Page 80 of Delivery After Dark
“How great was Charlie with Johnny earlier?” Jeff said.
“He’s such a lovely guy.”
“Before he came along, the whole lot of us probably would’ve said we had no need for a new father, thank you very much, but we can’t help loving him and the way he steps in as needed without forcing himself on us. He’s teaching a master class on how to come into a family of traumatized people and make himself at home there.”
“That’s a such a nice way to put it. You should tell him that.”
“I will if I get the chance.”
“I think it would mean a lot to him.”
“Probably. He has no idea how easy he’s made it look, when joining this family is anything but.”
“I don’t know… I think your family is incredible, especially with the way they’ve all stepped up to support us during this crazy time. I can’t wait to be a Lawry.”
“I can’t wait for that either. When’s it going to happen?”
“You said you wanted to be able to stand without crutches before we get married.”
“That’s taking longer than expected.”
“Are we in a rush?”
“I’m sick of being laid up when we’ve got big plans.”
“And plenty of time to make them happen.”
“I want to get going on all of it.”
“It’ll happen. In the meantime, you need to stay focused on doing your PT and getting stronger.”
“Sick of it,” he said in a protracted whine.
“Is this what our kids will sound like when they don’t get their way?”
“Maybe so.”
“You’re cute when you’re cranky.”
“I must be cute as hell lately.”
“You’re cute as hell all the time, and don’t worry about the crankiness. It’s a small price to pay to have you on the way to a full recovery, even if it’s taking longer than we’d like.”
“I’m thankful to still be here. I know it was a very close call, and I’m doubly thankful that you weren’t hurt any worse than you were. But I’m not meant for sitting around. It’s making me nuts.”
“I know, babe. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out for a ride, and we’ll stop to have lunch somewhere. That’ll make you feel better.”
“Yes, it will. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to.”
“Jeffrey… honey… We have everything to look forward to. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Keep reminding me, okay?”
“Any time you need to hear it.” She kissed him good night. “Get some rest so you’ll be ready for our big date tomorrow.”
“More kissing, less sleeping.”
“Is that what kind of husband you’re going to be?” she asked with pretend annoyance.
