Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 103356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
She managed to force a smile even though she felt like crying. It was fine. Everything was fine.
“Fine,” she said tightly. “Am I good to go?”
“Uh, yes. Discharge papers with the doctor’s instructions. A script for iron tablets. You’ll need another blood test in three months. You can go to the clinic in Haven for that.”
Right. Except she wouldn’t be here.
“Doctor Martin would like you to follow up with one of the doctors in Haven in a weeks’ time to check on you. If you feel faint, dizzy, or have any chest pains, then come back here. Tanner, you’re taking her home?”
“No, he’s not,” she managed to say.
Abby gave her a worried look.
“I’m here to pick them both up,” Alec said. “Tanner’s truck got towed.”
It had? He’d never said anything.
Abby grimaced, nodding. “They’re really strict. I wish it was a business from Haven, but it’s that one in Freestown. You’ll have to go there and pay the fine.”
“I will,” Tanner said gruffly. “Thanks for all of this, Abby.”
“No problem. I’ll get a wheelchair.”
She thought about asking Abby to order a rideshare for her. But she could do that herself. Abby left and she grabbed her phone, bringing up the app.
“What are you doing?” Tanner asked, frowning. He peered down at her phone.
“Have you ever heard of privacy?” she snapped.
“You’re trying to order a ride?” he asked.
“You’re not taking a taxi,” Alec replied. “We’re taking you home.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She was trying to keep herself from losing it, but she was on the verge of tears.
She just wanted to get away from them.
Away from Tanner . . .
Don’t lose it. Don’t lose it.
Before Alec could reply, Abby returned. Tanner pulled the blanket off her before lifting her into the wheelchair.
“I’ve got this, Abby,” he told her.
“All right. You’re in good hands.” Abby patted her shoulders. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope I don’t see you back here, Lilac.”
She smiled up at the kind woman. “Same.”
“But if you ever want to catch up some other time, that would be fun. Don’t let these guys bulldoze you.”
Abby left and she was left alone with the two Malone men.
So. This was going to be fun.
34
They wheeled her down to Alec’s truck, where Tanner lifted her into the backseat while Alec took the wheelchair back.
Lilac reached for her seatbelt at the same time as him, their hands knocking together.
“I’ve got it,” she said.
Tanner clenched his jaw tight, a muscle ticking in his cheek, but he stepped back and closed the door.
She blinked rapidly.
Do not lose it. Do not lose it.
Fuck. She’d tried twice to buckle her belt until finally, on the third time she got it. By that time, Alec had returned. The drive to Linc’s place was silent.
Only a few more minutes.
Then you can cry.
Why weren’t they saying anything? She’d been expecting more questions. Not this silence.
“After we drop Lilac off, I’ll take you to get your truck,” Alec finally said to Tanner as they pulled onto the street that Linc lived on.
A rogue tear dripped down her cheek.
“That won’t be necessary,” Tanner replied as they pulled up at Linc’s house. Tanner climbed out of the truck as soon as it came to a stop.
He opened her door and reached over to unbuckle her belt. She sucked in a sharp breath.
God. She was going to miss his touch. His smile. His teasing. She’d even miss Meanie Malone.
Then he lifted her into his arms.
“You don’t need to carry me,” she protested.
But he ignored her. When she glanced up, he was still looking mad. Her stomach was knotted.
She’d known he would be upset. It wasn’t a surprise. But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.
Because she loved him.
She closed her eyes, wishing she had told him.
“Tanner,” Alec said warningly.
“Will you get our stuff?” Tanner asked gruffly, before turning away from the truck and heading to the guesthouse. It took a moment for his words to penetrate.
Our stuff?
“Tanner!” Alec yelled out.
“Don’t yell, the baby might be asleep.”
They reached the guesthouse and Tanner opened the door, carrying her in. It was quiet. Empty. She guessed everyone had moved to Linc’s house.
A strange feeling crept over her.
They didn’t need her now. They had Linc to take care of them.
She was surplus. Unnecessary.
Panic started to take hold of her, muffling her hearing. She was aware that Tanner and Alec were talking, but she couldn’t seem to focus on their words.
This is what you wanted.
Only trouble was, she didn’t know what to do with herself now. Who was she if she wasn’t needed by anyone? If she wasn’t holding everything together?
Would she shatter?
“Fuck, Alec, shut up. You’re stressing her out.”
“What?” Alec asked.
Tanner sat her on the sofa. Then he crouched down in front of her, placing his large hands on her thighs. “Baby, you need to calm down. Everything is fine. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to stay here with you.”