Page 47 of Unsteady in Love

“Go see her. You deserve some fun in the sun and to see your friend.”

“I was wondering if I could come see you on my way there.” I threw it out there and internally cringed at the thought he might turn me down. “It would just be for a little while. I’d have to check flights and all that. I promise not to overstay my welcome.”

Holden leaned forward almost touching the screen. “Prue, you know that is not how I saw you being here.”

“I know, but I just want to see you for a couple of hours. I won’t camp out in the waiting room or anything.”

His face softened. “Even though I didn’t want you here, knowing you were close made me feel better, even if I didn’t want to admit it at the time.”

I knew I had a huge smile on my face, and I didn’t care. It felt beyond wonderful to know that he hadn't hated me during that time.

“Book your flights and let me know when you’ll be here and get a hotel for a night or two.”

“Really?” I gushed.

“Fuck, Prue, you make me feel heartless.” He closed his eyes with a groan. “While I didn’t plan to see you until I was ready to get out of this joint, I do miss you. FaceTime isn’t enough.”

“I agree. I’ll try to get one of the first flights out there, so I won’t interrupt your therapy or anything like that. I know you don’t want me there for that part, and even though it’s hard, I understand.” I watched as a multitude of emotions clouded his handsome face. “Can I ask you something?”

“Hit me,” he shot back, leaning back in his bed with one arm behind his head. His bicep muscle bulged from the action; an ache formed between my thighs.

“Do you still have your wedding ring?” I’d been wondering if it had gotten lost or was somewhere else, but I wanted him to wear his ring.

“Yeah, I’m wearing it.” He flashed me his left hand with one side of his mouth tipped up.

“You know I love you, right?” I asked, tears stinging the backs of my eyes. My insecurities about Holden not coming home to me evolved into happiness. I was ready to tackle this one last battle to be with my man.

“More than anything. I know you love me just as I love you. I couldn’t have gotten through any of this without you. You know that, right?” My heartrate jumped at his sincere smile. “Now, go book your flights and let me know when I can expect you.”

“Yes, sir.”

I disconnected and stomped my feet in a happy dance on the floor.

I’d never been so glad to let him go. I was going to see him soon. I couldn’t contain my joy as I squealed and hugged Atticus to my chest.

29

HOLDEN

Closing my eyes,I waited for Prue to answer her phone. I wasn’t sure if she’d have it on her or not, but I desperately needed to talk to her. It was my second day of therapy, and it had been brutal. My leg was rubbed raw in places from the prosthetic and throbbed from use.

I needed to see her smiling face to remind me what I was fighting for because, after the day I’d had, I was ready to stay an invalid confined to my bed. Technically, I knew I wasn’t confined to my bed. I could get around with crutches and the iWalk, but I knew I wouldn’t feel as if I’d succeeded until I could walk properly with my prosthetic. Even though I felt like giving up, I knew I needed to fight because I had Prue waiting for me to finally start our life, and I couldn’t let her down. I’d done that enough in the past.

“Hey,” she answered with a bright smile, “I didn’t expect to hear from you yet.”

Rubbing my hand down my face, I croaked out. “It’s good to see your face.”

She tilted her head for a moment and then said something to someone else before she walked for a few moments and then sat down under an umbrella. Her sweet face scrunched up in worry. “Tough day?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Uh, maybe because you’ve got a scowl on your face.”

Fuck. I guess I hadn’t been doing a good job of masking the pain.

“Maybe I just like seeing your pretty face.” I tried a different tactic.

“That may be the case, Holden Montgomery, but you can’t bullshit me. I’ve known you for too long. Spill,” she demanded.

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