Gently, I take it and examine it, realizing all my favorite places are collaged so perfectly together across the canvas. FromBetty's Beans, Martha’s, my home and the harbor, it’s all somehow there, fit perfectly together.
“Sunny,” I breathe. “This is incredible.” I swallow the knot forming in my throat, and it’s this moment I realize the true weight she has on me. Never did I think a fucking painting would choke me up, yet here I am.
She places a finger to her lips with a secretive smile. “Don’t tell the others.” Then, she turns on a heel and ascends the stairs.
When I can no longer see her, my eyes fall back to the painting. My fingers trace over the paint, noticing the finer details she put effort into. From the names Sam and I carved into a brick the day I bought this home, to the chipped paint outside of Martha’s.
I fucking love her.
Once everyone is showered, mugs of hot cocoa are passed around as everyone settles in the couches. In tradition, everyone proudly wears their matching pajamas.
I’m at the end of the couch with Sunny right next to me. When she leans into me, I become completely still, despite my heart fucking pummeling in my chest.
How is it we go from what we did at the beast, where it all came so easy, to this, right here. Where simply leaning into me is something that so easily halts my world?
She gives a once over at the family so comfortably sprawled across the couches. And as she does, her soft smile grows bigger. When she looks up at me, there’s something in her eyes that I can’t read, but know I love.
Because it isn’t so scared, anymore.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
SUNNY
Normally,the winter months call for busier days in the emergency room, especially on holidays. But not today. With the empty rooms and all my snacks already eaten, it looks like such a contrast to last week where we had gurneys lined in the hallways.
Amidst the chaos of the hospital holiday season, I haven’t had much of a chance to see the family since Christmas day. Overtime shifts have been offered with generous incentives, so I couldn’t say no considering my savings took a hit coming here.
Considering the down time, I decide to catch up on the family thread where several messages are waiting to be read about our plans tonight.
New Year's Eve.
Naturally, the celebration will be held at Tyler's place, with a rooftop firework show over the harbor and a fire-pit to roast s’mores.
It’s like he knows he’s been summoned in my mind, because a text in our personal thread pops up.
Want to help me with dinner prep? You can come here instead of going straight home.
Either he forgot I’m at work or doesn’t care. I glance around again, making sure there aren’t any ambos or people in the waiting room.
I respond.
Funny you text me at such a convenient time, looks like I may be getting off early. Low census today.
His response is within seconds.
I’ll be there in ten minutes to pick you up.
My brows crease as I type and delete, type and delete. Before I can even send my text, our charge nurse, Tara, is calling my name.
“Sunny! We are sending you home!”
Ten minutes later, I’m walking out of the hospital into the frigid air, where I see Tyler leaning against his truck with two coffees from Betty’s Beans in hand. With each step I take, his smile grows bigger.
“Coffee snob buys coffee that he doesn’t like?” I fake a gasp.
“Only for you.” He winks, planting a kiss on my forehead.
It’s effortless for him, isn’t it? To care for me. Something I didn’t think was but actually is.
