“Don’t listen to them, baby. You know your Sledge man has bigger kahunas than they’re saying,” Sledge said, slurring his words.
“Oh, would you look at that, I must’ve hit his morphine button instead of the call button. Nighty night, sweetheart, I love you,” Kim said.
Rocker chuckled. “I take it he’s whining again?”
“He hasn’t stopped. Sledge wants real food, not liquids. He wants to sit in the chair and demands to see the baby, yet he can barely make it to the bathroom and back without panting hard,” Kim said. “I’ve tried getting him to take the pain meds, but he wants to act like a tough guy. I only want him relaxed and healing.”
“I’m sorry, Kim. It happened very fast. I didn’t think Sledge planned to rush him until a second before,” Scarlett explained herself.
“Hush,” Kim said gently. “You’ve nothing to apologize for. You’ve watched his six many times and got him home safely. Don’t justify why my husband tried to save you.”
“How’s the baby?” she asked as Ty placed a chair beside her. She sat andsmiled her thanks.
“She’s a miniature version of Sledge. She has blonde curly hair with the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen. When she gets mad, she balls her fists up like her daddy and stiffens from head to toe. When she sees him, she practically leaps into his arms. It’s why I’m limiting her coming here. He’ll insist on holding her, and she doesn’t sit still these days,” Kim said proudly.
“I won’t keep you. When he wakes up, can you have him call me? I have some questions about the night Jeremy attacked me. I’m hoping he can fill in the holes,” Scarlett asked.
“I’ll have him call you in the morning,” Kim assured her.
“Get some rest while he’s out. I can’t leave unless Leo permits me. I hope you don’t think me ungrateful for coming to visit him now,” Scarlett said.
“Leo or one of his men has visited us daily and stays outside the door. They’re very nice and welcoming. Some of their wives dropped by. One brought me muffins and cookies, and the other gifted me spa soaps. Kassie stops by at least once a day to check on us.”
Kim hugged her goodbye, and Scarlett stopped in the middle of the hall. “Do you mind if I return to my floor? I want to visit someone for a minute,” she asked.
“We go wherever you go,” Ty said, following her.
She led the way to the room next to her old one. She lightly tapped on the door and entered. Ty and Rocker stayed in the hall. She encountered the bed first and found it empty. Recalling one of the nurses mentioning Hannah sitting in a chair, she moved toward the window. When she felt the padded arm, she reached out, searching for the person in the chair. Her hand touched a sweater, and she moved downward until she found Hannah’s fingers and clasped them to hers.
“Hi, Hannah. It’s me, Scarlett. I know you’re scared andwant to stay in your safe place. I understand. I once felt the same way. You’re missing out on so much. I didn’t think I’d ever see the light in the darkness, but I do now and I want you to find it, too. The people here care about you. I don’t know your story, but I’m your friend. You won’t see me here every day because I’m staying somewhere else. But when I return, I’ll sit with you until you feel strong enough to talk about it. You’re not alone, Hannah. You have a reason to live, but you may not know it yet. Keep fighting.” Scarlett squeezed her hand, hoping her words helped her silent friend in some way.
She entered the hall. Ty and Rocker flanked her as they walked to his truck. Ty drove them to the ranch, and Scarlett reached over, taking his hand. His thumb gently caressed it as he held it in his lap. Some of the insecurities and fears drifted into the background. Her meeting with Leo filled her with excitement, and she realized she wanted to stay. Her words to Hannah rang true. She did find a light in the darkness, and he sat beside her, holding her hand.
CHAPTER 32
Rocker badethem goodnight in the driveway as Ty let Ice out of the truck. They entered the house, and she went to the pantry for Ice’s food. When he finished eating, she took him outside.
She removed his harness and threw the ball in the fenced-in area. “You’re such a good boy, Ice. You already have my heart,” she said, petting him. Ice gave her a sloppy kiss in response.
They entered the house, and Ice went immediately to his water bowl.
“It appears you two enjoyed yourselves,” Ty said, joining them in the kitchen.
Scarlett picked up Ice’s bowl and refilled it. She spilled some water over the side as she set it down. “Shit,” she swore under her breath.
“You’ll find paper towels at your head level to your right,” Ty directed. She cleaned up the mess and threw the paper towels in the garbage.
“You did a great job today, Sparky,” he said, pulling her into his arms.
“Thank you. I’m sorry about losing my shit with you earlier. I suddenly felt enraged by your suggestion. I didn’t want to fail or feel embarrassed,” She murmured into his chest, loving his touch.
“May I make another suggestion? I still have a reward for you,” Ty said, his voice dropping low.
“Oh, I think I’ll like this reward,” she breathed.
She felt the deep chuckle in his chest. “Yes, I can make it part of your reward, but I have something else in mind for tonight.”
Her lip came out in a pout, making him chuckle more. Taking her hand, he led her to his bedroom. Ice followed them and curled up on his bed as Ty took her to her side and tucked her in, sitting up. He walked around to his side and got in.
