“No matter how it turns out, Rhett. You’re both still part of our family. Rodeo here is tight-knit and we’ve accepted you as our own. Diamond found his way to us in other ways, but both of you are still ours, okay? Don’t let the thought of losing your support hold you back. We’re not going anywhere.”
With a nod, I finally exit his office, and once outside, I fill my lungs with the warm summer air like I’ve been holding my breath for weeks.
Because maybe it’s been like that for longer.
Maybe it’s Diamond who can help me breathe again.
nineteen
Diamond
“Thanks for doing this, Levi.”
“Yeah, of course. You know I don’t trust you to build a bed frame on your own.”
“I would’ve managed just fine. It’s just easier with two.”
Levi, along with Hunter and Gabe’s foster son, Warren, did most of the heavy lifting, moving Rhett’s things into his new house. I wrangled most of the boxes, and between the three of us, we emptied his storage unit quickly. For a guy buying a house, he sure doesn’t have much to fill it.
“Yeah, I know. Do you need help with anything else? Warren has a 4H thing going on and I promised Hunter I’d drop him off.”
“I think I’m fine. I saw a box marked bedroom, so I’ll find the sheets and blankets and call it a day. I know he’ll appreciate the help too, Levi. When Rhett’s better, he’ll have you over.”
Levi walks over and pulls me into his arms for a hug. “You’re one in a million, Dee,” he whispers next to my ear. “If the man can’t see that, he’s the problem, okay?”
“I know.” He releases me, and his sad smile almost makes me cry. “I know Levi. I…I’d never let him do this when he’s sick, no matter who it is.”
“That’s true. Just…you’re not as sparkly the past few days. I know I always tell you to go for what you want, but…I don’t like it when you’re sad.”
“Don’t worry about me so much. I know when I’ve done too much, and I won’t cling if his heart isn’t in it. I’ll tell him once he’s not sleeping on the bathroom floor.”
Levi’s face twists in disgust, and I laugh. “He had a massive dose of antibiotics. Poor guy is finally seeing the other side of the side effects. It would be mean to just leave him like that.”
“Hey, Levi! I need to get to the barn before Hunter. Can we leave soon?”
Warren’s voice thunders down the hall, and we both head towards the doorway.
“Yeah, leaving now. Don’t worry,” Levi calls as Warren pops into the room.
“Thanks for helping today.” I offer Warren a smile as I leave the box of linen. “Rhett said he’d pay you for your work. I’ll hold him to it.”
“Really?” Warren’s face brightens more than I’ve ever seen it. “That would be so cool. I’d love to buy another rabbit.”
“Better make sure that’s okay with Hunter and Gabe first,” Levi says as he smacks him on the shoulder. “Let’s get over there then.”
After the two of them leave, I finish putting sheets and a comforter on Rhett’s bed. I drag a box marked bathroom to the upstairs bath, hang a few towels, and set out toilet paper and hand soap.
In the kitchen, the previous owners left a note and a box of items for Rhett, which I leave untouched, but I run out to my Jeep after the others are gone and bring in the housewarminggift I got him. After placing it on the counter, I don’t think there’s anything else I need to do here.
After locking up, I admire the space he plans to build Wilbur’s barn in for far too long before finally going home.
“Hi, Dad.”
I round the corner to the kitchen to find Rhett, finally upright and sitting at the breakfast nook with my dad. “Oh, you’re feeling better. Nice to see you off the floor.”
Rhett smiles, the tired creases in his eyes crinkling. “It’s nice to be off the floor. I even took a shower by myself.”
“Way to take away the fun parts. I would’ve helped with that.” I wink, and Rhett blushes as he glances at my dad. “Are you two making the world right?”
