Page 175 of Love Undiscovered
“See?” I look up at Remi and nod my head in agreement. “Fucking tank.” But then I start coughing and quickly lose my breath. Remi has to move the oxygen mask back over my mouth. It’s hard to be a bad ass when you can’t breathe.
The girls move to leave soon after and I take a minute to tell Lexie how much I appreciate her and Trevor. Remi’s eyes start to tear up, so I stop and let them leave.
“Love you guys,” Remi says after them.
“Love you more,” Lexie says. Kat turns back and blows us a kiss. They close the door softly behind them, only to have it open right back up.
My sisters come into the room. Remi tries to push away from me to get out of the bed, but I don’t let her. She relaxes her body and lays back down.
It’s clear that Audrey and Eliza have been crying. Charlie, not so much. But she’s a lot like Remi in that way. Won’t show her emotions to others.
“Always have to grandstand for attention, don’t you, Chancey?” Charlie says.
I shrug my free shoulder and pull the mask away again. “It worked. I got the girl,” I say with a smile.
Audrey comes toward us. “Remi, how are you? I heard, well, Helen . . .”
“I’m fine, Audrey, thank you for asking,” Remi says.
I turn and kiss her forehead. My girl is tough.
“I just wanted to tell you both I love you, and I’m so happy you are okay,” Eliza says. Remi stiffens in my arms.
Eliza notices. “Are you okay?” she asks Remi.
“Remi is going to have to get used to affection and attention,” I tell my sister. Guessing as to Remi’s sudden discomfort. When she relaxes back against me, I know I was right. “We have to go slow with her at first, Eliza. Ease into the endearments.”
Remi slaps me lightly on the chest. “I’m not that bad.”
Charlie and I both laugh. “Two peas, one pod,” Charlie says to Remi. “I’ve got your number, like recognizes like. They’re my freaking family and I still have a hard time with it. You’ll get used to it. They are all a bunch of gummy sweetness inside. Especially Mom, watch out for her.”
I laugh even as a wave of exhaustion washes over me. And I know that I’ve been talking too much. Doing too much. Audrey must see it on my face. “We’re gonna go. I’ll let everyone else know that you’re doing okay.”
“Thank you, Audrey,” Remi says with a yawn. I have a feeling the day is catching up to her as well.
My sisters leave the room, closing the door softly behind them.
“I should go too,” Remi says trying to push herself up.
“You aren’t going anywhere, woman. I’ve finally got you back in my arms, I’m not letting go now. Stay with me. Please.”
She snuggles farther into my side and swings one leg over mine. I’m happy she’s on the side that wasn’t shot.
“I love you, Remi.”
“I love you, Chance.”
I put the mask back over my face, close my eyes, and listen as Remi’s breathing evens, until I’m certain she’s fallen asleep.
Then, feeling at peace for the first time in days, I do the same.
