“Okay, last chance. You sure you’re ready?”
With a sharp inhale, I dip my head. My nerves are unraveling me.
Without pushing, Colt leans in and kisses my forehead. When he presses the doorbell, nausea hits hard. My head spins, and I feel heat crawl over my skin. Whether it’s a hot flash or pure anxiety, I have no idea, but I feel unstable.
The door creaks open, and I hold my breath.
I expect disappointment.
Maybe anger.
I think they’re only letting me in because of Colt.
Anna peeks out and immediately smiles at him. She looks tired but happy, which softens something inside me. Then she sees me, and her smile falters, but then she opens the door fully and steps forward. “Oh my God, Dee. It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you so much. Thank you for coming,” she says, throwing her arms around me.
The suddenness of it nearly knocks me over.
Stunned, I return the hug with one arm while keeping my balance with the crutches. She sniffles, and I realize she’s crying, and that’s enough to set me off. Tears fill my eyes and spill over.
She pulls back, wiping her cheeks. “You look good. How’s your leg feeling?”
I gape at her in disbelief. I shake my head, trying to find words.
“Oh no, is it hurting? Come inside and sit down,” she says.
“No, it’s just…” I trail off. She waits. “I didn’t expect you to be so kind to me after how I acted in the hospital.”
She frowns. “Dee, don’t. Don’t you carry that guilt. Johnny and I understood then, and we still do. We never wanted to hurt you. We knew you were going through the worst kind of pain. You had every right to feel what you felt. We’re so happy you’re here. We love you.”
How can she be so forgiving?
She kisses my cheek and turns to head inside.
I glance at Colt, who mouths,I love you,and follows.
In the kitchen, Johnny is cradling a bundle in his arms. I gasp softly and make my way to the table.
“Hey, guys, glad you could come,” Johnny says with a tired smile.
Colt hands over the flowers and cigars. “Congrats, you two.”
“Thanks,” Anna says. “You didn’t have to get us anything, but I do love flowers.”
As she fills a vase, I watch Johnny with Aston. The tension in the room isn’t from them, it’s from me. So I speak, “How is he doing? Sorry, we didn’t come sooner.”
Johnny grins. “He’s loud and hungry and hates sleeping. Might be a singer one day.”
We laugh, and for a second, everything feels normal.
Anna and Johnny beam with pride as she strokes Aston’s cheek.
I brace myself and ask, “Can I hold him?”
Anna gasps, clearly emotional.
Colt looks surprised as he assesses me. “You sure?” he asks.
I nod, with my arms out. “I need to.”
