Chapter 22
“Oh sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Katie laughed, “Oh it’s okay. How is he Doc?”
“Katie, things are looking good. He’s holding up. Just need him to get out of the darn coma. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Thanks Doc. Jeff, I don’t know how much longer I can take this. What if he never wakes up?” Katie started to cry.
Jeff put his arms around her and she buried her head on his shoulder. “Katie, he’ll be okay. He’ll wake up. Believe me, he wouldn’t leave you for anything.”
They stood there for a few minutes. Finally Katie spoke up. “Thanks, Jeff, I can always count on you.” He kissed her on the forehead. Then from across the room they heard very faintly, “Katie? Katie?”
“Jeff, is that him?”
“I think so, go check.”
Katie walked over and there were Mark’s beautiful baby blues looking up at her. He looked and her and smiled. Katie leaned down and kissed him. “Jeff, go get the doctor.” Katie couldn’t believe it. He was awake. “Mark, honey, how do you feel?”
“Okay, I guess. Just great to see that wonderful face.”
The doctor came in. “Well, we must have some happy people in this room. Hello Mark. I am Doctor Chadwell. How do you feel?”
“Well, my head hurts pretty bad, my shoulder hurts, my side and my back too.”
“That is understandable, but I am glad to hear that you feel everything. I’ll give you something for the pain.”
“Doc, can I take this stupid neck brace off?”
“I’m afraid not Mark. You have a cracked vertebra and we had to repair it. You’ll have to wear it for several weeks.” The doctor left to get Mark’s pain medicine.
“Mark, sweetheart, do you remember what happened?”
“I remember giving you a kiss on the porch, and you telling me to be careful. Then I remember getting on Coal Miner and that’s about it.”
“Well, Coal Miner really threw you off and hurt you pretty bad. That was about four days ago.”
“Wow! I have been out that long?”
“Yes, oh and Jeff is here.”
“Hey Jeff. You keeping everyone in line at the ranch?”
“You bet pal. Speaking of which I gotta get back. I’ll tell everyone the great news. Katie, keep us informed.”
“Sure will Jeff. Thanks again. Bye.”
As Jeff was leaving, the doctor came back in. “Okay, Mark, here is your pain medicine. It goes into your I V, so it will take a few minutes to work.”
“Thanks doc. So how am I?”
“Well, we need to run a series of tests to make sure there is no permanent brain damage and also check the swelling. If all is well, you could go home in a couple of days.”
“That’s great!”
“Tell you what Mark, you rest, visit with Katie, and get something to eat, and we’ll get started after lunch.”
“Sounds great. See ya doc.”
Mark and Katie just sat there and talked until their lunches were brought in. Over lunch, which consisted of delicious hospital food, they started discussing the wedding. They already had a date set of October 20. They both loved fall and the changing leaves. What better way to begin their lives together than an outside wedding on the ranch among all the fall foliage.
It was now February 22. Katie had about eight months to plan. She already had the general idea of what she wanted but had to bring it all together. It would be a beautiful wedding. They were discussing it when the doctor came in to take Mark for his test. “I’ll have him back to you in a jiffy Katie.”
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Chapters 20 & 21
Chapter 20
The doctor came in about nine o’clock. “Morning Katie. Sleep well?”
“Morning doctor. I slept about as well as I could.”
“Well, I understand that. We are going to take him for more tests in a few minutes.”
“Okay, I’ll go for a walk and be back later.”
Katie gave Mark a kiss and went out for a walk. She walked up and down the halls and then outside for some fresh air. After about an hour, Katie decided to go back in. When she got back to the room, Mark hadn’t returned from the tests yet. She sat down to read and after a few minutes the doctor came in with Mark.
“Well Katie, I have good news and bad news. Good news is the swelling has not increased. Bad news is that it hasn’t gone down.”
“What does that mean doctor?”
“It means he isn’t getting any worse but he isn’t getting better either. There should be one or the other. If something doesn’t happen in the next 12 hours, we will have to go in and see why.”
Katie knew that things couldn’t be good. She knew something had to change. She decided she needed to get away from the hospital for awhile, so she headed back to the ranch. She would go spend the day there, eat dinner, and then be back before the next round of tests. She told the nurse, and they promised to call if anything changed. Katie called for a taxi to take her back to the ranch. It was about a 30-minute drive. She arrived at the ranch just before lunch. Everyone was glad to see her.
Katie filled them in on what the doctor said. They decided to say a special prayer for Mark before lunch. Katie enjoyed everyone’s company and seemed to get her mind off Mark a bit. After lunch, she helped Sue clean up the kitchen and then went out for a horseback ride.
Katie rode back to the river to where Billy’s ‘hide-out’ was. She looked at the tree where she saw the ribbon before, and now there was a bright red ribbon on it. Katie thought it strange, so she crossed the river for a better look.
As she looked at the ribbon she saw written in black letters, “BILLY LOVES KATIE.” Katie didn’t need this now. She had just put Billy behind her, and now what was this? She looked down on the ground and there was fresh dirt as if there was something just buried there. Katie started digging. After a few minutes she uncovered a metal box.
Immediately Katie took it out and opened it. Inside was an envelope with Billy’s name on it. Katie pulled it open to find out what it was. As she read the paper inside, it said, “LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.” She knew this couldn’t be right. Billy didn’t have time to write a will. She looked to see what lawyer had done it and decided she would pay him a visit as soon as things with Mark were better. She looked at her watch and realized it was almost dinnertime, so she rode back to the ranch. Katie didn’t tell anyone about finding the will. She decided no one needed to know. After a good dinner, Katie got in the truck and went back to the hospital to check on Mark.
Chapter 21
When Katie got back to the hospital, the nurse said the doctor had been waiting on her to get back. She said for her to go on in Mark’s room, and she would tell the doctor she was back. After a few minutes the doctor came in.
“Hello Katie. I hope you enjoyed your break. I am glad you took it. I waited on you to get back before running the tests again. I want you to go with me this time so I can show you what is going on. So if you are ready, let’s go.”
“Well, okay doctor, I’d like that.” Katie went with the doctor, nurse, and Mark down for the CAT Scan. She watched as they carefully put Mark on the table. The doctor came back into the room where she was watching through the window.
“Okay, Katie. What we are going to do is turn this on and it will take him into that tube and take a picture of his brain. He’ll be in there for a couple of minutes and then we will get the pictures and compare it to the one I took this morning.”
He pushed a few buttons and Mark moved into the tube. After a few minutes, he came back out. Two men went in and put Mark back onto his bed and rolled him back to his room.
“Katie, I want you to stay with me a few minutes so I can show you the pictures.”
“Sure doctor.”
“Okay let me go get them. I’ll be right back.” He left for a bit and then came back with the pictures. “Okay, now here are the ones from this morning. Look right here. See where this dark area is? That is the swelling. It should be clear. Now let’s look at the ones from now. What do you see, Katie?”
“Well, it looks like the dark area is smaller.”
“Right. That means the swelling is going down.”
“Really? That’s great. That means he’s going to be okay, right?”
“He isn’t out of the woods yet. He is still in a coma and could still have some brain damage from the swelling, but this is a good sign.”
“What now Doc?”
“We hope that the swelling continues to go down and it should now. Also, we hope that he comes out of the coma. When he does we can tell if there is any permanent damage. Katie, he’s got a great chance of making a full recovery.”
Hearing that made Katie jump for joy inside. As she walked back to Mark’s room, she thanked God for what He had done. She also prayed for his continued recovery. When she got to his room, Katie kissed Mark and said, “You’re going to be okay sweetheart.” She called the ranch and told them the good news. They were all very glad to hear.
Katie spent the night again at the hospital. She just knew that Mark would wake up soon. And she wanted to be there. She sat in her chair and just watched him for hours until she fell asleep.
The next morning the nurse woke her up for breakfast. Katie ate, then showered and changed. While she was reading the paper, Jeff walked in. “Hey beautiful. How is he?”
“Well, the doctor hasn’t come in yet but it shouldn’t be too long. Have a seat.”
“Thanks. How are you?”
“Well, as good as could be expected. I mean it isn’t comfortable sleeping in a chair or even the hospital cot they gave me, but I am fine.”
“Everyone misses him and you, so you better get back before too long.”
“Oh, believe me, I want to but I am not leaving him.”
“I understand.” Just as Jeff hugged Katie, the doctor walked in.
The doctor came in about nine o’clock. “Morning Katie. Sleep well?”
“Morning doctor. I slept about as well as I could.”
“Well, I understand that. We are going to take him for more tests in a few minutes.”
“Okay, I’ll go for a walk and be back later.”
Katie gave Mark a kiss and went out for a walk. She walked up and down the halls and then outside for some fresh air. After about an hour, Katie decided to go back in. When she got back to the room, Mark hadn’t returned from the tests yet. She sat down to read and after a few minutes the doctor came in with Mark.
“Well Katie, I have good news and bad news. Good news is the swelling has not increased. Bad news is that it hasn’t gone down.”
“What does that mean doctor?”
“It means he isn’t getting any worse but he isn’t getting better either. There should be one or the other. If something doesn’t happen in the next 12 hours, we will have to go in and see why.”
Katie knew that things couldn’t be good. She knew something had to change. She decided she needed to get away from the hospital for awhile, so she headed back to the ranch. She would go spend the day there, eat dinner, and then be back before the next round of tests. She told the nurse, and they promised to call if anything changed. Katie called for a taxi to take her back to the ranch. It was about a 30-minute drive. She arrived at the ranch just before lunch. Everyone was glad to see her.
Katie filled them in on what the doctor said. They decided to say a special prayer for Mark before lunch. Katie enjoyed everyone’s company and seemed to get her mind off Mark a bit. After lunch, she helped Sue clean up the kitchen and then went out for a horseback ride.
Katie rode back to the river to where Billy’s ‘hide-out’ was. She looked at the tree where she saw the ribbon before, and now there was a bright red ribbon on it. Katie thought it strange, so she crossed the river for a better look.
As she looked at the ribbon she saw written in black letters, “BILLY LOVES KATIE.” Katie didn’t need this now. She had just put Billy behind her, and now what was this? She looked down on the ground and there was fresh dirt as if there was something just buried there. Katie started digging. After a few minutes she uncovered a metal box.
Immediately Katie took it out and opened it. Inside was an envelope with Billy’s name on it. Katie pulled it open to find out what it was. As she read the paper inside, it said, “LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.” She knew this couldn’t be right. Billy didn’t have time to write a will. She looked to see what lawyer had done it and decided she would pay him a visit as soon as things with Mark were better. She looked at her watch and realized it was almost dinnertime, so she rode back to the ranch. Katie didn’t tell anyone about finding the will. She decided no one needed to know. After a good dinner, Katie got in the truck and went back to the hospital to check on Mark.
Chapter 21
When Katie got back to the hospital, the nurse said the doctor had been waiting on her to get back. She said for her to go on in Mark’s room, and she would tell the doctor she was back. After a few minutes the doctor came in.
“Hello Katie. I hope you enjoyed your break. I am glad you took it. I waited on you to get back before running the tests again. I want you to go with me this time so I can show you what is going on. So if you are ready, let’s go.”
“Well, okay doctor, I’d like that.” Katie went with the doctor, nurse, and Mark down for the CAT Scan. She watched as they carefully put Mark on the table. The doctor came back into the room where she was watching through the window.
“Okay, Katie. What we are going to do is turn this on and it will take him into that tube and take a picture of his brain. He’ll be in there for a couple of minutes and then we will get the pictures and compare it to the one I took this morning.”
He pushed a few buttons and Mark moved into the tube. After a few minutes, he came back out. Two men went in and put Mark back onto his bed and rolled him back to his room.
“Katie, I want you to stay with me a few minutes so I can show you the pictures.”
“Sure doctor.”
“Okay let me go get them. I’ll be right back.” He left for a bit and then came back with the pictures. “Okay, now here are the ones from this morning. Look right here. See where this dark area is? That is the swelling. It should be clear. Now let’s look at the ones from now. What do you see, Katie?”
“Well, it looks like the dark area is smaller.”
“Right. That means the swelling is going down.”
“Really? That’s great. That means he’s going to be okay, right?”
“He isn’t out of the woods yet. He is still in a coma and could still have some brain damage from the swelling, but this is a good sign.”
“What now Doc?”
“We hope that the swelling continues to go down and it should now. Also, we hope that he comes out of the coma. When he does we can tell if there is any permanent damage. Katie, he’s got a great chance of making a full recovery.”
Hearing that made Katie jump for joy inside. As she walked back to Mark’s room, she thanked God for what He had done. She also prayed for his continued recovery. When she got to his room, Katie kissed Mark and said, “You’re going to be okay sweetheart.” She called the ranch and told them the good news. They were all very glad to hear.
Katie spent the night again at the hospital. She just knew that Mark would wake up soon. And she wanted to be there. She sat in her chair and just watched him for hours until she fell asleep.
The next morning the nurse woke her up for breakfast. Katie ate, then showered and changed. While she was reading the paper, Jeff walked in. “Hey beautiful. How is he?”
“Well, the doctor hasn’t come in yet but it shouldn’t be too long. Have a seat.”
“Thanks. How are you?”
“Well, as good as could be expected. I mean it isn’t comfortable sleeping in a chair or even the hospital cot they gave me, but I am fine.”
“Everyone misses him and you, so you better get back before too long.”
“Oh, believe me, I want to but I am not leaving him.”
“I understand.” Just as Jeff hugged Katie, the doctor walked in.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Chapter 17, 18, & 19
Chapter 17
Several days passed with nothing unusual happening on the ranch. Then, Katie’s father called.
“Well Princess, the good news is that I am not going to jail. However, the bad news is that my license was suspended for 10 years, I have to pay $50,000 in fines, and do 500 hours of community service.”
“Daddy I am just glad to hear that you aren’t going to jail. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you never told me any details of your client’s case.”
“Katie, I would like to tell you but I am afraid that you couldn’t handle it. As I said it was and is a very delicate case. Besides you’ll hear about it soon enough. So anything new with you?”
“Actually, there is! Mark and I are engaged!”
“Really? That’s great. Made any plans yet?”
“No, it just happened a few days ago. Daddy, why don’t you come out here for a visit? I would love it and am sure Mark wants to meet you.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’d love to meet him and it would get my mind off of things.”
“How about lunch Saturday?”
“Sounds great. I’ll be there. See you then.”
“Okay Daddy. Bye.”
Katie was glad he was coming, and when she told Mark, he was glad to finally get a chance to meet him. Katie talked about him so much that Mark knew he would like him. They both couldn’t wait until Saturday.
That next evening, Katie and Mark had one of their talks. They realized they had never sat down and told each other about their lives. So they did just that. Katie told Mark all about her mother’s death and then meeting Billy, college, and the engagement. Everything really seemed to interest him. Then Mark starting telling Katie his life.
“Mine wasn’t quite as good as yours. I had a pretty rough life. My father was an alcoholic, and I didn’t know who my mother was until I was 18. My father abused me as a child, physically and verbally. When I was nine my father came home drunk as a dog. I was watching TV. Something had happened earlier that made him mad, so he decided to take it out on me. He beat me literally half to death and probably would have killed me had a neighbor not called the police.” Mark was beginning to cry.
Katie looked at him compassionately, “Mark, if you can’t tell me that’s okay.”
“No, I think you should know. I want you to know.” So he continued. “The police came and arrested my father and took me to the hospital. After several weeks, I made a full recovery and was placed in foster care. I spent two years there until Mr. Jones, Billy’s grandfather, took me in. I lived here and worked for him. He taught me everything I know. When I turned 18, I began looking for my mother. In a few months, she was found.
My mother explained to me the reasons for my childhood. When she had me, she and my father were not married, as she was a minor. She had a choice to either put me up for adoption or allow my father to take me. My father promised that when she was of age they would get married if he were allowed to keep me. She allowed him to take me for this reason. Her parents then moved her across the country and would not allow contact with my father. After a while she had no idea where my father had taken me. She tried to find us but had no luck. After I was put into foster care, it was impossible for her to find me until I was able to initiate the contact when I turned 18. She was a great, loving woman and had married a wonderful man. They became a big part of my life.
I moved in with them when Mr. Jones became ill and then died. Mr. Jones left me money to go to college so I did. My new mom and dad were great. I loved them both and they really showed me what loved is and what a family is all about. After I finished school, where I got a degree in Business and Electronics, I got a job working with computers. I didn’t like it much because my passion was with horses. I worked there for about two years and then I came here to work for you.”
“Wow, Mark I had no idea. I thought growing up with a lawyer and doctor was hard. You’re just lucky to have grown up.”
“Yes, God was watching over me and now is giving me my reward for being faithful.”
“Really? What’s that?”
“Why, the most beautiful woman in the world not to mention the sweetest.”
“Well, thank you future Mr. Katie Warren.”
“Hey, watch it now.”
With that they laughed and kissed. Mark held Katie in his strong loving arms until they both fell asleep.
They woke up the next morning glad to see the other was still there. It was Saturday so there was no great rush to get work done. Katie didn’t give lessons on Saturday and the only work the ranch hands did was feed. After Katie showered and changed, she began preparing for her father’s visit.
Mark made sure the hands fed the animals, showered and changed, then began helping Katie. About 11:30 Katie and Mark were sitting on the porch when Katie saw her father’s car coming up the long drive to the ranch.
Chapter 18
Katie ran out to greet her father with a hug. She then introduced Mark. Mr. Warren and Mark instantly hit it off. They talked all through lunch. Every so often they would ask Katie something but that was about it. She didn’t mind though. She was glad to see them getting along so well.
Finally about 3 o’clock, Mark said he had something he needed to do. He said goodbye to Mr. Warren, gave Katie a kiss, and left. Mr. Warren said, “Well, Princess, you sure know how to pick ’em. You should feel blessed to find Mr. Right twice.”
“Thank you Daddy and I do. I still can’t believe it. Deep inside, I still love Billy, but Mark makes me forget all about all of that.”
“That’s good. I never found that after your mother died. You know Katie that I have tried to help you with Billy’s case whether you realize it or not. I am sorry to say I haven’t been much help.”
“It’s okay Daddy. I understand. Forget about that. Hey let’s go for a walk and enjoy this beautiful landscape.”
Katie and her father walked around the ranch property just talking and having fun. About 5 o’clock he told her that he needed to be getting back home. He told her bye and that he loved her. Katie told him to come by any time. With that he got in his car and started for home.
Around 7 o’clock Mark returned.
“Where have you been sweetheart?”
“Oh, just out looking at some horses.”
“Find any good ones?”
“As a matter of fact I did and I bought three. I have to take the trailer up Monday and pick ‘em up.”
“That’s good. You must be starved. Let’s eat.”
Mark and Katie had a nice supper. They talked about the wedding and possibilities on how it should be. No definite plans were made but at least they were getting started.
Monday morning, Mark left to get the horses. He arrived back at the ranch just before lunch.
Katie went out to see the horses.
“Well hun, there they are, the newest additions. Now one is a little on the wild side, but once I get him trained, he will be great.”
Katie watched the horses in the corral. They were beautiful. Then she saw which one Mark was talking about. It was a beautiful black Stallion and one of the most beautiful horses she had ever seen. It was running around bucking and kicking like crazy. “Mark, please tell me you aren’t gonna try to ride that horse. He’ll kill ya.”
“No, I am not gonna try to ride him, I am going to ride him and I am gonna start right after lunch.”
“Mark, please be careful and don’t let him hurt you.”
“Don’t worry, my love.”
After lunch, Mark gathered all his riding gear and went to work with the stallion. He decided that before he did anything, that he must name him. He asked Katie to help him think of a good name. After throwing several names at each other, they finally decided to call him Coal Miner, since he was black as coal and had a tough attitude.
Katie went out on the porch to watch Mark try to break him. Before he left, she gave him a kiss and told him again to be careful. He smiled and headed to the corral.
Several of the hands were standing around to watch and help. Mark slowly climbed onto Coal Miner’s back. The horse was pinned into the bucking shoot just like a bull at the rodeo. When Mark got on, Coal Miner jumped and jolted a few times, then Mark signaled the guys to open the shoot.
Coal Miner came flying out, bucking and kicking like a crazy horse. Mark hung on as tightly as he could. He held on for a good five minutes. The tighter he held, the harder the horse bucked. Mark was doing well. Then all of the sudden Coal Miner went loco. Mark held as tight as he could, but the horse threw him off. Mark went flying about ten feet in the air, broke the fence, and hit the ground with a loud thud.
Katie came running up to him with tears in her eyes. “Mark! Mark! Are you okay? Mark, can you hear me?” He was knocked out cold. Katie could see that he wasn’t moving and that he was bleeding from the back of his head. She told everyone not to move him and for one of the hands to call 911.
When the ambulance arrived, they immediately loaded him and, Katie left Mark’s assistant, Jeff in charge. She hopped in the ambulance and told them she would call as the ambulance sped off to the hospital. Everyone stood around in shock. They all had tears in their eyes as they tried to get back to work.
Chapter 19
About four in the afternoon, Katie called the ranch. She told Jeff that Mark had just gotten out of surgery. Jeff asked her what all was wrong.
“Well, Jeff he is pretty bad. He had a broken shoulder, three broken ribs, a cracked vertebra, and some head trauma. They are not sure how bad the head is hurt but said he took a very hard blow. He’s in a coma.” With that Katie began to cry.
“It’s okay Katie. He’ll pull through. He’s a tough guy. God will take care of him. You want someone to come get you?”
“No. I think I am going to stay the night. I’ll call if anything changes.”
“Okay Katie. We’ll all be praying for him. I’ll come by in the morning to visit.”
“That would be good. See you then. Bye.” Katie sat in the waiting room and cried for half an hour. When she settled down, she went back to Mark’s room. She couldn’t stand to see him in that condition, hooked up to all those machines but couldn’t leave his side.
The doctor came in about seven to check on him, “Oh, hey Katie. You staying the night?”
“Yes I am. How is he?”
“Well, he is very lucky. Most men would not have lived through that.”
“Doctor, please tell me that truth. Will he come out of this?”
“Katie, it’s hard to say right now. There is swelling around the brain. He took a hard hit. We must watch more closely. If the swelling gets worse, we will have to go in and relieve the pressure. Hopefully it will not and will actually start to go down. The next 24 hours will be the tale.”
“Any idea how long he will be in a coma.”
“Well, most people come out in a day or two, some a few months, and some never. Looking at the x-rays, I feel he should come out, but as I said, the next 24 hours are very critical.”
“Thank you doctor.” Katie decided to pray. She believed strongly in the power of prayer and knew God would not take the man she loved away twice. Praying was all she really could do. She knew God could and would heal Mark. Katie prayed the rest of the evening until she fell asleep in her chair.
It was a little after eight the next morning when the nurse woke her. “Katie, would you like some breakfast?”
“Please.”
“Okay, here you are, and I brought you these to change into. I figured you might want a shower and I didn’t see a change of clothes.”
“Thank you very much.” Katie took the hospital scrubs and laid them on the bed. After eating her breakfast, she went to the bathroom and took a nice long hot shower.
Katie was sitting in her chair watching television when Jeff knocked on the door.
“Hey, Jeff, come on in.”
“Hey Katie. Nice duds.”
“Oh, thanks. The nurse gave them to me.”
“Well, Ms. Sue sent you some of your things she thought you might need, clothes and stuff.”
“Oh, tell her I said thanks.”
“So how is he?”
“Well not much change from last night. The doctor said there was some swelling around the brain and that the next 24 hours were critical, but I know he’ll make it.”
“He will Katie, don’t worry.”
Katie and Jeff just sat and talked. It was good for Katie to be away from the ranch. After a while, Jeff decided he better return and tend to things. They hugged and Jeff left.
Several days passed with nothing unusual happening on the ranch. Then, Katie’s father called.
“Well Princess, the good news is that I am not going to jail. However, the bad news is that my license was suspended for 10 years, I have to pay $50,000 in fines, and do 500 hours of community service.”
“Daddy I am just glad to hear that you aren’t going to jail. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you never told me any details of your client’s case.”
“Katie, I would like to tell you but I am afraid that you couldn’t handle it. As I said it was and is a very delicate case. Besides you’ll hear about it soon enough. So anything new with you?”
“Actually, there is! Mark and I are engaged!”
“Really? That’s great. Made any plans yet?”
“No, it just happened a few days ago. Daddy, why don’t you come out here for a visit? I would love it and am sure Mark wants to meet you.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’d love to meet him and it would get my mind off of things.”
“How about lunch Saturday?”
“Sounds great. I’ll be there. See you then.”
“Okay Daddy. Bye.”
Katie was glad he was coming, and when she told Mark, he was glad to finally get a chance to meet him. Katie talked about him so much that Mark knew he would like him. They both couldn’t wait until Saturday.
That next evening, Katie and Mark had one of their talks. They realized they had never sat down and told each other about their lives. So they did just that. Katie told Mark all about her mother’s death and then meeting Billy, college, and the engagement. Everything really seemed to interest him. Then Mark starting telling Katie his life.
“Mine wasn’t quite as good as yours. I had a pretty rough life. My father was an alcoholic, and I didn’t know who my mother was until I was 18. My father abused me as a child, physically and verbally. When I was nine my father came home drunk as a dog. I was watching TV. Something had happened earlier that made him mad, so he decided to take it out on me. He beat me literally half to death and probably would have killed me had a neighbor not called the police.” Mark was beginning to cry.
Katie looked at him compassionately, “Mark, if you can’t tell me that’s okay.”
“No, I think you should know. I want you to know.” So he continued. “The police came and arrested my father and took me to the hospital. After several weeks, I made a full recovery and was placed in foster care. I spent two years there until Mr. Jones, Billy’s grandfather, took me in. I lived here and worked for him. He taught me everything I know. When I turned 18, I began looking for my mother. In a few months, she was found.
My mother explained to me the reasons for my childhood. When she had me, she and my father were not married, as she was a minor. She had a choice to either put me up for adoption or allow my father to take me. My father promised that when she was of age they would get married if he were allowed to keep me. She allowed him to take me for this reason. Her parents then moved her across the country and would not allow contact with my father. After a while she had no idea where my father had taken me. She tried to find us but had no luck. After I was put into foster care, it was impossible for her to find me until I was able to initiate the contact when I turned 18. She was a great, loving woman and had married a wonderful man. They became a big part of my life.
I moved in with them when Mr. Jones became ill and then died. Mr. Jones left me money to go to college so I did. My new mom and dad were great. I loved them both and they really showed me what loved is and what a family is all about. After I finished school, where I got a degree in Business and Electronics, I got a job working with computers. I didn’t like it much because my passion was with horses. I worked there for about two years and then I came here to work for you.”
“Wow, Mark I had no idea. I thought growing up with a lawyer and doctor was hard. You’re just lucky to have grown up.”
“Yes, God was watching over me and now is giving me my reward for being faithful.”
“Really? What’s that?”
“Why, the most beautiful woman in the world not to mention the sweetest.”
“Well, thank you future Mr. Katie Warren.”
“Hey, watch it now.”
With that they laughed and kissed. Mark held Katie in his strong loving arms until they both fell asleep.
They woke up the next morning glad to see the other was still there. It was Saturday so there was no great rush to get work done. Katie didn’t give lessons on Saturday and the only work the ranch hands did was feed. After Katie showered and changed, she began preparing for her father’s visit.
Mark made sure the hands fed the animals, showered and changed, then began helping Katie. About 11:30 Katie and Mark were sitting on the porch when Katie saw her father’s car coming up the long drive to the ranch.
Chapter 18
Katie ran out to greet her father with a hug. She then introduced Mark. Mr. Warren and Mark instantly hit it off. They talked all through lunch. Every so often they would ask Katie something but that was about it. She didn’t mind though. She was glad to see them getting along so well.
Finally about 3 o’clock, Mark said he had something he needed to do. He said goodbye to Mr. Warren, gave Katie a kiss, and left. Mr. Warren said, “Well, Princess, you sure know how to pick ’em. You should feel blessed to find Mr. Right twice.”
“Thank you Daddy and I do. I still can’t believe it. Deep inside, I still love Billy, but Mark makes me forget all about all of that.”
“That’s good. I never found that after your mother died. You know Katie that I have tried to help you with Billy’s case whether you realize it or not. I am sorry to say I haven’t been much help.”
“It’s okay Daddy. I understand. Forget about that. Hey let’s go for a walk and enjoy this beautiful landscape.”
Katie and her father walked around the ranch property just talking and having fun. About 5 o’clock he told her that he needed to be getting back home. He told her bye and that he loved her. Katie told him to come by any time. With that he got in his car and started for home.
Around 7 o’clock Mark returned.
“Where have you been sweetheart?”
“Oh, just out looking at some horses.”
“Find any good ones?”
“As a matter of fact I did and I bought three. I have to take the trailer up Monday and pick ‘em up.”
“That’s good. You must be starved. Let’s eat.”
Mark and Katie had a nice supper. They talked about the wedding and possibilities on how it should be. No definite plans were made but at least they were getting started.
Monday morning, Mark left to get the horses. He arrived back at the ranch just before lunch.
Katie went out to see the horses.
“Well hun, there they are, the newest additions. Now one is a little on the wild side, but once I get him trained, he will be great.”
Katie watched the horses in the corral. They were beautiful. Then she saw which one Mark was talking about. It was a beautiful black Stallion and one of the most beautiful horses she had ever seen. It was running around bucking and kicking like crazy. “Mark, please tell me you aren’t gonna try to ride that horse. He’ll kill ya.”
“No, I am not gonna try to ride him, I am going to ride him and I am gonna start right after lunch.”
“Mark, please be careful and don’t let him hurt you.”
“Don’t worry, my love.”
After lunch, Mark gathered all his riding gear and went to work with the stallion. He decided that before he did anything, that he must name him. He asked Katie to help him think of a good name. After throwing several names at each other, they finally decided to call him Coal Miner, since he was black as coal and had a tough attitude.
Katie went out on the porch to watch Mark try to break him. Before he left, she gave him a kiss and told him again to be careful. He smiled and headed to the corral.
Several of the hands were standing around to watch and help. Mark slowly climbed onto Coal Miner’s back. The horse was pinned into the bucking shoot just like a bull at the rodeo. When Mark got on, Coal Miner jumped and jolted a few times, then Mark signaled the guys to open the shoot.
Coal Miner came flying out, bucking and kicking like a crazy horse. Mark hung on as tightly as he could. He held on for a good five minutes. The tighter he held, the harder the horse bucked. Mark was doing well. Then all of the sudden Coal Miner went loco. Mark held as tight as he could, but the horse threw him off. Mark went flying about ten feet in the air, broke the fence, and hit the ground with a loud thud.
Katie came running up to him with tears in her eyes. “Mark! Mark! Are you okay? Mark, can you hear me?” He was knocked out cold. Katie could see that he wasn’t moving and that he was bleeding from the back of his head. She told everyone not to move him and for one of the hands to call 911.
When the ambulance arrived, they immediately loaded him and, Katie left Mark’s assistant, Jeff in charge. She hopped in the ambulance and told them she would call as the ambulance sped off to the hospital. Everyone stood around in shock. They all had tears in their eyes as they tried to get back to work.
Chapter 19
About four in the afternoon, Katie called the ranch. She told Jeff that Mark had just gotten out of surgery. Jeff asked her what all was wrong.
“Well, Jeff he is pretty bad. He had a broken shoulder, three broken ribs, a cracked vertebra, and some head trauma. They are not sure how bad the head is hurt but said he took a very hard blow. He’s in a coma.” With that Katie began to cry.
“It’s okay Katie. He’ll pull through. He’s a tough guy. God will take care of him. You want someone to come get you?”
“No. I think I am going to stay the night. I’ll call if anything changes.”
“Okay Katie. We’ll all be praying for him. I’ll come by in the morning to visit.”
“That would be good. See you then. Bye.” Katie sat in the waiting room and cried for half an hour. When she settled down, she went back to Mark’s room. She couldn’t stand to see him in that condition, hooked up to all those machines but couldn’t leave his side.
The doctor came in about seven to check on him, “Oh, hey Katie. You staying the night?”
“Yes I am. How is he?”
“Well, he is very lucky. Most men would not have lived through that.”
“Doctor, please tell me that truth. Will he come out of this?”
“Katie, it’s hard to say right now. There is swelling around the brain. He took a hard hit. We must watch more closely. If the swelling gets worse, we will have to go in and relieve the pressure. Hopefully it will not and will actually start to go down. The next 24 hours will be the tale.”
“Any idea how long he will be in a coma.”
“Well, most people come out in a day or two, some a few months, and some never. Looking at the x-rays, I feel he should come out, but as I said, the next 24 hours are very critical.”
“Thank you doctor.” Katie decided to pray. She believed strongly in the power of prayer and knew God would not take the man she loved away twice. Praying was all she really could do. She knew God could and would heal Mark. Katie prayed the rest of the evening until she fell asleep in her chair.
It was a little after eight the next morning when the nurse woke her. “Katie, would you like some breakfast?”
“Please.”
“Okay, here you are, and I brought you these to change into. I figured you might want a shower and I didn’t see a change of clothes.”
“Thank you very much.” Katie took the hospital scrubs and laid them on the bed. After eating her breakfast, she went to the bathroom and took a nice long hot shower.
Katie was sitting in her chair watching television when Jeff knocked on the door.
“Hey, Jeff, come on in.”
“Hey Katie. Nice duds.”
“Oh, thanks. The nurse gave them to me.”
“Well, Ms. Sue sent you some of your things she thought you might need, clothes and stuff.”
“Oh, tell her I said thanks.”
“So how is he?”
“Well not much change from last night. The doctor said there was some swelling around the brain and that the next 24 hours were critical, but I know he’ll make it.”
“He will Katie, don’t worry.”
Katie and Jeff just sat and talked. It was good for Katie to be away from the ranch. After a while, Jeff decided he better return and tend to things. They hugged and Jeff left.
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