“I had a feeling you might say that.” His eyes glanced to Jaxon’s for a beat before returning to mine. “Now, honestly speaking, there’s no rush. Deborah is going to retire within the next year. We’ve spoken and run it by the administration at length. If you’re ready next week, she’ll happily retire early; otherwise, you can take the full year. She’s good either way.”
“Wow, I . . . I’m speechless.” I could hardly believe the opportunity he was presenting me was real. It was also a huge relief to have one less thing to worry about.
I was so grateful.
“On that note, this isn’t goodbye; it’s until I see you again.”
“Thank you, Doctor Holt, for everything. Truly, you’ve been amazing through this whole ordeal,” I said, placing my hand over my heart.
“Yes, thank you, Doctor. We’re forever in your debt,” Jaxon echoed.
“Just doing my job. Now go on, Fisher, get your girl out of here. I’d say she’s more than earned a change in scenery.”
We all laughed because the past four weeks had felt like Groundhog Day.
“I can’t argue that.” I stood up from the bed and moved between the footrests, easing myself into the wheelchair seat. “Okay, handsome, time to put your money where your mouth is and take me home.”
“Ten-four, my love.” He leaned down and kissed the side of my neck before making our way out to the parking lot.
As soon as we were settled and Jaxon started his car, I rolled down my window. I didn’t have a hair tie, but I didn’t let that deter me. With the music up and my hair tickling my face as it danced in the wind, I breathed in the rush of fresh air that filled my lungs without a single care in the world.
A simple pleasure that was easy to take for granted felt new and invigorating.
Once we entered Sutton River, I took in all the beauty our small town had to offer. From the quaint little shops in the heart of Main Street, all family-owned and cared for with pride, to the farmer’s market, where there was never a shortage of fresh stock of fruits and vegetables.
I’d always loved the real sense of community here, but now that familiar, nostalgic feeling that made me smile felt even more meaningful now.
The fresh scent of coffee roasting caught my attention as we drove past Beans and Beyond. I turned my head, admiring the cute little setup of tables and chairs with fresh flowers on each table under its large awning in front of its storefront window.
“Did you want me to turn around and get you anything from the cafe?”
“No, I’m anxious to get home, but I’d like you to take me one day soon.”
“Absolutely, whenever you want. I’m here to grant all your wishes.” His tone dripped with playful intent.
I angled my head toward him with my eyes widening. “Oh, how many do I get?”
“An infinite amount.”
“Is there a magical stick I need to rub for those wishes?” I couldn’t hide my smirk as I tried to say those words with a straight face.
“I mean, I wouldn’t say no.”
I returned his smile and leaned my head against the headrest. The past month had felt like an eternity. I thought I knew what to expect after going through physical therapy years ago following my car accident, but this was a whole different experience entirely, on a level I never could have anticipated, since it wasn’t just my legs that were affected.
The days were long and tedious. Some felt like I was trying to conquer Everest, never having trained a single day in my life, while others gave me hope when my body responded as it should. Through every moment of it, Jaxon was by my side. He never once wavered in his praise and encouragement, even when my frustrations were running high at times. He helped me dig deep and push through every hurdle thrown in my path designed to trip me up.
When Doctor Holt initially warned me I might not be able to go home for upward of eight weeks, I had myself a pity party for one. Jaxon held me as I cried for what felt like hours. I needed that time to feel the heaviness, shed every doubt and negative thought, so that I could replace them with a fighter’s mentality. I knew that if I dug deep enough, I could summon every ounce of willpower and resilience I needed because my life was worth fighting for.
Surrendering wasn’t an option.
Beating the doctor’s timeline by half felt amazing, but nothing was better than feeling in control again.
“Ah, this feels so good.” Jaxon’s words broke through my thoughts as I looked out the front window to see him pulling into our driveway. “Finally, bringing you home with me.” He lifted the hand of mine that he’d been holding and pressed his lips to my skin.
The only reason he ever left my side was to grab a fresh set of clothes or food. He’d spent every night camped beside my bed on a narrow armchair that pulled out into a makeshift bed. I felt so bad every night when he refused to share mine, claiming he didn’t want to disturb me at all and reserved cuddling for the daytime when I wasn’t knee-deep in physiotherapy.
While returning to his old house wasn’t what I’d initially envisioned, it made the most sense as it was a bungalow with no stairs for me to navigate. But that wasn’t the only obvious reason, since it was our only option.
