The rest of the ride to Richland was more comfortable as they caught each other up on all that had happened in their lives over the last two months. They sympathized with each other as they shared their challenges, then laughed over silly things.
When they arrived at Tri-Cities Orthotics and Prosthetics, Damon felt the need to put the brakes on the friendship they were rapidly rekindling.
"You don't need to come in with me," he said before opening his door. Even though he wanted a friend by his side when he walked again for the first time.
"Well, it's cold out here, and I don't want to destroy the ozone by keeping the engine running while you're in there, so I'm coming in."
CHAPTER 30
Grace's heart did a happy dance in her chest as Damon motioned for her to follow him when they called him back.
She'd feared he'd make her stay in the waiting room, even though she ached to be by his side on this momentous occasion. They'd made some progress in the car, but she could tell Damon was holding back.
She held in a laugh as she thought about how the tables had turned since he came home for the wedding four and a half months ago.
She was still scared. Scared that he would walk away when she told him about her baby. Something she wished she’d found the courage to do a long time ago. She had to believe that they could work through anything.Ifshe could get him to love her again and trust that she wouldn’t desert him.
Grace sat off to the side, trying not to be intrusive as Damon was fitted for his prosthesis and listened to the many explanations and instructions. She caught herself biting her lip as he pulled on the Neoprene sleeve that looked like a sock then put on the silicone liner that would create stability with the prosthetic.
He glanced at her, the hesitation on his face saying he needed reassurance.
She gave him her biggest smile as she shifted to sit in the chair beside him.
"Now, it's not going to be a perfect fit," said Joel, the prosthetic technician who looked like he was in his late thirties. "That's why we call this afitting. It's going to take some work to perfect exactly what you need."
After the liner with the locking pin was in place, Joel asked, "How does that feel?" He kept talking before Damon could answer. "It needs to be snug, but we don't want to cut off your circulation either."
"It feels good, I think."
Joel then showed him how to lock the pin into the prosthetic leg. "Good. Now, straighten and bend your knee." He had Damon do a few other simple movements to help him adjust to the feel of having a full limb there again. Then he gave him a broad smile. "Are you ready to stand?"
Damon's hand trembled as he swiped it over his brow. He gave a sharp nod.
"You might feel a little off balance or insecure at first—things you're used to, I'm sure. The important thing to remember is you're not alone." Joel got to his feet. "I'm going to hold one hand, and your wife will hold the other."
"I'm not?—"
"She's not my wife." Damon's words were quick and sharp.
"Sorry," Joel gave a stiff smile. "Your girlfriend will hold the other."
Grace bit her tongue, waiting for Damon to set Joel straight.
"She's not my girlfriend either."
The words caused a sharp prick in Grace's chest.
“Sister?” Joel’s brows pulled together.
When Grace shook her head, Joel looked at Damon. “What are you waiting for man? A woman as pretty as her..." He winked at Grace. "...who's willing to stick with you through this?" He tilted his head toward Damon's leg. "You should put a ring on that already."
"Are we going to do this or what?" Irritation laced Damon's words.
"Let's do it." Joel held out his hand, and Grace did the same.
For a moment, she feared Damon would reject her outstretched hand. She breathed a sigh of relief when he finally slipped his hand into hers. It was neither as calloused nor as strong as she remembered. In fact, Grace detected a slight tremor.
She squeezed. "You've got this."
