Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Fine, yes, we should be there in about thirty minutes,” she tells her sister. “Yeah, I'll call Mom. Love you too. Bye.” She ends the call.
“All set?” There is no need to ask about the call. I know Gabby isn't my biggest fan, at least not anymore. I walk to where she's sitting on the side of the bed.
“Yes, please. I'm ready for a shower and some clean clothes.” She stands, and I place my hand on the small of her back, ready to help her if she needs me.
“We'll get you home, and while you're showering, I'll get you something to eat, both of you.” I place my other hand over her still flat belly.
“I feel fine.”
“Good.” Leaning in, I kiss her temple. “It's my job to make sure it stays that way.” She grumbles and then tries to tell the nurse she's capable of walking and doesn't need a wheelchair. She loses that fight too. Once she's in my truck and has her seat belt fastened, I rush to the driver’s side and climb in. Looking over at her, sitting here with me again, brings a flood of memories rushing back. This woman is my world, and I was a fool to not fight for her. Reaching over, I lace my fingers through hers and rest our hands on her thigh. With one hand, I manage to put the truck in drive and pull out of the lot.
“Looks like you've marked something off your list,” she says softly.
Glancing over, I see she's staring out the window. “What's that?” I wish we were stationary so I could look at her eyes, watch her facial expressions, but I keep my eyes on the road. I have precious cargo on board. No way am I risking either of them.
“Holding my hand in your truck.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Get used to this.” I pull her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles.
“Are you sure about this, Harrison? Are we doing the right thing?”
“Yes.” There is zero hesitation in my answer. “We're doing… well, I’m doing what I should have done a long time ago. I should have fought, Winnie, and this time, I'm going to.”
“I want that,” she says softly.
“Me too, baby. Me too.” The rest of the ride home is silent as we both get lost in our thoughts. For me, I'm forming a plan. A plan to prove to her that I'm worth a second chance. To prove that she and this baby are my number one. I need to make some changes at the gym, and from this day forward, nothing will come before either of them.
Nothing.
“Stay put,” I tell her as soon as we pull into the driveway. I climb out of the truck and rush to her side. Stubborn as she is, she already has her belt off and the door open. Gently, I place my hands on her hips and lift her from the truck. Her feet are on the ground for mere seconds, before I’m lifting her, cradling her in my arms.
“Harrison,” she squeals. “I can walk.”
“I know you can,” I say, my lips next to her ear. “But I can carry you. Let me take care of you, Winnie.”
I know she's given in when she rests her head on my chest and loops her arms around my neck. I slow my gait, wanting to savor this time with her in my arms. It's been too damn long. When we reach the front door, I set her on her feet, but keep my hands on her waist. I'm pushing my luck, but I can't seem to help myself.
Not when it comes to her.
“Head on up to the shower,” I tell her. “I'll make you something to eat. Anything sound good?”
She bites her bottom lip and nods. “Your grilled cheese. No matter how many times I've tried, I can't seem to make them like you do.”
I want to puff out my chest and beat against it with my fist; my girl needs me. Instead, I slide my hand under her hair and cradle the back of her neck. Leaning in, I place a feather-soft kiss on her forehead. “I've got you,” I tell her. I mean more than the grilled cheese, and by the way she's peering up at me, she gets my double meaning. Reluctantly, I drop my hand and watch her walk upstairs to the master bedroom. The one we shared, the one I hope to share with her again soon.
I'm in the kitchen gathering everything I need to make her my famous grilled cheese when her cell rings. Tracing back to the front door, I find her bag sitting on the floor, her cell sticking out of the side pocket. Grabbing it, I see Gabby, my sister-in-law’s name flash on the screen. I'm sure she just wants to make sure she got home okay, and I don't want her to worry, so I answer.