Under The Southern Sky (ON HOLD)

Chapter 28

My head felt like it was going to explode as I gently tried moving it from one side to the other but I just gasped out in pain; deciding I wasn't going to do that again, I opened my eyes taking in my surroundings.

I was alone; that much I knew. I also knew I was in a hospital, explaining the IV's in my hands. But where was everyone? I couldn't imagine at least Hank or Tuck not being here but I didn't even hear people talking.

I tiredly reached for the white button to summon a nurse and what I eventually got was two doctors, a nurse, Sheriff Jackson, Hank and Tuck, Bo and Tammi Sue.

Bo looked like crap; so did Hank and Tuck and Tammi Sue looked like she wanted to hurt somebody. The two doctors took up on either side of my bed and started shooting a bevy of questions at me.

"Ms. Harrison, what's the last thing you remember?" Asked one doctor; the other doctor wanted to know if I still had any blurred vision or headache.

"Uh well the last thing I remember is Bo, Hank and Tuck left. I just fed the girls and was gettin ready to go see to the cattle and Thor when someone snuck up behind me and I felt a stingin in my neck. The next thing I know, I'm wakin up here."

Both doctors looked at each other and then the older one said "Ms. Harrison you were injected with GHB or the street term is 'the date rape' drug. It affects by creating memory loss and renders the victim unconscious in a matter of minutes. Most of the time it's virtually untraceable but your symptoms fit."

The magnitude of what they were telling me started to sink in. My lower lip quivered as I tried to form my next question; its contents making me physically sick.

"Did he...he didn't..." I just couldn't finish but mercifully they picked up on what I was trying to say and both doctors shook their heads in the negative; assuring me the man didn't get that far.

Tammi Sue stepped up to my bedside and grabbed my hand. "Oh honey put that thought process outta your pretty little mind. Bo cracked him over the noggin and Earl here has him in custody. Now, I'm gonna go check on Thor and the girls and I'll fix you a bag. I'll be back real soon" she said kissing my forehead.

"Thanks Tammi Sue" I muttered. Sheriff Jackson adjusted his hat, making it sit back on his head. "I'm gonna give you and Bo some time but Mercy Rae I do need to ask you some questions so the sooner the better, okay?" He said. I nodded.

Hank kissed my head, like a father would a child, and Tuck kissed my cheek, his eyes giving away every emotion that swirled through his brain and I could tell he was seeing red; just like Bo.

Bo looked like he was having an internal war with himself and he was hurting. I knew he was blaming himself for what happened and I needed to stop that line of thinking right now.

Scooting over, I patted a spot next to me and without hesitation he came and sat down next to me. I wasted no time in throwing my arms around his neck, burying my nose in the crook of his neck; he smelled like my Bo and it brought me instantaneous comfort.

"Mercy Rae, I..." He started and I tightened my grip on him, silencing him immediately. "No baby please don't" I said quietly. "You saved me Bo and that's all that matters to me, to Hank and Tuck. Just hold me please."

I shuddered under the sensation of his lips near my ear and neck; his breath hot and soothing and just what I needed.

"Mercy Rae there's something I need to tell you and it wasn't until this happened that it hit me and I should have told you the night we first made love. I love you Mercy Rae Harrison. I have since that first night at The Rose. Be mine baby; in every way."

The tears just came in a huge wave; I couldn't control them. I loved him too and I think it was that first night at The Rose when I realized it as well.

"Oh Brody!" I wept. "I love you too and I want very much to be yours. I think that was the first time I fell in love with you too." I pulled my head back so I could see his eyes; needing to see the same emotion that ran through me.

And then he kissed me and it was beautiful; tender and sweet. "Tell me again" I whispered. His lips were pressed against mine as he uttered those three most important words anyone can tell another person. "I love you."

The amazing atmosphere that we were immersed in was interrupted by a deep voice clearing itself; Sheriff Earl Jackson. He needed to question me.

"I'm sorry y'all. I'll try to make it quick" he said smiling at Bo and I. "No worries sheriff. This needs to be done. Baby, do you need me to stay?" Bo asked.

I knew what he was trying to do and I loved him for it but right now I needed him and I told him as much, so he stayed on the bed next to me while Earl told us what he'd found out.

"Well he's refusin to talk; so we don't know his name but we took his prints and they are being run in the system now. Won't take long and we'll figure out who he is. I think it's safe to say, and this is coming from me being a friend now, that Mathis Gillis sent him to scare you.

Now, the sheriff in me says we need proof and I don't want y'all worrying about that. That's my job to collect the evidence and I will. Mercy Rae, no one is telling you to run or give up your ranch but I do think it's prudent for you to have someone stay with you; at least for now."

I nodded, taking in everything the sheriff had said and I knew right away that it was a given for Bo to stay with me and I was sure that Hank and Tuck would take turns as well. It felt wonderfully amazing being surrounded by people who were my family, whether by blood or not. And I loved them for it.