“Troy is okay. We’re going to take him home, watch a movie, and then read him a book. The doctor cleared him. He’s going to be fine. I promise.”
“I thought it was your night alone?” I turn my face into her neck. Her laughter vibrates against my lips.
“Screw being alone. There’s no place else I’d rather be than with my two favorite guys.”
“God, I love you. I don’t know what I would have done without you today.”
“Hey.” Sutton pulls back, cupping my cheeks. “You are never going to have to find out. I love you. Forever. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yeah?”
She nods, pressing her lips to my forehead. “You’re stuck with me, Derek.”
“Good.”
“Sorry to interrupt.” Jameson peeks his head inside the room. “The doctor just came to look Troy over and cleared him to be released. He’s asking for pizza and stickers.”
I laugh. Sutton is still holding me, but hearing Troy’s requests, I know he’s okay. “I owe you, Jameson. Thank you.”
He waves me off. “You’re family. I’d do anything for my family.”
Before he can leave, I walk over and give him a hug. “Thank you. For everything.”
“I’m here for you. For all of you. Gunnar too. Whatever you need, just let us know.”
“Thank you.”
My head is cloudy as a headache settles between my eyes.
“Come on.” Sutton holds the door open for me. “Let’s go get Troy and head home together.”
Together. That’s all I ever needed to hear.
The only family I’ll ever need.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
DEREK
The house is quiet. The sun is trying to peek out through the morning clouds, but it’s a dull, gray morning. Only the chirping birds can be heard. It’s peaceful—precisely what I need. After the day I had yesterday, a cup of coffee and quiet is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Sleep didn’t come easy. I tossed and turned all night. I know it kept Sutton up late, but I know she fell asleep sometime after midnight.
After that, I had to get up to make sure Troy was okay. I think I checked on him five times. How anyone was able to sleep, I don’t know.
“Hey.”
I turn my head, seeing Sutton shuffle outside. Pillow lines are embedded in her cheek. The matching black-and-white pajama set shows off her long legs.
“Hey. Is Troy still asleep?”
She nods, dropping down into my lap. “He is. I checked on him before I came out here.”
“Good.” I rub my hand over Sutton’s leg. “I’m hoping he’ll sleep for a bit longer.”
“Did you get any sleep?” Sutton cards her hand through my hair.
I lean into her touch. “Maybe an hour?”
