“He won’t put up with this much longer, with me much longer,” I whisper, a tear sliding down my cheek.
“Colt willneverleave you,” Danny says. “He’d rather cut off his own arm.”
“Just show him you love him back,” Joseph adds gently.
“I do love him,” I say, more to myself than anyone.
“We know. Make sureheknows.”
Joseph brightens. “Now. While we wait, let’s have some proper girl time with sappy rom-coms and sugary tea.”
I half-smile as they turn onThe Proposal, Joseph’s favorite. He worships Sandra Bullock’s bone structure and perves over Ryan Reynolds like it’s a sport.
They laugh when Sandra sings about sweaty balls in the woods, but I can’t concentrate.
All I can think about is Colt.
How long he’s been gone.
What he’s thinking.
If he’s packing his bags.
If I’ve finally pushed himtoo far.
My chest tightens with panic. I reach for my crutches.
Joseph lifts an eyebrow. “You think he’s had enough time?”
I nod. “I need to see him.”
“Then c’mon,” he says, rising. “Danny, let’s help our invalid downstairs. She’s got a man to win back.”
I’m dressed in a tank and panties, but I don’t care. Modesty has long since left the building. With Joseph and Danny flanking me, I make my way down the stairs. Princess dances at my feet, her little paws tapping against my cast, and I smile despite myself.
“Thanks for coming, guys. Sorry, I wasn’t exactly… delightful,” I say, holding out my finger to Joseph. “Pinky swear I’ll be better next time.”
He laughs, hooks my pinky, and wiggles our hands together. “Things will get easier. You two are built tough. You’ll get through this.”
Danny hugs me, then scoops up Princess. I pout as he kisses her tiny head.
“She’s been yours from day one,” Joseph says, gesturing to her bed and toys. “She’s always looking for you. We love her, but with the restaurant, it’s not fair. She belongs here… with you. If you want her.”
Emotion bubbles in my throat. “You don’t know what this means to me.”
“We do,” Danny says. “Spoil her like she deserves.”
“I will. I love you guys.”
“We love you right back,” Joseph says, opening the door. “Now go make up with your man.”
Danny places Princess down, and I hug them both tightly before they head out and I close the door after watching them go.
Princess jumps up, wagging her tail like she never left, and my heart squeezes again.
I blow her a kiss and take a breath.
Now it’s time to find Colt.
