He massaged Clio’s leg just above his hoof. “You see how his leg is dropping a little here rather than arching upward like his mother’s?”
Clio attempted to take a step forward, but instead the foal appeared to be limping.
“What does that mean?” She peered at James, wordlessly pleading with him to assure her that everything was still okay.
He got to his feet. “It’s what we call tendon laxity. It just means there’s not much strength in the muscles back there. With a few controlled exercises, we should be able to remedy this. He will need to be monitored in case his hoof becomes overgrown or if he gets any sores. I’ll check my schedule and see where I have time to drop in for a few hours every day. We shouldn’t have to do it for more than a few weeks.” James flashed her a smile. “It’s more common in premature foals than you think. If it appears to be worse tomorrow, we can even put a lightweight bandage on it to promote relaxation.”
She nodded, but all the words he was throwing at her went in one ear and out the other. She had no idea what half those words meant, but she didn’t want to appear dumb in front of him.
“Keep them both in this corral until we’re sure his back leg will be okay.”
“I can do that.”
“Great.” He moved toward her and patted her shoulder.
Ugh. There was nothing about that gesture that suggested he’d ever think of her as more than just a client.
Constance shrugged out from his touch, then held out her hand. “Thank you again for helping. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He shook her hand, then stepped back and gathered his things. Both he and his assistant moved toward the gate and left without another word to Constance.
Alone.
Despite having six sisters, Constance had always felt like she’d been overlooked. Her oldest sister was the smart one. The one who pleased their father. For all intents and purposes, Adeline was the golden child. Then there was Brielle, who was the problem child. Well, not as far as their father knew. He might have suspicions, but he didn’tknowof her late-night escapades. Then there were her four younger sisters. They might feel the same way as she did for all Constance knew. But to her, they were special in their own ways.
Dianna was great with children. Any kid she met, she could charm until they were best buds. Eloise was the peacekeeper. Anytime their father had a bad day—or anyone for that matter—she could calm them and help make everything a little brighter. Faye was a combination of Adeline and Brielle. She was loved by everyone, had brains and beauty—and as much as Constance wanted to hate her for it, she couldn’t. Because Faye was practically perfect. Grace was the youngest. That made her the baby. She was calm and collected and had a heart of gold.
But Constance? She was the one with no particular skill. No excess beauty. Just a plain old Jane who would never catch the eye of anyone. It was probably a good thing Brielle wouldn’t get married any time soon because if it was left up to Constance to marry, her younger sisters would never find love.
Constance turned toward Calliope, burying her disappointment in her horse’s mane. James wasn’t her destined love match, but she could still spend some time with him as friends. Maybe she’d learn a thing or two about foaling from theexpert.
Then again, that could be a really bad idea. She knew from experience that spending more time with the person she liked usually caused her to like them even more. Could she deal with his dismissal if she willingly put herself in a position to be rejected?
Of course she could. She was a Callahan. If she couldn’t get her crush to fall for her, then she’d stay preoccupied with other things.
The way James had known exactly what to do had been impressive. While she had been struggling to remain calm, he’d been a superhero. Maybe he would be open to training her in a few things.
Goodness.
Constance’s rollercoaster of emotions hit her like a ton of bricks. The stress of the birth and the realization regarding her unrequited feelings for the doctor had officially given her a headache. She needed to take an aspirin and maybe a nap. Then she could revisit all of this tomorrow.
3
James
“Sean mentioned you had to help with a complicated foaling.”
James glanced up from where he crouched holding the back hoof of a therapy horse. Shane’s head was tilted and his arms were folded. It was a strange statement. He returned his focus to the hoof he had been examining. “That would be correct.”
“Seems you’re the resident hero over there.”
James chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Come on, James. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re making quite a name for yourself. Word around the town is that you’re exceeding me as the most eligible bachelor.”
This time James let out a laugh. “Is that what you’re worried about? You think I’m going to find someone before you? I didn’t know you wanted to find someone to marry. Since you moved here, you haven’t shown any interest in the local girls.”
Shane shrugged. “I’ve been busy.”