house. Shucking off our boots, we found Nana in the main room singing to her great-granddaughter. She looked up when she heard us coming through. "Here's your mama and look who's she brought with her! Your aunty Maddy," she cooed. "I think she's 'bout ready for another feed, Riley Jo."
Nana handed Gracie over to my sister who sat down and a moment later my niece latched on, guzzling down like the little foal had done.
Me and nana sat down on either side of Riley Jo.
"So, Maddy. Tell me what's new with you," asked nana.
Nothing was new. Two weeks on from my talk with Jackson, and nothing had changed. He was polite, but avoided me at every opportunity. I tried for a smile but couldn't hide my sigh or what was written all over my face. "Jackson's getting stronger, every day." He took his physical therapy seriously, pushing himself all the time.
