Page 115 of Let Me Be the One

“Me, too,” Nell said. “Both of you.”

Such a remarkable gift. “I swear, with this family even being black and blue is wonderful.” And that had the three of them laughing again.

Tanner was in and out all day, checking on her between jobs even when she assured him it wasn’t necessary. She found that the more she moved, the less she ached—as long as she took it easy. Slow walks and a little flexing of her arms after ten minutes of ice did wonders.

Once Addie went home to put on the soup, Liam arrived. He scowled at the attic as if it had attacked her, and then he brought down two boxes of photo albums and three boxes of memorabilia from her dad and uncle’s younger days. For now, Callie had him stack them at the end of the couch.

With a glance at her bruises, Nell asked, “Will you tell your viewers about falling?”

She hadn’t thought about it. “Should I?”

“They want to see you again, but I don’t think you’re up to doing much.”

Liam came over to her, wincing in concern. “One thing is certain, they’d know how hard you’re working and that this isn’t all a lark.”

That struck her. “You know, you’re both right. I think it’ll be interesting. Something different from me.” Far more inspirational than sloppy hair tips.

While Nell recorded, Callie explained about her fall, mentioning that anyone living alone should be extra careful. “I’m fortunate that I have wonderful neighbors who are helping out. If they weren’t here, I would have had to figure out a way to feed my girls.” Nell panned out to the chickens who were busy pecking at fresh feed. “And you know Daisy, Poppy, Rose, and Daffodil wouldmiss me.” She nodded at the goats. “They haven’t recognized their names yet—which, by the way, were Katie Ann’s recommendations from one of my earlier videos.” Callie grinned when the camera centered on her again.

Off to the side, out of view, Liam stood with his hands outstretched as if he thought she might totter over at any moment.

“My point is that I’m learning, as someone living alone with others depending on me, I have to use extra care. And you, my dear viewers, male and female alike, have to do the same.” One of the goats—Daisy, she thought—wandered into view and did one of her weird, lengthy bleats. With a laugh, Callie said, “I guess that’s it then. Until next time, keep being awesome everyone.”

Nell ended it and said, “Wow, Iloveddoing that! I hope I kept the camera steady enough.”

“You did great. Thank you.” Callie took one step and winced.

Liam immediately slipped his arm around her, his expression stark with worry. “I can see that you’re hurting. Come inside now. You need more aspirin.”

In that moment, Callie learned something new about herself; she did not like being babied. In her mind, she figured Liam, Kam, Addie, and especially Tanner, would have pushed on.

Nell was watching her though and she didn’t want to alarm her, so she smiled and gave in. Back in the house, Callie watched the video, laughed at the ending with the goat, assured Nell that she’d done an incredible job as videographer, and sent it off to Glory.

Not long after, Tanner finished up for the day. He came in freshly showered and changed, with Blu at his side. He looked at Nell and Liam. “Addie says shemade enough soup for everyone if you two would like to join us.”

A look passed between the young people.

Liam said, “I already offered to get Nell a burger.”

Nell cleared her throat. “Um…the burger sounds great—unless it’s going to hurt Addie’s feelings?”

Wearing a half grin, Tanner promised her it was fine.

With that reassurance, Liam and Nell left together. Callie couldn’t stop grinning. She just loved seeing the two of them together.

Sitting down beside her, Tanner asked, “Do you want to join Addie and Kam, or would it be easier for you if I brought the food here?”

“Let’s go there. I’m already restless. I haven’t had this much leisure time since I moved here.” She started to rise, but Tanner caught her and practically lifted her to her feet.

“Easy.”

She loved him for caring, but after being pampered so much throughout the day, she needed some freedom.

Wrapping her uninjured arm around his neck and pressing her lips to his, she took him by surprise. He had to bend down to accommodate her, but he didn’t resist. Instead, he carefully gathered her close, his hand gentle as he cupped her cheek.

Heaven.Thiswas what she’d needed.

Unfortunately, Tanner ended the kiss too soon. “Ah, way to torture me, babe.”

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