Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
It was certainly that way with Rae. It was unexpected, but the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Her eyes remained trained on mine as I told her, “Doesn’t make it any less true.”
“Well, I love you, too. Very much, and I feel lucky to have you in our lives.”
“I’m the lucky one.” I gave her a squeeze. “Let’s get through this thing, and I’ll show you just how lucky I am.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
She rested her head back on my chest, and I just stood there and held her. It’s what she needed. Hell, I needed it, too. Eventually, Thomas made it back to the room, and the doctor confirmed that it was a dislocated shoulder. They gave him some mild sedation and popped it back into place. There was a bit of swearing and some whining, but he got through it.
When we got him home, he was a bit groggy, but he perked up when Lucas and his grandfather met us at the door. He told him about that everything had gone down, and Lucas seemed impressed by how his big brother had handled it. His grandfather was equally impressed. He gave him a big hug and promised to be back soon to check on him.
Once he was gone, Raelyn led him over to the couch, and she and Lucas helped him settle in. Rae pulled a blanket over him while Lucas handed him the remote. Just when I thought he was all set, Thomas leaned his head back and groaned, “In case anyone was wondering, this sucks.”
“It’s gonna suck for several days.” I shrugged. “But it could be worse.”
“I can’t play ball for six weeks. That’s most of the season.”
“It’ll be okay,” Raelyn tried to reassure him. “It’ll be over and done in no time.”
The disappointment in his voice hit harder than I expected. Fourteen was rough enough without feeling like the one thing you cared about most got ripped away. I wasn’t sure it was the best way to go, but I gave him a playful nudge and teased, “You got any idea how many chicks you’re gonna pull with that thing?”
“Walker!” Raelyn gasped.
“What? It’s true.” I couldn’t hold back my smile as I added, “Girls love injuries. They’ll be all over you.”
“I can’t believe you just said that.”
“I was just telling it like it is.”
“I don’t know.” Thomas looked down at his shoulder. “I kind of doubt any girls are gonna think this thing is cool.”
“You just wait and see.”
That finally got a smile out of him, and I counted that as a win. Raelyn shook her head, then asked, “How’s the pain?”
“Not too bad.”
“Good. I’ll get you a bite to eat, and then, it’ll be time for your meds. You should call your dad.”
“I know. I already texted him.”
“And?”
“He said he’d call me later tonight or in the morning.”
I tried real hard not to have an opinion about that, but it was tough. He was hurting, and his father should’ve been there for him. But he had Rae, and for that matter, he had me, too.
“Okay. Good.” Raelyn leaned down and kissed him on top of the head. “You want a sandwich or chicken nuggets?”
“Nuggets and some chips, too.”
“You got it.”
“Can I have some, too?” Lucas asked, already piling up in the recliner.
“Sure thing.”
Thomas turned on the TV, and in a matter of seconds, he and Lucas were zoned out and watching some stupid cartoon. Raelyn made her way into the kitchen and started making the boys’ dinner, and I went in to give her a hand. I grabbed the chicken nuggets from the freezer as I asked, “How you holding up over there?”
“By a thread.” She stepped over and gave me a quick kiss. “I would’ve fallen apart if it hadn’t been for you.”
“No, you would’ve made it fine. You always do, but I’m glad I was here.”
“Me too. More than you know.”
“So, this whole thing has had me thinking.”
“About?”
“Us?” I rubbed my hand over my jaw and let out a breath. I’d known what I’d wanted to say for weeks, but now, the words didn’t sound right in my head. “The boys already come looking for me when something breaks, and things break a lot around here. And I’m here more than I’m home, and you keep stealing all my hoodies.”
“I borrowed one hoodie.”
“Three.”
“Okay, and?”
“I’m tired of leaving.” That got her attention. “I’m tired of driving back to my place when I’d rather be here. I’m tired of wondering if you and the boys are okay. Tired of pretending I don’t already stay here more than my place.”
“I umm…”
“I’m not talking marriage right this second or changing everything overnight, but I want to wake up here… Go to sleep here. I want to fight with the boys about whose turn it is to do the dishes or mow the lawn. I want to watch football games on Saturdays and do the practices, the games, and everything in between. I wanna be here for hard days, too… Days like today.”