Page 29 of Unsteady in Love

“Why? Alex told you I’d be fine.”

I knew she had because I’d read the email she’d sent to him from my account.

“She’s all the way in Hawaii. How was she to know if you were really okay or not?”

“Because after I told her to contact you, she asked to talk to my nurse to make sure I wasn’t trying to make it sound better than what it was. I’m fine.”

Holden cracked a grin. “Because you would totally make it sound not as serious as it was so she wouldn’t worry and in turn make me worry.”

“I hate how well you know me sometimes.” I pouted but didn’t mean it.

“No, you don’t.” He laughed for a moment and then sobered quicker than I could blink. “Don’t lie to me. How are you really?”

“Bored out of my fucking mind.” Atticus jumped down from the couch and came into the kitchen to drink some water. “Oh,” I exclaimed, “you haven’t seen Atticus yet. Let me grab him.”

I ran to the mudroom where the dog bowls were set up and scooped Atticus up into my arms. Snuggling him to my chest, I buried my nose deep into his fluffy fur.

“Here he is,” I sang as I sat down on the barstool, pushing Atticus’ face toward the camera.

Holden’s face broke into an ear-splitting grin. “He’s cute.”

“I told you, and he’s so soft. I just want to cuddle him all day long. Luckily, he lets me. He might be a little spoiled though.” Or a lot.

I reached into the pantry and got him a rawhide bone to chew on before I set him down to play. I didn’t need him to find something he shouldn’t while I was on with Holden. The little fuzzball had ruined more than a few pairs of shoes because I hadn’t watched him closely enough.

“I’m sorry you’ve been so bored, but it will be over before you know it. Then you can watch TV or movies or read. I guess I shouldn’t be expecting too many emails from you until you’re healed.”

“I can send short ones. I’m the one who should be sorry. I shouldn’t complain about being bored. Your enlistment will be over before we know it, and then you’ll be here with Atticus and me. He can’t wait to meet you.”

“Is he the only one excited to see me?” He had a knowing smile on his face.

“I’m beyond excited to see you. You should have seen me run to the computer to answer your call.” I laughed.

“You’re probably not supposed to be running,” he scolded.

I couldn’t help but scoff. “It was all of like twenty feet from the living room to the kitchen. I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t risk your health, Prue. It would kill me if something happened to you. When I read that email…” He shook his head. The happiness from earlier gone. “I couldn’t breathe. What would my life be without you in it? There would be no point,” he said the last so quietly I almost didn’t hear him.

“Holden Montgomery, don’t you dare say that. Is that what you want if something happens to you? Do you want me to not go on?” I asked, furious.

“Prue,” he sighed, “they were only words. It’s impossible for me to express how I was feeling when I read that email. I’m not going to lie to you though. Youarewhat’s keeping me going.”

“It’s not much longer. In a few months, you’ll be home. I wish…”

“What?” He tilted his head, curious.

“That when you were here, we were where we are now. I wish I would have talked to you more.”

“While it would have been nice, I understood. I’m just thankful you’re talking to me now and giving me a chance. I know I don’t deserve it after I left you with no word.”

Rolling my eyes, I laughed. “You knew I’d eventually give in, didn’t you?”

He looked down, swallowing hard. “In all honesty, no, I didn’t know. I hoped with everything I had though.”

“Oh Holden,” I smiled dreamily at the screen, “even though you look different, I still see my old Holden in there. The one I fell in love with.”

“What if you can’t love who I am now?” he asked, looking away.

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