Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 71768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 359(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 359(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
I cried harder.
I’d colored with Viera after they died. After Monica and Brooks left us.
After the fights with Rip.
After the making up.
The horrible chicken.
The lovemaking.
“The youngest likes to draw pictures of killing the cat. Don’t worry, they just have a weird war going on, may the strongest survive and all that.” He smiled at me while the doctor moved to check my IV.
At this point I couldn’t stop staring at Rip. My forever.
Mine.
A year ago I would have asked if this was some cruel joke about the life we could have if he pulled his head out of his ass.
“I didn’t realize I would be that protective of a dad until the oldest had a jujitsu match and I felt the need to go talk some sense into the little shit that was mean to him.” He smiled at the doctor, who looked at him with polite awkwardness.
The memory of Rip running out onto the mats flashed into my head.
Rip running through the gym.
A kid having attitude.
Was it a dream?
It felt like a dream.
But I knew it was true.
After all, hadn’t I been the one trying to film it on my phone?
I laughed despite the tears. “Still going to post that video.”
“Thank God.” Rip reached for me, doctor be damned. “I finally found you, Colby. Please,” Rip pleaded. “Please remember us. Remember your forever.” He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to me.
It was a small picture of demons.
It said, “my family.”
I smiled down at the cute page as a tear fell onto it.
“Mom and Dad are angels,” Viera said at bedtime. It wasn’t the first time she had said that. “They talk to me at night, and Mama says that she’s safe.”
“Great, honey, I’m so glad you’re not as sad as before.”
“Sad? Nope. They real! I knows it!”
“Even better.” I kissed her head. “I bet your mom and dad are the best angels in heaven.”
“Duh.” She laughed.
My memory flashed forward to the sirens, and then dialing Rip of all people before my phone was taken away from me. I said a few words to him, he was yelling.
And then I heard voices.
So many hushed voices about my vitals.
My body gave a jerk as I slowly looked over at Rip, at the tears staining his cheeks along with the smile he saved only for me. Other than a few bandages and the horrible headache, I suddenly realized I’d escaped pretty unscathed, all things considering.
“Are the kids”—I burst into tears—“are they OK? I’m so sorry, I just, I couldn’t not react, Rip! I remember, of course I remember, it was just a bit fuzzy.”
“That’s normal.” The doctor started talking until Rip shot him a glare that said to shut up and stop ruining our moment.
Rip moved around the doc and pulled me into his arms again. “You remember the kids? You remember—”
“How could I forget our crazy, chaotic life? The doctor said some memories might be fuzzy or feel strange as I heal over the next few days. I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” I sobbed against him.
Dr. Jennings cleared his throat. “I’m going to give you some privacy. Your neuro checks are coming back to normal. It appears like the swelling’s gone down significantly. We weren’t sure if it would be a few hours or a few days.” He started to walk away, and then called back, “Your family sounds perfect.”
I thought back on the chaos and whispered, “It is.”
EPILOGUE
Rip
One Year Later
Colby was going to drive me to drink.
And I loved her.
But I mean, sledding? At six months pregnant?
I tried not to lose my mind when Colby toppled over in two feet of snow.
She was fine.
It was all fine.
I was going to turn into a helicopter fiancé if I didn’t rein it in. She waved over at me, I waved back.
“Losing your shit.” Banks hit me on the back and handed me a cup of coffee. “Don’t worry, I spiked it.” He waved at Colby. “She’s the best.”
“Mine,” I growled.
“I know, that’s why I gave you this mug.”
I looked down and groaned. “Will do chores for a BJ.”
“Great.” I sighed.
Banks motioned her over while Ben and Viera started building a snowman. When she approached, he grinned and then ran off toward the kids. He was incorrigible.
But it was nice to keep him around.
After the accident it had taken a while for Colby to recover physically, and we’d both shed tears over the random man with the name Brooks.
I’d thought her accident would set me back.
Instead it helped me grieve in a way I’d never been able to before.
Because now I knew that nothing was promised.
It was often messy.
But worth it.
I didn’t have all the answers.
But what I did know?
Life isn’t easy.
But it’s good.
So damn good.
“Nice cup.” Colby crossed her arms. “You trying to send me a message, Rip?”