Page 24

Chapter 24

April

Dr. Phillip’s soft brown eyes glance up over the stiff blanket tented between my elevated knees. “This might be cold. Tell me if it hurts.”

The metal feels like it just came out of the freezer when she slides the speculum into me.

With a snap, it locks into place, prying my sensitive bits open for her to see.

“Oh, you have an IUD?” She pauses to look at her chart. “That’s smart.” “Yea, well, college, ya know?” I didn’t want any unexpected surprises, especially considering I never dated anyone seriously.

Shit, there weren’t any I really could say I even liked.

But, now there’s Ford, and it feels…different.

The poking sensation of her swab makes my belly twitch uncomfortably.

I hate this.

“Almost done,” she says as she caps the end and pulls out the torture device. “You said that you’re experiencing some rectal pain as well?”

My cheeks feel like they’re on fire. “Well, um, it’s not as bad now.”

There was more than once that the two monstrous brothers took me at the same time.

“You’ll feel some pressure.” She gives me just a moment of warning before she sticks her gloved fingers into my ass and probes around.

Fuck this is humiliating.

“Good news, no serious damage. The tenderness should clear up soon.” She smiles at me before popping off her gloves. “I should have the preliminary results of your tests back this afternoon.” She tugs my gown down to cover me. “But having birth control in place, and the fact that you stated they used a condom every time, that likely means everything is clear.” Her lips thin as she pushes up her glasses. “I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

“Thank you.” Me too.

My back protests as I pull my feet down.

They certainly don’t put much padding on these tables.

Maybe it’s a good thing Ford isn’t here today. This is embarrassing as hell, and I’m not sure how I’d cope with the examination and then seeing him.

I’ll have a day or two to forget about it.

Char and Sophia both have worried smiles when I make it to the waiting room. “Doing okay?” Char passes me the coat I picked up at the second hand store down the street.

The only new things I bought were underwear. It feels good to be in clothes that fit me again.

Except it was like saying goodbye to a piece of Ford.

I have a pocketful of receipts to keep track of how much of his money I spend.

“Yea. I’m not sure what part was worse though,” I grumble, threading my arms into the sleeves.

Char nods seriously. “I met Dixon here in the emergency room when my ex broke into my house and beat the tar out of me. Worst and best day of my life.” She leans in and hugs me, barely reaching my shoulder. “So even though things are bad now, I hope something good comes out of it.”

Ford.

I can’t stop thinking about him.

“Maybe. I mean, I wouldn’t have met you.” I give them both a grin. “Now, didn’t you say there’s a coffee shop nearby?”

Sophia clutches my wrist, her big blue eyes widening. “I’ll do ya one better. There’s an ice cream place around the corner that you absolutely must try.”

“I could go for some peanut butter chocolate.” Char rubs her poochy abdomen. “I’m eating for three after all.” Her wink makes me laugh.

She’s so tiny and having twins.

And her husband is so big.

I almost feel sorry for her, except I’ve seen how doting he is.

When he steps around the corner, he fills the hall.

“Everyone ready? I was catching up on some charting while we were here.” He jerks his thumb behind him, then snakes his palm around Char.

“Uncle Dix, we outvoted you and want to go to Frozen Bones.” Sophia dances next to me, then wags her eyebrows when she catches me glancing at her.

“Huh. Am I?” He looks down at Char, his mustache twitching as the corner of his mouth rises.

“I’m afraid so. Five against one.” She blows him a kiss.

He holds the passenger door to his truck open, and pats her butt as she crawls in. “I suppose with odds like those, I can’t argue.”

It makes my cheeks burn again watching them.

But it’s more from a little twinge of jealousy at the easy love they have for each other.

Sophia and I climb in the backseat while I tug out Ford’s phone.

I want to call him, but this archaic thing is already at only ten percent left on its battery.

I guess I’ll wait until I get back.

“April?” Dixon’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror.

“Yes?” I slide the cell back into my pocket.

“Wade texted, said he got called out, but would be in the office tomorrow. Are you okay waiting a day?” His crow’s feet deepen with his squint. “He did send his apologies. We’re all chomping at the bit to figure out who those assholes are and where they’re at.”

Good, that means I can call Ford sooner.

“I’m fine with that. I have nothing but time to kill.” He won’t be home until the day after anyways.

Actually, it’d be nice if he went with me.

“Is there any way to delay it until Ford’s here?” I feel guilty asking for favors, but just the thought of recounting the events of my nightmarish kidnapping makes me wish Ford was here to help me forget afterwards.

I can see Dixon’s jaw tighten as he nods. “Absolutely. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

Char gives him a soft smile, and grabs his hand with a little squeeze.

When we get to the ice cream place, Sophia and I are the first ones through the line.

“You’re right, this is amazing.” This coffee caramel is the best I think I’ve ever had.

“When do your classes start back up?” Sophia asks, scooping a big spoonful of her sundae.

“Not until January. I’m so glad I challenged my finals to finish my fall semester early.” I can’t imagine trying to rush back to classes now.

It’s almost a distant memory.

“Oh, nice. I have one more test this week. I forgot to ask, what’s your major?” She moans with another bite. “God, I always forget how good this stuff is. If we’re heading straight back to the ranch, I’m gonna get some for Lori, too.”

“Animal nutrition. Ironically, I wanted to get a job with a big cattle outfit. I didn’t know I’d be staying on one so soon.” I wave my own bowl in a broad gesture. “I guess sometimes things don’t go as planned.”

She squeals. “So, does that mean you can help me figure out what’s going on with Misty? After a few rounds on the barrels, she always seems to drag out and almost acts like she’s colicing.”

“I’d love to help any way I can.” I’ll forever be in their debt.

They didn’t have to take me in, run me around, and most importantly, treat me as if I’m their friend instead of as a broken victim.

“Hey? Are you doing okay? You got a little teary eyed there.” She pats my shoulder, then links her arm through my elbow like Char did earlier.

“Yea, I’m just so grateful.” Even my own father doesn’t act as happy to be with me as they do.

Certainly not his wife.

“You know, like Char was saying earlier, there might be a silver lining. If I hadn’t broken my leg, Lori wouldn’t have met my dad. My best friend became my step-mom.” She starts giggling. “It’s really the most amazing thing. I feel bad for those poor people who hate their step-parents.”

“Ugh. You have no idea. One of these days I’ll tell you about my step-cunt.” Fuck.

My fingers cover my mouth and I stare at her in shock.

I didn’t mean to actually say it.

Her eyes widen, then she bursts into full-bellied laughter. “Holy shit, that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”

I can’t help but join her.

“What is so hysterical?” Dixon folds his wallet, sliding it into his back pocket.

His straight face doesn’t seem to intimidate Sophia, who’s wiping tears from her cheeks.

“She calls her dad’s wife ‘step-cunt’ and it’s the greatest thing ever.” Sophia breaks down into another peal of giggles, and Char joins in.

Dixon’s mustache twitches, but I swear he cracks a smile.

Maybe it’s because of the stories Ford told me about them, but even though I just met everyone only a few hours ago, I feel like I’ve known them much longer.

Will it be the same when Ford gets here?