“I didn’t need to figure it out. It’s written in the pages of his whole being.”
“Yeah,” he breathed out.
“So, you have to fight.”
“Yeah.”
I smiled, my heart suddenly lighter. “I’ll make you soup.”
“Soup?”
“When you’re dealing with the worst part of chemo. You’ll probably be wrecked, and I make a damned good chicken noodle soup, chock full of stuff that will give you strength.”
His eyes got soft again and he gave my hands another squeeze. “I can’t wait,” he said, and pulled back onto the road.
“Since Orion’s on a run, would you mind dropping me home?” I asked.
“You’re welcome at the cabin, sweetheart.”
“Thanks. But I have a few things I need to do, so home would be best.”
“Sure thing.”
I directed him to my townhouse and he insisted on walking me to my door and waiting for me to step inside.
“Lock up.”
“I will,” I promised and closed the door, locking it and heading upstairs to cry my eyes out for a few minutes. Or hours. I wasn’t sure how long my crying jag would last, just that my heart was breaking for Orion and his dad and I needed to get a grip before I saw Orion again.
* * *
My body being jostled awake was my first indication I’d actually fallen asleep, and then strong arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me against a hard body. “You weren’t at the club when I got there,” Orion accused.
“Sorry,” I whispered on a yawn, rolling to face him. “I had a few things to get done, so I figured with you being gone anyway, I’d take advantage.”
“And did you get everything done?”
“No,” I admitted, wrapping an arm around his waist. “Apparently, I fell asleep.”
“Anything you want to tell me?”
“Not really.”
He kissed me gently and stroked my cheek. “I’m taking Dad to chemo tomorrow.”
I searched his face for irritation but found nothing but love. “How do you feel about that?”
“In awe that you’re mine, honestly.”
I smiled. “So, you don’t feel I overstepped my bounds and ignored your edict to be the subservient little woman who doesn’t speak until she’s spoken to?”
He chuckled. “I see the story gets more elaborate every time you tell it.”
“I’m pretty sure I just quoted you warmly and accurately.”
“I love you, even if you’re crazy.”
“Love you back, DC.”
