Page 92 of Ranger's Rise
I’m smiling again, but it’s not so bad. Whatever is in the herbal stuff is good. I shut the tablet off seeing the boys running all over. I hope none get close to me. When I sit, Anton and Amal are beside the chair. “Thanks for keeping watch, Brothers.”
They smile and run. “Boss!” Asa is running toward me. I see Web carrying an R. It surprises me to see Doc and Patcher right behind him. Amos and Banks have Ms and Js. My leg is touched then it’s gone fast. I suck in a breath and smile. Asa. Shifting my eye back to the group walking in, Cort has Jacques.I guess he won the battle for him.
My buddy is looking right at me. “Nager, Jacques.”
He makes his gurgling sounds with a smile. “Nager!” He finally gets out.
I love seeing the happy bubble out of him like that. “I’m glad I got to see you swim today.”
He’s just about jumping out of Cort’s arms. “If you are calm, I’ll put you on Ranger’s lap. I can’t put you down if you’re jumping. He could get hurt.”
I tell him in French and he stops moving. Cort laughs and puts him on my good side. I talk to him in French telling him that I can’t bend or I’d kiss his head.
He makes his sound making me smile.“Jacques nage pour toi,” he says slowly.
My breath catches and I’m swallowing hard. “Thank you, Jacques. I can’t wait to see you swim for me.” It comes out deep and I don’t dare look around.
“Fucking kids. Come on before you have everyone in tears again.” Cort takes him without looking at me. Thank fuck.
I breathe deep. Amos has Juan and Banks has José. Cort has Jacques and he’s doing his fish imitation with all the sound effects. Cort is laughing and talking to him the whole time. I’m glad I made it and watch the little guys having fun. It makes today a good one.
Before I leave, Doc changes the bag for me and makes sure I can reach it in case I’m alone. I can and take the tricked-out golf cart home. I didn’t tell them, but I could use a nap.
