Bryn nodded without saying a word.He headed up to the door and entered the key code to get inside.From there, he walked through the house, flicking lights on as he went, until he reached the door leading to the attached garage.He pressed the automatic opener, watching as the large garage door lumbered open.A few minutes later, he pulled the SUV inside the garage and killed the engine.
Bryn moved slowly as she joined him.He grabbed their grocery items, then closed the garage door to hide the car from the street.After setting the groceries on the counter, he began putting things away, watching with concern as Bryn gingerly walked through the open-concept kitchen and living room.
“I’ll look at your feet in a moment.”He set the package of bandages he’d purchased off to the side.“Just sit and rest, okay?”
“Yeah.”She looked despondent as she sank into the plush living room chair.“This is a nice place.”
He’d barely noticed but now realized she was right.Rex had done good.He needed to call his boss, but he wanted to examine Bryn’s feet first.
He put the last of the groceries away, then filled a bowl with warm water.He found a washcloth and towel in the bathroom, then carried everything into the living room, setting them on the table beside her.
“Let’s take a look.”He knelt before her, carefully removing her shoes and socks.
“I can do that,” she protested.
“Let me.”He glanced up at her, searching her gaze for a moment.Then he winced when he saw the bloody blisters.“Wow.These must hurt like crazy.”
“They sting.Stupid shoes weren’t made for running,” she muttered.
“I’m sorry.”He wished he could have done something different to avoid the injuries.“Looks like you have two blisters on each foot.One on each big toe and another along the back of your heels.”
“I see that.”She sighed.“I guess it could be worse.”
Remembering Lori’s dead body, he had to admit that was true.Bloody blisters were better than being shot in the chest.Yet he still didn’t like seeing her hurt.Especially over something that wasn’t her fault.
After washing the blood away, he wrapped the towel around her feet to dry them.When that was done, he applied antibiotic ointment to her blisters before carefully bandaging them.He wished now that he’d have purchased two boxes of bandages, but he hadn’t realized she had multiple blisters.
“Let me get the new socks.”He rose and carried the blood-tinged water to the sink.He brought the socks back, knelt at her side, and carefully slipped them on over the bandages.
“T-thank you.”Her voice hitched.
Alarmed, he looked up to see she was crying again.“Bryn, don’t.Please don’t cry.”
“I’m not.”Her voice was a strangled whisper as more tears rolled down her cheeks.Micah couldn’t stand it, so he leaned forward and pulled her into his arms.To his surprise, she buried her face in his chest.
“It’s okay.”He stroked his hand down her back as her tears soaked his shirt.“I promise we’ll find a way to get through this.”
“Will we?”Her voice was thick with emotion.“I’ve been trying to have faith in God’s plan, but it’s not easy...”
He wasn’t convinced her suffering was part of God’s plan, but he didn’t want to say anything to make her even more upset.He knew Grady McFarland and his new wife, Lauren, were believers.His own past, being knocked around by his old man when he was drunk, then being left by his mother, wasn’t exactly conducive to attending church or believing in God.
“All we can do is pray that we’ll uncover the truth.Very soon.”He wondered if he should call Grady to get a quick tutorial in faith.“Please try to hang in there.The most important thing is that we’re safe.”
“Okay.”Her voice hitched again, but then she sniffled loudly.“I’ll try.”
“That’s my girl.”He held her for another long moment, until she lifted her head and looked up at him.He stared into her brown eyes, noting there was a hint of gold that rimmed her pupils.The urge to lean in and kiss her was strong.Micah did his best to ignore it.
Bryn didn’t need him to make a move on her.Not at a time like this.
“I appreciate your help,” she murmured.“I would probably be dead by now if not for you.”
“You’re stronger than you think.”He managed a smile.“Let’s find some tissues.”
Before he could stand, she brushed a chaste kiss against his cheek.He was humbled by her gesture, then reminded himself that she probably viewed him as her older brother.Tommy wasn’t here, so Micah was stepping into his shoes.
Which meant kissing was off the table.Now and forever.
Clearing his throat, he pushed himself to his feet and carried the bandages, washcloth, and towel to the bathroom.Maybe it was his imagination, but he could swear the skin on his cheek still tingled from her kiss.
