Second Chance Cowboy

Chapter 10

            Lanie unwrapped the burger and tossed it over to Bud.  He caught it in mid air and it disappeared in a matter of seconds. She reached over and ruffled his ear. 

            “I’ll give you more later Bud, I promise.  Hold down the fort for me.”  She climbed out, balancing the two drinks and the baggy of greasy burgers and steak fries.  She closed the door with her butt and hummed as she went up to Pete’s room. 

            “Is it morning already?”

            “Yup. I brought breakfast.” She teased.

            Pete chuckled weakly. 

            “How bout some greasy burgers, steak fries slobbered with ketchup and a big glass of coke?”

            “Sounds like heaven.”

            Lanie laid napkins out to cover the little hospital table.  Then she laid out their food, and wheeled the table over to Pete.  He’d already adjusted his bed so he was sitting up.  She pulled up a chair and he winked at her.

            “Howzuhbouta kiss?”

            “Any time Cowboy. Pucker up.”

She leaned over and was surprised by the passion in his kiss.  His hand came up to grope her breast, IV and all.  She laughed and pulled away. 

“Shame on you.” She picked up the burger and took a big bite.

“Can’t blame a guy for trying?” He winked at her and then grabbed his burger.  They enjoyed playful banter and meaningless chitchat over their dinner. 

“Ma’am,” A nurse appeared in the doorway.  “Your husband needs to rest.  I can give you another 20 minutes, but then I’m afraid you’ll need to leave.”

“No chance my wife could stay here tonight?”

“No sir.  Not in your room, but she can wait in the family waiting area if she likes.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“20 minutes then.” And the nurse left.

“Well, wife, where are you staying?”

“Bayside Inn.”

“So am I.”

“I know.  I found our room key in your wallet.”

“Our?”

“Husband, would you rather I get my own room?”

“Not at all.  Keep the bed warm for me.”

“You won’t be doing anything but sleeping for a day or two cowboy.”

“But then…”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you love me.  Admit it.”

Lanie did love that crooked grin of his.  And she loved the way she felt when she was with him.  Did she love him?  Did she feel what Grandpa called the ever-after kind of love?  The jury was still out on that one.  She did know that her heart had stopped in those seconds she watched Twister going after Pete with his hooves…And the fear she felt when she saw them carry Pete away on a stretcher…The panic that seized her when they drove off in that ambulance…still

“Lanie? What is it?”

“I’m sorry.  I just was thinking of when they carried you off in that stretcher and then when the ambulance drove off…” She felt her eyes misting over but didn’t care.