Page 25 of Heal For Me

Yikes. “Mine was actually good. Been better if Payson was there, but I think Parker enjoyed his first Thanksgiving, so what more can you ask for?”

“Not much.” He shrugs.

A few silent minutes pass, and I’m able to lean my head back and close my eyes. “I have to admit, it is peaceful in here.”

“I know. I’ve been coming here since the third day. Sometimes I . . . pray. There’s a small beat of awkwardness before he says pray, but I’m not sure why. “Other times, I just sit here because this seems to be the only place I can fucking breathe.”

Tell me about it.

“I just want her awake. I can’t do anything if she is laying in there.”

“You’re a good uncle.” I can say what I want about Jethro, but he has gone above and beyond for Payson after not being in her life for that long.

“Now.”

I don’t reply. That guilt is his to deal with, and if I’m honest, I resent a part of him that just sat back and watched as my girl suffered. He didn’t truly know what was happening, but he didn’t bother looking into it to find out either.

He could have saved her so much hurt. So many people, including myself, could have saved her, but if we would have, would she be my girl—fiancée? I don’t know why I assume she needs to be mentally damaged to want to be with me, but it feels that way. Normal people don’t date men twice their age, and normal men don’t date seventeen-year-olds, rightfully so.

“Are you sleeping?”

“No.”

“Then why the fuck are you snoring?”

Was I? I push myself to sit up and groan. I don’t feel like I fell asleep, but maybe. I’m not young anymore, that’s for bloody sure.

“Late night last night?” He eyes me curiously.

“Unfortunately, no. I’m just old.”

His lips tilt ever so slightly. “You’re just now figuring that out?”

“Apparently.” I twist on each side, letting my back crack. It gives me a little release but not much.

“Have you looked into Blue Gate at all?”

Him mentioning that place builds any tension I just let out. “No.”

He sighs as if I’m the one that’s a pain in the ass. I’ve not looked at the place he wants to send Payson because I don’t want her going. She needs to be here with me, not in California. Even if she doesn’t live at my house, because I agree with Janelle, that’s not what Parker needs. We are finally in a good place, and I don’t want to lose that, but I want to be in the same town at least.

“Mr. Gilbert?” a small voice behind us says.

We look at the small nurse with wide eyes. “Oh, good morning, Mr. Pearson.” I don’t know how she knows my name, but seems everyone does around here.

“Hello.”

“What is it?” Jethro snaps. Good to see he’s a dick to everyone, not just me.

“Payson’s awake.”

10

Ash

The moment I step inside the room that has been causing me so much agony lately, it all disappears when I’m met with the brightest pair of green eyes, and it all fades.

She’s awake. Her bed is positioned to have her sitting up, and her eyes are open.

---