The soft knock at the door comes seconds before the nurse enters, smiling as she waves a handful of papers.
I can’t sign them fast enough.
Walking stiffly down the hall, I clutch Sophia’s fingers as I finally step outside.
Almost three weeks of being locked inside this building has me blinking rapidly against the early summer sun.
“I dropped the seat back as far as it would go.” Sophia holds the passenger door of her SUV for me.
“There’s something really wrong about this,” I grumble as I slowly lift my leg inside.
The wounds on the back of my thighs and ass cheeks are the most tender. I’m looking forward to laying face down on a mattress spread-eagled for a while.
“I’m sure the roles will be reversed in just a few months.” She smiles as she pats her growing baby bump.
“It is a fucking crime that I haven’t been able to be naked in bed with my wife since we got married.” My palm rests on her leg as she drives us to Black Gulch.
Her hand covers my knuckles. “Ollie, it’s a miracle you survived. Every moment I get with you, clothes or not, is special.”
When she glances at me, I catch the glint of sun refracting through her tears.
She’s right. I have a second chance on life, and I’m just bitching.
Taking a deep breath, I let my head fall against the seat rest. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m just…angry.”
Her grip over my wrist tightens. “I know. Me too. I just wish someone would find him. Stop all of this. It’s been going on for years. I hate that you were hurt by my family.” Her chin quivers as she stares out the windshield.
“Hey, this isnotyour fault.” I’m such an ass, spouting off about shit I can’t control. “It’s like he’s one of those over the top fucking villains from a shitty novel.”
She nods, chewing on her bottom lip. “So over the top, no one would believe it if it was fiction.” Her mouth pulls when she glances at me. “I hate that we’re having to suffer through it in real life.”
I won’t tell her that I plan on getting with her dad and uncle to figure out how to put an end to their piece of shit brother. But that’s for a later time.
“Well, the most important part is that we’re doing it together. Do you know how excited I am to get to hold you without tubes and wires?” And to be able to lie down. My back is killing me.
“Me too. It’s just not the same when there’s nurses coming in every few hours.” The corner of her cheek lifts in a slow smile. “Tell Brent he’s still in charge. I’m keeping you to myself for a while.”
All of the tension melts out of my limbs as she pulls into the driveway of the ranch. “That I can do, baby. I’m all yours.”
Damn adorable
Sophia
Lori’s green eyes flywide when Oliver and I walk in the main door.
“Oh my gosh! Welcome home!” She rushes over to give me a big hug, our belly bumps competing for space between us.
Dad gets up from the table with Ben nested into his shoulder. “Oliver, welcome. Please, make yourself at home.” Their palms meet in a warm handshake.
“Thanks.” Ollie gives him a lopsided smile.
All this time, I’ve been at his house. Knowing he’ll be living here almost makes it feel more…official.
Even Ceasar is happy to see us. His dark tail wags from his bed before he jumps up to playfully dance at our feet.
“He’s missed you.” Lori idly pats the dog’s head, then turns towards the kitchen. “I have dinner cooking so you two can rest.”
“She says while being nine months pregnant.” I roll my eyes so Dad can see. “I’m going to help Ollie get comfortable and then I’ll be in to kick you out of the way.”
