“No!” Coralee jumped in front of him. “We don’t need your help.”
“With all due respect, Miss Culpepper”—Gene stepped into her line of vision—“it’ll take two men to get him upstairs. I was the only hand still at the ranch. The rest are here. I’d go back, but I rode hard, and my horse is spent. I’d need to borrow one.”
“I see. Um, thank you. Could you get my buggy ready?” She turned to Houston. “I was wrong. Please. Go. Quickly.”
He took off.
Chapter Five
Because Travis had to run inside to get his doctor bag, Houston reached the Culpepper ranch before his brother.
Houston rounded the far corner of the barn moments later and spied Calvin sitting against the back wall, a few feet from the bull’s pen. He sprinted over to the muscular rancher, who clutched his midsection and grimaced.
Houston crouched beside the injured man.
“What are you doing here? Gene was supposed to get your brother.”
“Travis is right behind me. He’ll be here soon. What happened?”
Slowly, cautiously, Calvin inclined his head toward the huge longhorn nearby. “Turns out Toro has a temper. I’ve been doing my best to help him, but the ornery fellow slammed me into a fence post. I managed to crawl out of the pen, but when I tried to stand, I nearly passed out. I think the brute busted my ribs.”
“And you’ve been sitting here all this time?”
“Since I sent Gene to get help, that only left Sally and Olive. I couldn’t ask two older women to drag me upstairs.” Calvin scanned the area behind Houston. “Where’s Coralee?”
“She was with me when Gene showed up. He was going to get her buggy for her. She’ll be along soon.”
Calvin scowled. “What was she doing with you?”
“Dancing.”
“I warned her to steer clear of you. Apparently, she didn’t listen, so I’ll make sure you know exactly what I mean. Stay away from my sister, Houston. She’s suffered more than enough on your account.”
Coralee had suffered? That didn’t make sense. She was the one who’d rejected him.
Hoofbeats pounded the ground, coming to a stop several feet away. Travis slid from the saddle, whipped his reins around a fence post, and rushed over to them, black bag in hand.
Calvin attempted a smile, but it faded quickly. “Howdy, Doc. I didn’t mean to drag you and the guest of honor away from the shindig, but I’m glad you’re here.”
“Let’s see what’s going on, shall we?” Travis had Calvin lie on his back. “I’ll start by having you take some deep breaths while I check for grating, which would indicate broken bones. Go ahead and breathe as deeply as you can.”
Calvin’s chest rose and fell, the effort causing him to wince. Travis moved the bell-shaped end of his stethoscope over the area, listening intently. Before long, he removed the earpieces.
Houston’s curiosity got the best of him. “Did you hear anything?”
“Nothing definitive.” Travis shifted his attention to Calvin. “I’m going to press on each of your ribs in turn. Tell me if my probing causes you any pain or tenderness.”
“You mean more pain than I’m already experiencing, right?” Calvin attempted a laugh, but the movement of his rib cage transformed the sound into a strangled gasp.
“Exactly.” Travis set to work, moving his hands methodically over Calvin’s chest.
Perspiration beaded on Calvin’s forehead. Just when Houston thought all was well, Calvin yelped. “In case you didn’t notice, that spot’s sore, Doc.”
Houston smiled at Calvin’s humorous response, but Travis kept a straight face. “I suspected as much.”
The examination concluded moments later, following two more muffled cries from Calvin as Travis completed his examination. He straightened and stood with his arms folded, looking down at Calvin, who had returned to a sitting position. “Your diagnosis is correct. From what I can tell, three of your ribs are broken.”
“That’s not too bad, is it, Doc? I’ll be up and around again in no time, right?”
Travis shook his head. “What you’re experiencing is a serious injury. You’ll need to be on bed rest for a good four weeks or more.”
“No! I can’t do that. I’ve got a ranch to run.”
“I understand, but you’ll have to find someone to take your place. Right now, Houston and I are going to help you up to your room. Once we have you settled, I’ll wrap a band around your chest to help keep the ribs immobilized. I’ll get his left side, Huey. You take his right.”
With Sally’s help opening doors and pulling down the covers, Houston and Travis got Calvin upstairs and into his bed. The weary man closed his eyes.
“I should probably get back since it’s my party,” Houston said to Travis, “unless you need anything else, that is.”