Page 102 of Salute, To Bravery
Craig took the phone, his fingers moving quickly as he entered his number. His gaze flickered back to Evan before he handed it back. “Appreciate it,” he said, his voice warm and sincere.
For a moment, it seemed like the conversation might wrap up, but then Craig leaned in slightly, his tone taking on a more playful edge. “Do me a favor, Evan?”
Evan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Sure, what’s up?”
Craig’s lips curled into a wry smile, his usual sense of humor poking through. “Kick Patrick’s ass on the ice next week. He’s been running his mouth about you guys. Wouldn’t mind seeing him humbled.”
Evan let out a low, amused chuckle. “Always.” He gave Craig a wink.
Amanda, who had been standing off to the side, watching the exchange, cleared her throat softly as though reminding Evan that it was time to go. She stepped closer, her arms folded in front of her.
“Alright, we should get going,” she said, a small but polite smile on her face, her tone trying to usher the conversation to a close.
Evan glanced over at her and gave a short nod, as though acknowledging her subtle cue. “Yeah, I think we’ve taken up enough of your time.” He turned back to Craig, offering a quick nod. “Take care, guys. Really good seeing you out, Craig. Don’t be a stranger. Remember, the sled hockey thing—whenever you’re ready.”
Craig nodded, his smile genuine. “Will do. Thanks again, Evan.”
With a final exchange of pleasantries, Evan turned back to Amanda, who was already moving toward the door, her posture still a little stiff. As they made their way out, I could see Amanda casting a glance over her shoulder toward Craig and me, the subtle tension between her and Evan hard to miss.
As the door closed behind them, I turned to Craig, feeling a small surge of hope in my chest. “Well, that was unexpected,” I said, still processing the brief but meaningful conversation.
Craig’s expression softened as he watched Evan and Amanda disappear into the night. “Yeah, it was. I never thought I’d get the chance to reconnect with someone like that. Maybe… maybe I’ll take him up on the sled hockey thing after all.”
Chapter Twelve.
Jane
The night has been perfect—simple, heartfelt. Dinner was filled with laughter, subtle glances, and hands brushing just a little longer than necessary across the table. It felt like us again. Real. Present. Healing.
When we pull into the familiar drive, I pause, letting the engine idle for a moment as we both stare at the house bathed in the soft glow of porch lights. There’s a quiet between us, not awkward—just full. Full of everything unsaid, everything forgiven, and everything still to come.
Craig clears his throat. “Can you push me in?” he asks, his voice soft but tight, laced with nerves. I smile, touched by the vulnerability in his eyes.
My hand stills on the gearshift. That question—so simple, yet full of trust—carries more weight than he likely realizes. Since the injury, he’s been guarded, fiercely independent even when it hurt. But tonight, he’s letting me in.
“Of course,” I whisper.
I get out, circle around, and place my hands gently on the handles of his chair. The wheels creak slightly as we ascend theramp together, but inside, the house is still and quiet, as if it knows something significant is about to unfold.
When we reach our room, I notice a faint scent of lavender floating in the air, almost like a memory. The moment I open the door, the breath is knocked from my lungs. A warm, amber glow spills from within, casting a golden sheen across the floor. Flameless candles are scattered throughout—on the windowsill, the dresser, along the floorboards—casting soft halos of light against the walls. It feels like stepping into a dream, a carefully crafted one, meant only for us.
In the center of our bed rests a small, woven basket, brimming with thoughtful gifts—indulgent chocolates, a folded deep-purple spa robe, a delicate bottle of massage oil, and a handwritten note folded in half. The sight makes my eyes sting instantly.
I bring a hand to my lips as emotion swells in my chest. “How did you do this?” I ask, my voice trembling.
Craig watches me closely, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then he speaks, his voice thick with sincerity. “Rei and a few other of the housemates helped. I needed to take you out on a real date, and celebrate, but also know I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for the hurt I’ve caused. I’m sorry it’s been hard for me to open up about everything. I didn’t want to shut you out—I just didn’t know how to let you in.”
His words reach some buried, aching part of me. The part that stayed strong on the outside but quietly carried the weight of fear and uncertainty. And now, he’s letting me set that burden down.
“I’m done with secrets,” he continues. “Which is why I decided—regardless of how walking goes—I’m getting out. I’ve already started the paperwork.”
Tears well in my eyes as I cross the room in a few strides and lower myself onto his lap. I don’t care about the logistics orthe awkwardness—I just need to be close. He holds me without hesitation, arms wrapping tight around my waist like he’s afraid I’ll disappear.
I kiss him—deep, lingering—and pull him even closer. “This feels like the first page of a new chapter,” I whisper. “Like we’re finally free to dream again.”
He leans his forehead against mine, exhaling slowly.
“You know what would make this even better?” I ask, breathless.
