Here With Me

If they weren’t aware of something between us before, I’m pretty sure everyone’s onto us now. He pushes me slowly down the hall, decorated in Christmas trees and tinsel garlands.

“It feels silly to be the one in the wheelchair,” I mutter.

“You just take it easy. Your lungs are still healing.”

To be honest, I do feel like I’m just getting over a really bad case of pneumonia. I get weak really easily, and if I start coughing, it sounds like I’ve been smoking two packs a day for twenty years. The doctor says I need to drink lots of water and take steamy showers and all kinds of lung-cleansing rituals.

We’re finally outside the hospital, and Sawyer takes my hand again, helping me out of the chair. He holds my hand all the way to his waiting truck in the circle drive, but before he opens my door, he turns my back to the cab, leaning closer. I love the feel of his body pressing against mine.

“I’m taking you home, but I’m not leaving until you’re one hundred percent, okay?”

Smiling up at him, I tilt my head to the side. “What if I want you to stay longer?”

“I’m sure we can work something out.” Dipping his chin, he kisses me briefly, but I slide my hands higher to his

neck, bringing him closer for a longer kiss.

I want him to know I’ve changed. I want this now as much as he does.

We hold hands the short drive to my apartment, and he grabs my small bag out of the bed of the truck before helping me down and leading me to my door. He knocks on the door then gives me a funny look.

“What are you doing?” I shake my head putting my key in the lock.

The door opens before I have a chance to turn it, and my heart almost stops when everyone yells Surprise! Inside, my apartment is decorated with balloons and streamers. A big banner says Welcome Home, and I almost start to cry when I see on my desk a brand-new Apple computer and a small stack of office supplies.

Noel races forward to hug me. “Jeff said the insurance check is on the way, but this should get you started.”

Looking over her shoulder, Ma is right behind her waiting for a hug. Taron is by my bookshelf holding Dove. William is in the kitchen waving, and Deacon is beside him with his hands in his pockets. My sister Tamara is here with her little daughter Boo, and even Mrs. Irene is in a wheelchair with Ramona and Miss Jessica standing beside her.

“You all!” Tears are in my eyes as Ma hugs me hard.

“I’m so glad you’re back on your feet.” She straightens, and I see she’s been crying. “To think I could have lost you. And my hero!”

She steps to the side, pulling Sawyer into a tight squeeze. “You saved my baby.”

“I’m just glad we had that meeting scheduled.”

Deacon hands me a card signed by the Dallas crew. I hug him and William.

“Don’t worry, darling, I booked an Airbnb a few blocks away.” He nods toward Sawyer. “I expect you to be spending all your time with the hero.”

I smile, feeling my heart expanding with joy. “You didn’t even give me a chance to worry about what I lost.” I slowly make my way around the group, hugging everybody. “Y’all are the best friends.”

We hang out a few hours until I start to get tired. Mrs. Irene jokes I’m turning into one of them.

“Only temporarily!” I cry, hugging her as Ramona wheels her to the car.

She leans closer and whispers loudly, “Your aura is glowing purple. It’s time.”

I feel my cheeks turning pink, and I give her another hug before straightening.

Deacon shakes Sawyer’s hand. “Take care of my best client.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got her.” I’m glad to see the two of them acting a bit friendlier.

Ma gives me the tenth hug of the evening. Then does the same to Sawyer. “I feel better knowing you’re here.”

I’m not sure she’d say that if she knew all the naughty things I hope he’s planning to do with me tonight.