“Dallas? Baby, you ok?” It was Luke. He was in the room, but I was too scared to look. “Hey…,” he said softly pulling the cover back from over my face. My body was shaking and I had broken out into a cold sweat. “Shit baby, I’m sorry. I just went to the kitchen to grab something to drink. I’m here.” He climbed in beside me and took my hand bringing it to his lips.
“Promise me you w-will take me with you next time,” I demanded still shaking.
“I promise baby. I won’t leave your side,” he said without hesitation. “You hungry?” My stomach growled on cue. I was starving.
“Yes.”
“Well come on and I’ll feed you,” he said smiling piecing my heart back together.
“I need some clothes and the bathroom,” I said looking at him trying to express my need for patience.
“Ok baby, whatever you need.” He started to stand and I pulled his hand back. He looked at me expectantly; ready to jump at my every command.
“I’m not crazy Luke,” I said shamefully and not very convincing. He pulled me onto his lap and softly ran his hand down the good side of my face.
“I know you’re not crazy. You have every right to be upset right now. This will take time, but I’m here for you.” He leaned forward and when his lips were an inch from mine he paused looking into my eyes, searching for permission. I leaned into his kiss. Luke had kissed me many different ways. I can always decipher what mood he is in when he does it. This time there was nothing but love. This man cared for me and I knew it. He would go to the end of the Earth for me. I felt it in my heart.
He had a lot of explaining to do, and a lot of holes to fill in, but there was no doubt in my mind that he loved me.
“I love you Dallas Knox. I will tell you everything, whenever you are ready.” I smiled my best smile. The one he loved. The one he compared to Christmas morning.
“Ok, but you have to feed me first.”
I was dressed and ready to face the day. I had a lot weighing on my brain, but my plan was to take it one day, one story, and one step at a time. Luke held my hand as promised when we walked to the kitchen. I stopped in my tracks when I saw that my living room and kitchen was filled with people. Every club member and ol lady was there for me. They all stood and took turns hugging me and telling me they loved me.
Even Lindsey was there. Maddie was sitting in the corner of the room. She didn’t stand to hug me, but gave me a small smile. I knew she didn’t want to be here. I smiled weakly back at her then looked around the room at my family. These people loved me. They were willing to fight and put their life on the line just for me. I had stumbled through life thinking that the best things could be bought with money. I had put relationships, families, and friends on a back burner just to climb the ladder of success. I was a different person now. I had a family that loved me, a best friend that was irreplaceable, and a man who I would give my very own life for. I had prayed for a damsel-in-distress moment once. Little did I know that that one defining moment in my life saved me from myself.