“From what I’ve seen you are.”
She waves a hand. “Now. Are you bringing Lincoln with you to the next session?”
“Yeah. We talked about it. I just want him to be able to speak freely about anything he wants or needs to. I think we’re doing much better… I think I’m doing much better. It helps to have him around all the time.”
“That’s fantastic. Now, sexually…” she leads.
I nod.
“Have you tried the position that triggered you so badly you never tried it again?”
I look at my hands. They’re shaking and sweating. I lift my gaze to meet Joan’s. “No. We haven’t. But I’d like to. I’d give anything to feel his body cover mine, surround me, as I completely surrender myself to him.”
She nods. “But…”
“But I’m afraid the memories will overwhelm me,” I confess—not that she doesn’t already know this.
“Then this is something we’ll discuss when Lincoln comes with you next week.”
My phone beeps with a text. I normally don’t bother with it during my sessions, but I’m worried about Summer.
“I apologize,” I tell her as I look at my phone.
“Everything okay?”
I nod. “Summer’s back from her appointment.”
“And?”
“She’s okay but put on bedrest for two weeks.” I look up at Joan. “We can help cover for her absence at Harmony House.”
She waves me off. “I’ve got more than enough help. Ernesto and a few of the wives have been helping.”
“Let us know, for sure. We’ll all be here to help whenever you need us.” I’m fidgeting now. I want to get home and see Summer for myself. I need to see she’s okay.
“You should go, Ethan. I can see you already left mentally. I’ll see you next week, same time.”
“Thank you, Joan. I’m looking forward to the next session with Lincoln.”
“As am I. Tell Summer I hope she’s well. I’ll check in on her tomorrow. It’s already late afternoon and she’ll be surrounded by family, today,” Joan says.
“I promise.”
I head out to my car. On my way home, I’ll pick up some of Summer’s favorite ice cream, candy, and snacks. I’m sure Jace hasn’t had a minute to even think about it. I’ll grab some magazines, too. Bedrest for two weeks. Summer’s going to hate that.
19
SUMMER
“Would you all stop hovering?” I say with a laugh. The bedroom hasn’t been empty since I got home from seeing Dr. Mackenzie.
“Well, tell us what’s going on,” Xander prods.
“I’m waiting for Eth—oh. There he is!”
“And I brought you goodies,” Ethan tells me with a smile. I can see the worry in his eyes and yet he took the time to stop and get me things he knows will make me feel better.
“Oooh, what did you bring?” I can’t help it. I always get excited about gifts.
