Page 90 of The Rebel
“Dad, are you in pain?” I asked, walking closer to him.
“Oh, nothing I can’t handle. It’s more manageable with the pills they gave me. The worst thing is that I can’t really move around. My ribs hurt too much, and I can’t use the crutches like I want to. Your poor mom is going to break her back helping me get about.”
“How long until the ribs heal?”
“Between six weeks and three months,” Mom replied with a look of concern on her face. Yeah, this was going to put a wrench in the business with Dad laid up so long.
“The X-rays for the leg showed it was broken in two places,” Dad added.
I gasped.
“Are you having surgery?” Anthony inquired. He put a hand on my back. It was a small gesture, but it instantly comforted me.
“They said it’s not necessary because they’re clean breaks, but it might take longer to heal.”
My mind was racing. Six weeks was long enough, but three months? Mom would need help. I was too exhausted to even think about the logistics of it all.
“Why don’t the three of us go have some apple pie?” Mom asked.
Dad grumbled, and she chuckled. “I’ll bring you a slice too.”
I relaxed even more. If they were back to their usual banter, it meant Dad wasn’t feeling horrible.
“You know what the doctor said. I need to be well-fed so my stomach doesn’t suffer from all the pain pills.”
“I’ll bring you your apple pie,” Mom said, rolling her eyes as the three of us moved from the study to the kitchen. It was a typical farmhouse kitchen—big. This was where the main action took place during my childhood. It was old and needed updating, but it was home.
I cast a glance at Anthony. What must he be thinking, considering the luxury he was accustomed to?
“You two sit down. You’ve had a long journey.” Mom brought over two plates with huge slices of apple pie before our rear ends even hit the chairs. “I’ll take a slice to your father and be right back.”
“Sure, Mom. Don’t worry.”
As soon as she was out of earshot, Anthony said, “Your dad looks good.”
“Yeah. Much better than I thought.”
“But logistically, this will be an issue.”
“You’ve read my mind. I just can’t even begin to think about it.”
Anthony took my hand. “Then don’t. Relax tonight. We’ll think about it together once you feel better.”
A lump caught in my throat.“We’ll think about it.”This man… “How are you so amazing?”
He kissed my hand. “I just want to be here for you.”
“And you introduced yourself as myboyfriend.” I still couldn’t believe he’d said that.
Anthony looked up from our interlaced hands. “That’s what I am, Daisy. And as your boyfriend, I’m going to take care of you.”
“All right.” I beamed. “This feels a little bit surreal.”
“I’ll do my best to show you just how real it is.”
Mom came back with the apple pie. “He fell asleep. I guess I can have it.”
She sat down with us at the table, looking at our interlaced hands. Anthony didn’t let go. Honestly, I didn’t feel like it either. His touch was very reassuring, in more ways than one.
