God, I hoped this wouldn’t mess my child up too badly.
But Hunter was stronger and more adaptable than I’d ever imagined. When he’d walked into that hospital room without hesitation, he wasn’t my little boy anymore. Overnight, he’d become a young man.
While I worried about Hunter being exposed to illness and death, he was busy worrying about me. I could feel it in the way he lingered longer each time we hugged.
At least he had that phone call to remember. That moment had impacted us all—like my father needed one last good deed to help balance all the bad he’d done.
I hoped he’d tipped his scale far enough.
I’d wanted Dad to be happy with me before he went. Secretly hoped to make amends for the shit we’d put each other through. To lay the ghosts of our past to rest.
Maybe in his mind, some of that was accomplished. Maybe talking to Hunter and seeing me was enough to give him peace.
Maybe I’d find peace with it too. Someday.
I’d been alone so long I’d forgotten it was by choice. But the world wasn’t closed off. I didn’t have to be alone anymore. There were good people out there. I just needed to be brave enough to let them in.
Without Caleb’s mischievous ways, I would’ve been alone when my father passed. Eric wouldn’t have been by my side, lending me strength. Without them, I’d have fallen into despair without a safety net to catch me.
“You look as exhausted as I feel.” My voice came out raw with emotion.
I’d been pacing the lounge, waiting for reality to sink in and for the coroner to collect my father’s body. I wasn’t required to wait, yet I couldn’t leave. I wanted to see him off properly, ensure he was still being cared for, even if just his body.
But time had stopped. I was anxious to move on, wipe this slate clean.
“I’m fine. You’re the one ready to collapse.” Eric shifted uncomfortably in the cheap hospital chair.
Why didn’t they have decent furniture? Didn’t they know people spent hours waiting while their lives fell apart?
“Come here, beautiful.”
He was right. I was ready to fall over. Constant movement was the only thing keeping me conscious. Maybe my pacing was an effort to hold grief at bay a little longer.
Eric’s strong arms were inviting. I surrendered to the comfort he offered, not caring when I practically fell into his lap. His solid thighs became an island of reprieve as I sank against him, engulfed by his embrace.
“Thank you. I don’t know if I could have done this on my own.”
“You absolutely could have, but I’m glad you didn’t have to. No need to be alone when I’m right here.”
“You are. You have been since we met. Why?”
I should’ve had more faith, but I still didn’t understand his motivation. What did he get from all this kindness?
“Because I want to be. Because I’ve never met someone more willing to give to others while expecting absolutely nothing in return.”
“Sounds like you’re describing yourself.”
“No, beautiful girl. I have very solid expectations of getting something back.” His dimpled smile was soft and sweet. “When I saw you with Caleb that first time, you gave him that gorgeous smile and I was gone. But when you cried in my arms?” His voice roughened. “I can’t explain it, Jamie. I just wanted to be the one to make you smile again. Because it feels so fucking good to make you happy. Collecting those joyful moments with you—that makes me feel like the luckiest man alive.”
Heat bloomed in my chest. “That was kind of poetic.”
I kissed his cheek, breathing in his familiar scent. “Having you here means more than I can express. You’ve been so reliable, even though I’ve made you prove yourself over and over. I’m sorry if I seem ungrateful.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m happy to prove myself to you, for as long as it takes.”
“I think it’s my turn to prove myself to you.” My lips sought his, inappropriate timing be damned.
He kissed me back, mouth soft and yielding. Comforting yet hot and enticing.
