My eyes stung with tears, and I leaned up to press a kiss on the edge of his jaw.“Well, you know I love you.”
His brothers didn’t even seem to notice our low chatter.Haven patted my knee in a brotherly fashion.“You can either leave your leg up or lower it.It’s as clean as it’s going to get until we get to the hospital.How you feeling?”
“Okay.Thanks, guys,” I said.
“Anytime, Kendall,” Lincoln said, flashing a grin in the rearview mirror.
As we rode along toward the hospital, with Jude’s arm strong and steady around my shoulders, I felt settled inside in a way I hadn’t in over a week.I knew my world didn’t revolve around Jude, and I could calm myself down on my own.But he was my best friend, and he was my lover.His presence helped more than anyone’s could.
ChapterForty-Eight
Jude
“We can look up Kendall’s records,” Holly was saying as she tapped on the keyboard.
“Can’t you just give her a tetanus shot?”I cut in.
Lincoln reached for me, tugging me into the chair beside him.“Holly’s the nurse.”
“I’m pretty sure I had a tetanus shot within the last five years,” Kendall offered.
Holly clicked through a few screens.“Actually, it was only four years ago.”Her gaze lifted to me.“It’s entirely unnecessary.It’s recommended every seven to ten years for adults.”
When I opened my mouth to argue the point, Holly narrowed her eyes.“I’m surprised you didn’t just stitch her up yourself on the way in,” she added with an eye roll.
I muttered something under my breath, and Lincoln chuckled.“We told him not to do that.”
“Here’s what we’re going to do,” Holly said, spinning on her stool to face Kendall where she sat on the exam table.“We’ll get that completely cleaned up, although Haven did a nice preliminary job.The doctor will come in and take a look.Based on my quick check, it looks like you will need stitches on that one cut.”She tapped her fingers on the counter beside her.“We’ll definitely send you home with antibiotics as a preventative measure.You don’t need an infection while you’re healing.Also, no more walking on sketchy boards,” she added dryly.
“Are you sure—” I began.
Kendall cut her gaze toward mine.“Jude, I’m fine.”
I let out a ragged sigh.“It’s just—” I tried again.
Kendall actually growled.“It’s only been four years since I had my tetanus shot.I’m not even in the window of concern.That’s why I stay on top of this stuff.”
Lincoln clapped me on the back.“How about you chill out?”he teased lightly.
Kendall beckoned me over with her hand while Holly walked briskly out of the room.“Jude, it’s okay,” she said, her tone soft and clear when I stopped beside her.
I drew in a deep breath and let it out in a gust.“I know.”
“Do you, though?”she asked, her eyes warm.She laced her fingers through mine and squeezed.“I fell.But I’m okay, and that’s all that matters.”
“I’m just…” I hesitated.
“That’s all that matters,” Lincoln jumped in, his tone exasperated.
I clasped the back of my neck with my free hand and bowed my head.“I know.”
“You’re the guy who goes winter camping for five days.You could get hypothermia any one of those nights,” Kendall pointed out.
I looked up.“That would never happen.”
“Never say never.I know you’re going to take all the risks into account, and you’re going to be careful, and you’re going to do all the right things, but still.I’m just pointing out that we’re both going to worry about each other.I promise I won’t do what I did today ever again.”
“Well, you’re definitely going to be able to walk in that hayloft because we’re going over there this weekend to replace the whole thing,” Lincoln said dryly.
