The Rancher's First Love

“New service?” She really had no idea how this pertained to her.

“Yes, we’d like to do a continued care program for our patients.”

Home visits. Good idea. But then she realized why she’d been called in to the office. She lived in Martin’s Crossing, which meant he wanted her to look in on Parker. She looked at the file, then met the serious gaze of the man sitting across the desk from her. He must have seen on her face that she planned to object because he held up a hand to stop her.

“We need someone to check on him once a week. Nothing too time-consuming. A short visit to make sure he’s still progressing and coping with the home environment. Also to make sure the caregivers—the family—are coping. I think if we do this, we can catch infections and other issues before they become problems that could jeopardize the health and continued recovery of our patients.”

Brilliant idea really, but the thought of stopping by the Jenkins farm every week wasn’t really one she wanted to embrace.

“I think it’s a great idea. But someone else should do it,” she started.

“You live in Martin’s Crossing. Parker thinks you’re the best nurse ever. And I have confidence in you because you have experience in several areas.”

“Yes, but...” she started. Then stopped. What could she say to that?

“Is something wrong?”

She shook her head. “No, nothing is wrong.”

“Great, then we’ll get all of the appropriate paperwork taken care of. We’ll need you to keep track of your time and mileage.”

“Of course.”

He stood and rounded the desk. “Let’s go talk to his family.”

She could tell by his tone and expression that in his mind it was all settled. Because he didn’t know how much she wanted to avoid Remington Jenkins. He didn’t know how much it hurt to look at Remington and remember.

She chased away that thought because this was about a child. And children came first. Parker came first. He came before her fears, her doubts and her resentment.

When they got to Parker’s room, they found it filled with staff and family. Parker sat in his wheelchair with a big grin on his face and a new cowboy hat on his head. His grin grew even wider, if possible, when he saw that he had more guests for his going-home party. Every child who left the hospital got a party as a farewell and a celebration.

“Nurse Sam, look—I got a hat! And new boots. And I’ll have a new room at Uncle Gus’s.”

“I heard, Parker. I’m so excited for you.” She moved through the crowd, smiling at Gus and at Parker’s grandmother. Then her heart stuttered a bit when she made eye contact with Remington. He stood to the side, casually leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

At that moment, she considered telling Dr. Jackson why it was impossible for her to take this job. But what would she say? That she’d been fifteen and crazy in love with a cowboy that her brothers didn’t approve of? That she’d been sent away from home and the cowboy had been sent packing, back to his parents in Austin?

It sounded like a romance novel. Young love. A broken heart. No big deal. To anyone but her. So she shoved it all aside because she wasn’t going to let it determine her future or the future of a boy who needed every opportunity to succeed.

She stepped in front of Parker, lowering herself to his level, accepting his big hug. Face-to-face with the child, her objections gave up their last stand of resistance. For Parker, for the other children, she would do whatever was necessary.

“You take care of yourself. And no stunts,” she warned.

“Ah, Nurse Sam, you know I’m not going to be good.”

She laughed at his honesty. “At least be safe.”

“I can do that.”

“And I’m going to stop by and check on you in a few days so you don’t miss us too much.”

“That’s great,” he said. “I can show you the ranch. And someday I can see the ranch where you live. And I’ll go to school there in a few months.”

“Super. I have a niece who goes to school in Martin’s Crossing. She’s a few years older than you, but I’m sure she’ll show you around.”

“Does she ride horses? Remington said everyone in Martin’s Crossing rides. I’m sure I could learn to ride.”

“Let’s take one thing at a time, Parker.” His grandmother moved to his side, her look a little unsure, Sam thought. But of course she was. She was going to raise this little guy. It had been only a few months since the accident that took his parents. Just a few months of healing and learning a new way of living.

“Oh, Granny, I know that. It’ll be okay.”

Big words from a little boy. He reached for his grandmother’s hand and held it tight.

“We should go,” his grandmother said. She moved behind his wheelchair. “We have a lot to do when we get home.”

“Like have burgers on the grill,” Parker said. “Rem and Uncle Gus are cooking tonight. You should come over, Nurse Sam.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay. You’ll have a lot to do, getting settled. I’ll be by soon enough.”

“You’re more than welcome to join us tonight,” his grandmother offered. “I know Parker thinks the world of you. We’re all so glad you’re going to continue to be involved in his care.”

“I’m glad, too.” Out of the corner of her eye she saw Remington push away from the wall. He moved around the room, grabbing the suitcase and a box that held Parker’s prized possessions. “Okay, Parker, time for you to say your final goodbyes and head home.”

Parker looked around the room that had been his for several very long weeks, his expression suddenly showing the case of nerves he’d been hiding. He bit down on his bottom lip and nodded. “I’m ready.”

“You’ll do great, tiger.” Dr. Jackson placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll walk you out.”

As they exited the room, the real party started. The children and nurses were lined up and down the hall with balloons, noisemakers and hats. Parker laughed, waving at his friends. He stopped a few times for extra hugs from staff who had taken care of him through the long months of recovery and rehab.

Sam walked along behind the group. On her way out the door Dr. Jackson had asked her to escort the family to their car and get them all settled. If she didn’t know better, she’d think the man was plotting against her.

Remington walked alongside her.

“I had no idea going home would be like this,” he said.

“We try to make it a special occasion.”

“Thank you for taking us on. I know it means the world to Parker, to know that you’ll still be in his life.”

She kept walking, following the slow procession of Parker, his grandmother, Gus and Dr. Jackson as they made their way down the hall toward the double doors, the lobby and then to the front exit. She took the bag that Remington carried, lightening his load.

“The invitation stands, if you’d like to join us for burgers on the grill,” he continued.

She glanced up, into gray eyes that she knew so well. “I don’t think so.”

“We’re going to have to get used to being around one another. You might find—” he grinned as he said it “—that you want to spend more time with me.”

“I doubt that.” She bit back the smile he probably expected. “I’m not interested in going back and revisiting my fifteen-year-old self. She was a mess.”