“I fought like you told me to, and as far as your release, it was nothing more than quick thinking and a stroke of luck.” Her answer only spurred more questions rather than answer them.
“Explain. It’s a long ride to Summit. You might as well get it out of the way now.” She huffed and I knew I had her. I made her start with the morning she left the hearing up until she came to get me. I was torn between pride and anger at the risks she took to get the upper hand but decided not to get hung up on them.
By the time we made it to the hospital, I was completely on edge. I needed to get up there and see my best friend, but first, I had one more thing to do.
I jumped out as soon as she parked so I could open the door for her, and then I took her hand in mine and lifted her out. Once the door was closed, I backed her against it and shoved my fingers in her hair. I rested my forehead on hers and breathed her in as well as the knowledge that she was alive and stronger than ever. I searched for the right words, but only two came to mind.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For saving me… again.”
“Again?”
“Again,” I repeated. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew without her, I’d be either in prison or dead by now.
“Well, in that case, you’re welcome… again.” I smiled because no matter what, she would always be a handful. “Come on. I’m sure Dash is just as anxious to see you. I told him we were coming.”
We walked hand in hand as she led me to his room. When we reached his room, I saw Keenan in the corner whispering—likely something dirty—in Sheldon’s ear while she giggle and fingered his shirt. Ken sat in one of the chairs, clutching a tablet.
“Did the Ninjas save the day again?”
Her head popped up at the sound of my voice. Keenan and Sheldon also ceased their make out session. “Uncle Keke!” She tossed the tablet in the seat next to her and wiggled her way down to run over to me. I was ready for her and scooped her up. Lake casually disappeared inside Dash’s room. “Daddy said you were playing hide and seek. Did you win?”
I looked over her head and raised an eyebrow at my brother. He shrugged as he walked over with his arm around Sheldon. “It’s nice to see you walk among the free again.” His tone was light, but his searching gaze was heavy with uncertainty given the last time we spoke.
“I’m okay,” I offered and set Ken down. He didn’t look surprised that I read his mind. He nodded and let go of Sheldon to embrace me. Sheldon took her turn next, and when I let her go, the door to Dash’s room opened and Willow came out. She froze when she saw me but then rushed forward and threw her arms around me.
“I thought we lost you again,” she whispered.
“Me too.”
“So you’re not going to turn into crazy, evil douche again, right? Because I’ll put you down. I’ll do it.” I burst out laughing—not because I thought she was joking but because she looked completely serious.
“I promise if I do, you have first dibs.”
She offered a satisfied nod. “Dash is awake, but Lake is in there right now.”
It was my turn to nod and say, “I’ll wait.” A few minutes later, Lake emerged deep in thought. I watched her, willing her to look up, but she didn’t. She simply walked into a nearby restroom and shut the door. I sat there for another moment debating whether to go after her, but then Willow placed a hand on my shoulder.
“I’ll talk to her and see what’s up.” I hesitated because I knew Willow would talk to her, girls had a code just like we did. Most rarely kept to it, but girls like Lake, Willow, and Sheldon did.
Whatever it is… I’d get it out of her later.
I let Willow go after her and made my way into Dash’s room. He was sitting up and fiddling with his phone.
“Were you waiting for an invitation?” he smirked and lowered his phone.
“I had to stave off the welcoming party.”
“The girls can get pretty emotional,” he agreed. “Keenan included.” He laughed but then leaned his head back with a frown as he rubbed his chest.
“Hurts like a bitch, doesn’t it?”
“I still can’t believe Keenan took six of these.” He truly looked bewildered as he breathed deeply in and out, probably willing the pain to pass. “You know… women say nothing beats childbirth on the pain scale, but I can’t see how anything could be worse than getting shot.”
“Don’t let Willow or your sister hear you say that.”
“Shit. You’re right. Her emotional state these days is… delicate. Borderline psychotic. I sleep with one eye open and one hand over my dick because I have no idea what to expect from one day to the next. Wait until you have your first.”
“That’s not going to happen.” I took a seat to disguise the fact that my legs had turned to jelly from his remark.
“Still afraid to have kids?”
I didn’t know what I felt so I chose not to answer. “Do you think it will be a deal breaker for Lake?” I asked instead.
“I think she loves and wants you. Anything else is a bonus.”