Tailgates and Whiskey

Chapter 6

It was about 2 a.m when Hadley woke, looking around seemingly confused as to why she was in the hospital.

And in Cade's arms.

Until a nurse approached her.

"Sorry, but would you be able to wake your mother? We have news..." She spoke cautiously. Something was wrong.

Cade jumped slightly, looking around before his eyes landed on Hadley.

"Everything alright?"

"I don't know.." She muttered, stretching before she stood.

She walked over to her mother, gently shaking her awake.

"Mama, the nurse says she has news."

Her mother rose quickly, looking at the nurse.

Hadley sat beside Cade again, taking his hand in hers.

"I deeply regret to inform you of the passing of John Miller."

Hadley froze.

Her mother let out a sob, covering her mouth with her hand.

She couldn't believe the fact that he was gone. It was sudden.

But at the age he was, it was expected.

She turned and buried her head into the crook of Cade's neck, wrapping her arms around him. She slightly shook, silently crying.

He wrapped his arms around her in turn, rubbing her back.

"I'm sorry Hadley.." He mumbled, gently kissing her cheek.

He parked his truck beside her father's, getting out and opening the door for Hadley.

She stepped out, shivering slightly at the cold wind.

It was a cloudy day. The air was crisp, pricking at her cheeks.

It all felt different, now.

Her mother slowly walked up the steps, opening the door to the house and stepping inside.

Cade stood by his truck, keeping an eye on Hadley.

She looked around the area, sighing softly. She had to do the chores.

"Do you want me to stay longer?" He asked, approaching her. He laid his hand on her shoulder, looking down at her.

"Yes, I've got to do chores and would appreciate your help." She spoke softly, leading him to the barn.

She walked into the feed room, giving the horses in the barn some feed. She filled up water bowls, before she took some feed outside.

She gave some water to the horses outside, before she went back into the barn.

Cade was busy checking the pregnant cows, making sure they had proper food.

"We gotta go check the herd." She spoke.

He nodded, lifting up a saddle and blanket. He tacked up one of the horses, watching her tack up her own.

The cattle were fine, and had plenty of food. Hadley sat in the dimly lit living room.

Cade had gone home, as his father needed help with their own ranch.

She stared at her father's empty rocking chair, sighing. She stood, walking down the hall to her parents room, where her mother sat on the bed.

Her brother will be here with his fiance and newborn tonight. She set up the guest room before she went to her own room. She laid on her bed, opening her phone and scrolling on social media.