Page 77 of Rising Star

She watched me but added nothing for a beat. “It’s just...I didn’t wanna miss another opportunity with you. The accident made me think. Well, that’s all I could do when stuck to that bed. Life is unpredictable. Not missing out is something I’ll value more.” She reached for my hand. “Sam, I’m sorry. For pushing you away. You’ve been nothing but amazing to me. It was inconsiderate.”

I swallowed. “I thought I’d lose my mind. It just…it felt like I was being left behind again,” I said. “I hate fighting with you.”

We remained silent, lost in each other for a long minute.

My fingertips traced the length of her scar across her hip. “Does it hurt?”

“It’s not as sensitive as my leg. It’s more like a tingling sensation. If my leg wasn’t hurting so much, maybe I’d consider the pain worse. Does it make sense?”

“Yeah. About your leg. The recovery is going to be long. But we’ll get you the best specialists and physical therapists to look after you on the road. This is not a topic open for discussion, so don’t try to get out of it.”

“Sam, Riley and Ems took care of everything. They’re the masterminds behind my being here. They have set up appointments all over the country to fit your schedule. Doris will stay for a while until I can get back to my feet and follow the girls around. If it weren’t for your friend and my sister, I would still be miserable in Nashville while you’re here. We’d still be apart.”

I blinked. “They are? Wait, Ry said nothing about bringing you back. He never even mentioned anything.”

“Emily neither. I learned coming to you was an option one hour before getting on that plane.” Madison watched me, sucking in a breath. “Are we okay?”

“We are. Or we will be.”

“How are the girls?”

“They miss you. But I missed you more.” I couldn’t hide the smile in my words.

“Whoa, that’s a big claim to make,” she said, a grin anchored to her face.

“My kids love you, but I’m in love with you. It means a whole lot fucking more.”

“I love you too.”

“You have no idea the impact of those four words on me right now. When I got that call…I thought I’d lost you.”

“Never. And Sam?”

“Yes, babe?”

“I’m relieved to be home. You’re my home. The three of you are.”

“That’s all I’m asking for. Your love. And to build something together,” I confessed.

Tears glistened in her eyes. And a comfortable silence settled between us.

My fingertips brushed her cheek, smoothed the length of her lips, and pushed her hair back.

A quick shower later, I returned to bed. Sleep claimed Madison as we held onto each other under the covers, never breaking apart. I shaped my front to her back, and my arms wrapped around her waist, where her hands rested on mine. The sound of her breathing acted like a balm to my heart.

I listened to the steady rhythm, fearing if I joined her in sleep, I’d miss out on something. Her words from earlier replayed in my head.

Life is unpredictable. Not missing out is something I’ll value more.

I agreed.

My lips found her nape, and I kissed the soft skin there. Madison pushed herself closer to me and muttered something. My mouth cherished the bare skin of her shoulder and the side of her neck.

A muffled purr emanated from her, and I wished I could record the sound.

Lyrics that mirrored my feelings played in my head.

There’s no more clouds shadowing us from above