Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
“Sure doesn’t. Juni came over before she was sick. Apparently, you can do some flip a baby maneuver, and it helped. Instantly.” Why am I not surprised Juniper would step in and work her magic? She’s one of the few who don’t give an opinion about Case and Ryland. Juni sits back, watches the craziness amongst all of us, and stays to herself. A part of me wonders why that is. The other part knows not to ask too many questions. Her tongue is sharp and her aim is dead perfect.
“That’s good. Ryland finally beg for help?” I ask.
“He did. Alright, now my grandboy is yammering away. Go check on Juniper and let me know how she’s doing.” I was going to anyways. I don’t tell him that, though. “And take her home if she still feels like shit.” Dad hangs up the phone, and I’m pocketing my own. My feet are already carrying me to Juniper’s area. A few short steps, and I’m knocking on the door. A sense of déjà vu washes over me when Juni doesn’t answer the door right away. I’d rather not holler for her. The whole damn barn would hear what’s going down, and that’s the last thing either of us needs right now.
I knock again and wait a few beats. Still nothing. I turn the handle and thank fuck the damn thing is unlocked. There isn’t a single noise coming from the other side, and I’m tired of waiting. Once I’m through the door, I close and lock it.
“Juniper, babe. You okay?” I ask, my eyes scouring the place. There isn’t anything out of place as I step further inside. Yesterday, it took her a bit of time to get to the door, but that’s because she was in the bathroom. Today could very well be the same story, except I can’t hear a single peep from her. There’s no movement and no noises throughout the space. I head toward the only two places she could be—the supply closet and bathroom.
“Juniper,” I call out her name again, my hand on the handle to open the door to the supply area. I’ve got a sinking feeling in my gut. The light is turned off, and I realize she’s not in here. I move even faster to the bathroom, turning the corner and seeing a light. What I also see has me about ready to lose my shit. There on the cold tile floor is Juniper, her head to the side, eyes closed, and not a fucking peep is coming from her.
“Oh fuck, baby. Juniper.” I drop to my knees beside her. My fingers go to her wrist, feeling for a pulse, the other hand reaching for my phone, ready to call an ambulance, except I do one better. I call the doctor we all go to when shit goes sideways. It’s rare that I’ve had to use that road, and I’ve never once abused it. Neither has anyone else on the ranch. I put Juni’s head in my lap, moving my hand away from her wrist and holding her throat. I place my thumb on her pulse point, and my palm can feel each breath she takes.
After I’ve unlocked my phone and found his contact number, he answers on the first ring, “Hey, Lawson, what can I do for you?”
“Doc, I found Juni unconscious in the bathroom. She’s breathing and there’s a steady pulse, but she’s not waking up.” Remaining calm is out of the fucking window. My sole focus and purpose are on making sure Juniper’s okay.
“I’m in the area. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Any bleeding or signs of trauma?”
I look her over once again. “No.”
“Good. Move her to the table. Elevate her feet. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” The conversation is over. I drop my phone to the floor, and it can stay there. My arms go beneath her knees and neck, and after a few awkward movements, I’m up on my feet with Juniper in my arms.
“Damn, Juniper, whatever is going on with you, it’s not great, babe.” She’s like a limp noodle in my arms, and my only hope is Doc will make good on his promise. Seeing the strong, fierce, independent woman this way is not what I thought I’d ever expect when I left her place. I’m ready to kick my own ass for leaving her alone when whatever this is, is giving her a run for her money.
EIGHT
JUNIPER
My senses must be deceiving me. The mattress beneath my body isn’t my own. This feeling of luxuriousness is so far out of my own reality that I’m having a hard time deciding between opening my eyes or keeping them closed and staying in my very own dreamland. Unfortunately, my bladder is speaking volumes, and I’m not getting a choice in the matter. Lately, it’s as if I have no control over my body, and I’m reminded of this daily.