Second Chance Cowboy

Chapter 3

             She sat still as she could, thinking. It was all she could do, really.  Her eyes were still bandaged.  Her left ankle still would not support her weight and she could scarcely breath if she dared move.  Her ribs were bound tightly though, so it was a steady reminder to be still.  She hated not being able to see.

            "Murphy, you've done it to me again." she said softly in a thick Irish brogue.  "You've gone and played a cruel trick on me you have.  Sending me an angel to save me own soul and stealing away me eyes that I might not look upon his face."

            She chuckled softly, trying not to jiggle her ribs.  Granddad would be proud of her Irish imitation.  He was a cranky old Irishman and she loved him dearly.

            "I miss you dearly too, you old reprobate!" she whispered toward the heavens.  She would have cried if there hadn't been a sound just then.

            The door creaked a little followed by a telltale clicking on the hardwood floor.

            "Hey Bud." She called to her otherwise silent visitor.  She held her hand down by the floor waiting for the nudge from Bud's wet nose, which she rewarded by scratching his chin.  She was beginning to really like this dog that she had learned resembled a black wolf with light blue eyes.  Peter didn't mind talking about his dogs at all. It was only when she asked personal questions that he become quiet.

            Still, she had managed to learn quite a bit about him.  She was rather proud that she had managed it all without mobility or sight.  He was obviously a tall man, for he had said he was over 6 foot.  He was a loner of sorts, but only recently and...

            Bud whimpered and moved a few steps away then whimpered again.

            "What is it Bud?" Maybe the dog had to go out.  "Pete?" she called.           

            She heard his booted stride on the floorboards followed by a banging and a curse.  A few seconds later the door creaked and she heard his clear voice.

            "You're supposed to be sleeping!" he sounded worried.  She was about to explain but Bud took care of it by jumping up on Pete and whimpering.

            "Down, Bud. All right Boy, I'll let you out.  Did you need anything, Lanie?"

            "I could use a bath and a trip to the restroom. Maybe some lunch?" She felt like teasing a little so she added. "And maybe you could call my travel agent for me.  That transportation was way below standards!"

            "He chuckled. She heard Bud whimper again.

            "I'll be right back." Pete said.

            She listened as man and dog crossed the small cabin.  There couldn't be more than one or two other rooms aside from the one she was in.  She heard the door and some rustling.  A moment later there was a bark outside, the door opened and closed again.  She heard the dog shake, Pete scolded Bud and returned, Bud close on his heels.  She felt Bud land on the bed to assume his place at her feet.  He always did so, and it startled her every time.  She felt Pete's hand on her shoulder.

            "Let's get you bundled for a trip to the restroom.  I've got some water heated for you already.  You can wash up while I get us some lunch. As for that travel agent, I would strongly recommend you fire her.  The accommodations are pretty meager and there are NO tourist attractions to speak of in these parts."

            He had been helping her into a parka as he spoke.  Now he scooped her gently into his arms and carried her to the couch.  He settled her easily and helped her into her boot.  The left leg was still too swollen for a shoe.  It was instead wrapped tightly and covered by one of his socks.  It was a woolen sock and came all the way up over her kneecap.