“It occurred to me a couple of times, but it’s the depression talking. If you’re having those thoughts, you need to share them with Claire. Don’t give in to it. It may seem bleak at times while you’re recovering, but I promise you, it won’t always feel that way. Life can throw you some curveballs you never expect and one of them can be the biggest life-changing event ever. Promise me you’ll call me if you ever get those thoughts. You can call anyone on the team. They’ll be there for you. You’re one of us now, and we have each other’s six.”
“I promise,” she vowed.
“I’ll check on the lasagna. Ty put it in before we left. My watch’s timer vibrated. I hope you’re hungry. He made fresh garlic bread and salad to accompany it,” she said, taking it out of the oven.
“It smells fantastic,” she said, smelling the fresh herbs and pasta.
“I’m totally spoiled. If it weren’t for PT, I’d weigh a ton. You mentioned you went to the bakery. Did Cole introduce you to the women at the community center? My mother-in-law, Cherise, started helping out there.”
“No, we went to check on the dogs. One of them still has some issues, but Cole’s pleased with their progress. He’s such a great trainer. The dogs seemed to enjoy learning the commands. Brody even took a turn,” she said, sipping her mocktail and slipping the garlic bread into the napkin.
“It sounds like you relished it, too,” Scarlett said, finishing her plate.
“I didn’t know what to expect. Cole’s incredibly talented. Your team’s lucky to have him.”
“You mean,ourteam. I’m excited to have another woman join us. The guys are great, but it’s always nice to have another woman to share our own inside jokes. The guys have this thing about teasing Saint about Snickerdoodle cookies. Taco catches shit about his hair and face products. Plus, you need to know every Tuesday is taco Tuesday. Trust me, you won’t complain. Tess makes them taste out of this world.”
“If you feel left out, we might need to create a bit of chaos of our own. They won’t expect it with me only starting,” Hannah suggested.
“Ohhh,” Scarlett rubbed her hands together. “They totally won’t suspect anything.” The two women put their heads together and came up with a plan.
Hannah glanced at her phone, noticing the time. “Oh my gosh, it’s almost 1600. I wanted to make dinner for Cole tonight,” she exclaimed.
“Wait. Ty has some freezer meals already prepped for nights when he’s running late. I pop it in the oven and it’s done an hour later. He makes a mean Chicken Madeira with mashed potatoes and gravy. Take it home and it’ll taste like a home-cooked meal,” Scarlett offered.
“It’s cheating,” Hannah accused as she laughed.
“One thing about our new team. Leo holds us to high standards while on the job, but when we’re off the clock, it’s fair game. It’s time you learn the rules, sister.”
“Thank you. I’ll text Cole and help you clean up. He mentioned something about his friends coming this weekend. Do you mind if I use you as a bailout if I feel uncomfortable? He made plans before he took me in. I don’t want him to feel pressured to include me.”
“I’m sure he won’t. Do you like him, Hannah? If you do, then go for it. Life’s too short,” Scarlett advised as she rinsed the plates and handed them to her friend to add to the dishwasher.
“He’s different. I’m comfortable around him. I’m not sure he feels the same. What happens when he wants to take things further? Besides medical personnel, no one has seen me. I don’t know if I can take seeing his disgust if he sees my body.”
Scarlett paused. “You went through something traumatic. Cole understands. Has he told you how he stayed with Brody until they agreed to retire his dog? His best friend handled Brody and died. He refused to let an animal down. Do you think he’d disappoint you?”
“No. I’m more concerned about falling short in his eyes,” she confessed as she closed the dishwasher, picked up her napkin with the bread, and wiped the table. She slipped the item into her jacket pocket on her way around the table. “Thank you for having me.”
“You’re welcome. It seems like I’ve known you forever. I’ll see you tomorrow for PT and our weekly meeting,” Scarlett said, hugging her.
Hannah felt lighter. Scarlett became the friend she never expected. Every visit, Scarlett always brought her something little, like a pumpkin and a candle to mark the time. She gave her sisterly advice when she didn’t have anyone else to talk to abouther feelings for Cole. She didn’t dare consider he might feel the same way about her. It hurt more than she wanted to admit.
CHAPTER 27
Cole kept glancingat his watch as he waited for Hannah’s text. Brody raised his head every time someone entered the facility and appeared disappointed when he didn’t see the person he expected.
“Where’s Patch?” Knight asked.
“Claire’s sick again and in the ER, he asked if we could drop off his truck. He and Saint went to town when Kassie called him. We’re waiting for word on how she’s doing. Apparently, she passed out and hit her head,” Leo informed them.
“Oh, no. Patch finally got to her and she keeled over,” Knight said, shaking his head. “I hope she’s all right.”
“You can see if they know anymore when you and Cole take his truck over. I have a meeting with Whiskey and the Texas team. We have a new guy joining them,” Leo said, sighing.
“I’ll text Gabby and let her know. We’ll take them some soup for dinner tonight,” Knight added while he contacted his wife.
Cole liked how the men took care of each other and their families. “I’ll drive. I’m waiting for Hannah to call and let me know when to pick her up. Since I’m done for the day, I’ll pick up Nine.”
