Chapter 8
Kaylee
As I pull into the ranch, I debate driving around town and going over what I plan to say to Garrett one more time. But when Geo sees me and waves at me, I know that option isn't possible.
I take a deep breath and plaster on a false smile, as I park my car and get out to go talk to him.
"Hey, Geo!" I call in a fake, cheery sound.
He gives me a pointed look, and I know then he knows everything. I should have guessed. This is Geo who has known us both since we were kids.
"You better be here to fix this. He's all out of sorts, and his head isn't on straight," Geo says.
"That's the plan. Though, if I'm honest, I'm not completely sure how to fix it, because I'm not sure why he’s mad. I feel like he picked something small to focus on and blame, but it's really something else."
"See, you know him better than anyone. When he told me what happened, I felt the same way. If anyone can get it out of him, it's you." Geo hugs me.
"Where is he?" I ask him.
"He went for a drive. My guess is he's sitting by the creek thinking." Geo nods towards the dirt road that runs through the ranch. I don't think my car will make it, as it's a small four-door and not really made for ranch life.
"Take my truck. It has a radio if you need me in case he's being stubborn. I'll be happy to give him a stern talking, too," Geo laughs.
"I might have to take you up on that." I take the keys from him and get in.
The local country music station is on, and one of my favorite songs is playing. I take a moment and just listen, before heading down the dirt road.
I know the area Geo is talking about well. Many times, I've found Garrett there lost in thought. Often, I'd end up there myself. It's a peaceful part of the ranch that looks out over the back of the ranch, and the water sounds are so relaxing.
We had our first make out session there. Hell, even our first kiss there. It just happened. We had been talking, and we just looked over at each other, and it was like two magnets pulled us together. I smile to myself. Of course, he'd go to think of me in a spot that held so many of our firsts.
Maybe, I’ll lead with my favorite memory about the creek. Remind him of the good times, before we grew up and things got so complicated. Then, I will open up about my feelings for him. Be completely honest that I love him.
Smiling, I think about how it took Becca and a lot of wine yesterday to make me realize I love him. I guess I have all this time and was scared to admit it and risk losing him for good. Becca agrees that it's why guys never made it past date three.
I decided it needs to be out there. Put the ball in his court, so at least I know I tried, and did everything I could. That way, if it doesn't work out, I won't have any regrets. I won't be left wondering what if I had said this or done that.
As I round a sharp corner into the trees, I know I'm close, as the creek is just on the other side. My happiness at seeing him soon fades, when I see his truck smashed into a tree off the road and smoke coming from the engine.
I slam the truck into park and run, yelling his name. I'm terrified of what I might see, but I need to make sure he’s okay at the same time.
When I reach him, he’s slumped against the steering wheel facing the window with blood on his face and his eyes closed.
"Garrett!" I yell again and take a deep breath. Then, I go through the checklist my dad taught me to do if I came upon an accident. Check to see if they’re breathing, and then look for a pulse.
His pulse is strong, and he's breathing. Then, I check and verify he’s the only one in the truck. Don't move him, unless it's necessary. Call for help. Pulling out my phone, I see there’s no reception this far back on the ranch. I don't want to leave him to go get help, but I don't have a choice.
Just as I get back in Geo's truck, I remember the radio. I pick it up and pray he's in the barn.
"Geo! Geo, are you there?"
It seems like forever, before he answers back.
"Kaylee, what's wrong?"
"Garrett crashed his truck. He's unconscious, and there’s a lot of blood. The accident was at the sharp curve just before the tree line."
"Okay, I’ll call for help and meet you there. Stay with him," he orders.