Chapter 85

She smiled and took his hand. “You’ll do just fine. You managed Thanksgiving beautifully.”

“Thank you.” Barry engaged the two in conversation and managed to put aside his unease at the possible bad news from the test results.

Eventually Bess drained her cup and got to her feet. “We must be going. Like you, I’ve got a million and one things to do.”

Barry smiled and stood.

Before they left, Barry took them into the living room and retrieved their gifts from under the tree. He’d been unsure whether or not to get something for Frank; Jake said it was up to him. Jimmy had merely shrugged and said he didn’t care one way or the other. In the end, Barry had got the old cowboy a subscription to one of his ranching magazines. He’d bought a large box of continental chocolates for Bess, and bandanas for Dennis, Gary, and Zane.

Bess set her bulky wrapped package under the tree. “It’s for all three of you. I had to get some help with it from Margaret toward the end.”

“Oh, thank you. And please thank Margaret.”

Margaret was Bess’s younger sister who lived in town.

“You’re welcome. And Margaret didn’t mind.” She looked fondly at the large box under the tree. “It’s something I wanted you to have.”

“Thank you,” Barry said again, kissing Bess’s cheek,

Barry gave Dennis a manly pat on the back and apologized once again to the both of them for Jimmy and Jake’s absence.

“Not a problem. Hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow,” Bess said, returning the kiss to Barry’s cheek.

Merry Christmases were exchanged and Barry showed them out.

Yet again, Barry’s eyes drifted up to the kitchen clock. Snow was expected and he needed his cowboys home safely. Plus he was both eager and scared to find out the results of their blood tests. What if he had something and they didn’t? Would they still…He shook his head and refused to let his mind go there.

Knowing he needed to be busy, he decided to boil up some beef bones along with vegetables. He would use the stock as a base for the soup he planned to serve the next day.

* * * *

Barry didn’t know whether to be angry or relieved when Jake and Jimmy finally returned home. It was dark, and the expected snow had begun to fall. Also, dinner was almost ready.

But any anger Barry might have had melted away with Jimmy and Jake’s hugs, kisses, and apologies for worrying him.

“We got a call from Robb at the clinic while you were out,” Barry said, his face pressed into Jake’s shoulder. He felt Jake stiffen. “No, no, I don’t know the results. Wanted you guys to be here when I heard mine.”

Jake relaxed and rubbed Barry’s back. “Oh, babe. I’m sorry we were this long.”

“You can blame dumbass,” Jimmy said. “We had to go all the way into the city for your gift as he couldn’t find anything he liked in Springs.”

“You shouldn’t have gone to that much trouble,” Barry began.

“Oh yes we should,” Jake said, kissing the side of Barry’s head. “Only hope what we did get you is something you’ll like.”

“I’m sure I’ll love whatever it is. But I need to know those results. Sorry.”

Jimmy kissed him. “Don’t be silly.” He looked up at the clock. “What time does the clinic close?”

“It’s already closed.” Barry explained about how he’d been given Robb’s cell number.

Now the moment of truth was almost upon him, Barry’s stomach was in knots. He felt sick. What if he’d caught something? Although he’d always played safe, he’d traveled across the States getting as much cowboy ass and dick as he could find. And when a cowboy hadn’t been available, Barry had settled for someone else.

“Barry?” Jake asked, grasping Barry’s shoulder as he continued to stare at Robb’s number.

“You know, whatever he tells us won’t change how I feel about you,” Jake said, rubbing Barry’s shoulder.

“Goes double for me, too,” Jimmy said. “I love you, darlin’, and that ain’t never gonna change.”

Barry blinked, swallowed, and handed the scrap of paper to Jake. “I need to know that you two are safe first.” That was more important to him than his own health.

Jake gave Barry an understanding smile which helped a little to ease his worries. Jake took the piece of paper and punched the numbers into the phone.

“Hi, Robb. This is Jake Pierce from the Double J. Understand you have some test results for me.” Jake listened and nodded.

Barry bit his bottom lip, and Jimmy tried to look nonchalant but Barry knew the cowboy was tuned to every word and facial expression Jake might make.