Pushing those grim thoughts aside, he noted his father’s space was far from dreary. In fact, it was damn cheery. Three vases sat on his nightstand, each with a different bunch of flowers. One was full of yellow roses, another housed a dozen red roses, and the third held a colorful mixture of wildflowers. Nestled between them was a red paw print photo frame with three shiny mylar “Get Well Soon” balloons attached, and inside the frame was a picture of Ranger, the cattle dog his father had rescued last year.
The dog was always by his dad’s side whenever they video chatted, and Dale could tell the rescue bond worked both ways.
He was grateful for the gifts that brightened the space, and wondered briefly who’d brought them.
Gabe?
His gaze took in his friend currently sitting in a chair by the bed, and although Dale knew Gabe was the local sheriff, it was still strange to see the former SEAL in a different type ofuniform. Even stranger to picture the tough guy walking into the hospital with his arms full of flowers and balloons.
No, it was definitely not Gabe.
Dale bit back a grin at the absurdity. He looked forward to catching up with his buddy and to find out how the hell the guy ended up in Texas after leaving the teams instead of returning to his home state of California.
But that would have to wait. He needed to focus on his father.
“Dad,” he said, stepping fully into the room.
His father’s head turned slowly, his eyes widening in surprise and then softening with relief. “Dale?” he rasped, his voice weaker than Dale had expected. “You’re here. Sheriff said you were coming, but I didn’t think you could leave base.”
Silently berating himself for not telling his father he’d left the teams, Dale moved quickly to the bed and grasped his father’s good hand. “Of course, I’m here, Dad. How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better, but I’m tougher than I look. Cas with you?” he asked, glancing around him to the door.
“No. He’s out of the country and doesn’t know.”
“Good.” His dad tipped his chin, but disappointment was evident in his tone. “Keep it that way. Don’t need him distracted over nothing. I’m fine.”
Gabe rose to his feet, nodding to Dale in greeting. “Great to see you, Dale. Sam’s been in good spirits, considering everything.”
“Thanks for the call and for being here,” he said. “I appreciate it.”
His father squeezed Dale’s hand before tugging free. “I didn’t think you could get away. Figured you’d have more important things to handle. You know, missions and all, like Cas.”
“First of all, nothing’s more important than you, Dad,” Dale replied, his voice firm. “And I’m done with missions. I dropped my packet.”
His father frowned then winced. “Ah, dammit, Dale. I hope to hell you didn’t do it because of me.”
“No,” he quickly reassured. “My contract was up last week, and I didn’t extend. I wanted to surprise you, although not exactly this way. But, even if I had stayed in, I’d still be here, once I heard.”
Sam grunted, but his gaze was bright. “You always were a stubborn one.”
Gabe cleared his throat. “You two need some privacy. I’ll be back later to check in.”
Dale moved to meet his buddy at the bottom of the bed and thrust out his hand. “Thanks again.”
“No thanks necessary,” Gabe reassured, shaking his hand. “Get settled in, and we’ll catch up.”
“Roger that,” he replied, releasing him.
The sheriff nodded then walked out of the room.
Once they were alone, Dale turned back to his father. “Gabe told me your horse spooked, but I’d like to hear what happened from you.”
His dad sighed, shifting slightly in his bed. “Not much to tell. It’s like I told the sheriff. There was a loud noise like firecrackers. Probably some young boys down the road. Orion spooked. Next thing I know, I hit the ground, and everything went black.”
Dale clenched his jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface. Young kids or not, his father could’ve been killed. “Well, I aim to find out. You were lucky.”
“Tell that to my ribs and my arm and shoulder,” Sam joked then winced again. “I’m glad you’re home, Dale, safe and sound. But don’t go knocking down doors, causing a fuss, or gettingin trouble. I still have one son out there risking his life. That’s enough, trust me.”
