The Amendment (The Contract 2)

“Once I’m done, they’re yours,” Aiden announced, lifting his coffee cup to his mouth. “A donation from Richard.”

I didn’t object. “To say thank you,” I added.

Colin grasped my hand and shook it hard. “That is awesome.”

I glanced at Aiden. “How do I say thank you to you?”

He flashed his teeth. “I’ll take it in sweat.”He meant those words. After Colin left, Aiden and Maddox laid out my schedule. I swallowed my pride and the angry words I felt rise to my lips and accepted it. The exercise routine. The massage. The goals. The counseling. I knew it all had to happen. My priorities had to be reset, and I needed my girls back as soon as possible.

I had been such a bastard. I didn’t even know if Katy could forgive me, but I knew I had to try. My entire life was at stake. Losing my family would end me, even if I had been the one to cause it.

I looked up, forcing the words from my mouth. “The goals—me walking isn’t listed.”

Aiden shook his head. “Nope. My goal is to make your legs strong. Reengage your muscles. Reset your focus on living your life now. Clear away the negative shit you’ve built up. Colin will be here with me every day, making sure it’s done properly. He’s the professional at this, not me. I’m going to push you and build your endurance and strength. That’s my thing. And we’re adding massage to help.” He paused and took a sip of his coffee. “And you have a session every day with a counselor. Not a psychiatrist. This guy—Randy—specializes in helping people like you. He comes highly recommended.”

“He’ll come here?”

“Yes. He likes his clients to be comfortable.”

I was certain that wasn’t going to be the case, yet I knew I had to try. I couldn’t open up to my own wife, so talking about my fears with a stranger seemed doubtful.

Aiden must have seen my indecision, and he offered me his perspective.

“I didn’t think I needed counseling, but once I started, I realized the benefit.”

I lifted my eyebrow in a silent question.

He set down his coffee. “I can say anything I want to my counselor. There’s no judgment on her part. She listens and offers me ways to deal with things I’m going through, or how to lay memories to rest. I don’t have to choose my words or edit my thoughts. She isn’t personally involved, the way Cami would be for me, or Katy for you. She has that divide. I often share with Cami, but it comes from a different perspective, if you know what I mean. My thoughts are clearer, so I can tell her what I’m thinking, often without the pain permeating my thoughts.” He studied me. “You need some help to come to terms, Richard. To find your determination and, frankly, your balls. You gotta try.” His voice softened. “Remember who you’re doing this for. Yourself, of course—but also, your family.”

I knew what he was saying, and I let my gaze drift to the window.

“Will this make the pain worse?” I asked.

Maddox and Aiden exchanged a look. Aiden bent forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

“I went through all your reports with Colin. He told me your doctor believes the pain might be psychosomatic.”

I snorted. “How can I imagine something like that?”

“The brain is a mysterious thing, Richard. The power of your own mind is limitless.”

“Why would I do that, of all things? Add pain?”

He sat back, pursing his lips. “That is something only you would know. Maybe in some twisted way, you’re trying to protect yourself.”

I waved my hand, dismissing his words. “That’s crazy.”

He shook his head. “Nope, it’s fact. Regardless, you’re going to work through the pain, and I promise what we’re going to do won’t make it worse. Now, the question is, are you going to try?”

I let his words soak in, and I made my decision. I handed my phone to Maddox.

“Take some pictures for me. I want to send them to Katy.”

He grinned. “Okay.”

I met Aiden’s stare. “Let’s do this.”I peered over the edge of the pool. I was desperate to get in and cool off after the workout from Aiden. He wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to push me. I had worked out with him and Maddox on occasion when I was in Toronto, and I’d thought he was a high achiever then, but under his direction? He was a tyrant. He went through all the exercises I had been doing with Colin, added in some of his own, and watched me like a hawk, constantly badgering me.

“Show me some effort, Richard.”

“Gracie can do better than that. Push it!”

“Go ahead, get angry, Richard. Use it and show me you meant what you said. Work!”

“Use the pain, Richard. Push past it. Think of what you are going to gain.”