“Oh no. Is she okay?” Marilyn hurried over to me. “We’re right here, honey.”
“I need to sit with her by the window and get her something warm to drink,” Layne said. “She’s having PTSD flashbacks.”
“You sit with her and I’ll make some hot chocolate.” Marilyn gently stroked my hair. “I’d give her a nip of alcohol, but I know she’s on the pain pills for her leg.”
I stared blankly at Marilyn as she fluttered around the room in her silk bathrobe.
“The sun is coming up, Ten. I’m going to raise the blind so you can see it,” Layne said softly.
I flinched as he pulled the shade up and the bright sunlight filtered into the kitchen.
“If you can focus on that, it will help. Look at the frost glow in the golden light and how the grass sparkles. There’s not a cloud in the sky, and it’s pure blue. Maybe we should try ice-skating after your leg is healed.” He paused for a moment and my body began to relax. “It’s going to be a cold and beautiful day. Thanksgiving is coming up fast, and I know how much my girl loves to eat.” Layne rubbed my back and continued to talk in a soothing voice.
Before I knew it, I was lost in his warmth and the magnificent colors of the morning.
“Here, Tensley.” Marilyn placed a steaming cup in front of me and sat down at the table with us. “I’m going to make your favorite pie on Thursday.”
I sat up carefully, making sure I didn’t bang my leg or kick Layne in the shin.
“Apple crumb?” I wrapped my cold fingers around the mug. The warmth broke through the last bit of fog in my brain, and I sighed. “Thank you. I couldn’t pull my head out of—”
“Shh. Take a drink. We can talk about all of that later. Let’s get some food in your stomach, and I’ll tell you about the Thanksgiving menu.” Marilyn patted my hand before she hopped up again. “Layne, do you like pancakes or French toast?” She began to pull skillets and bowls out of the cabinets.
“I love both, so whatever you decide to make, I’ll eat.” He kissed the side of my head.
“All right. I’ll make French toast. It’s Tensley’s favorite.”
My stomach growled in response and Layne’s chuckle rumbled through his chest.
He nuzzled my hair. “I miss showing up at your door with food.”
I giggled. “I loved it. It meant the world to me. It was about so much more than the food. It healed my heart from a lot of dark and hungry days.”
He tightened his hold on me and rested his head against mine. “And we’ll heal your heart again. We’ll do it together.”
27
The next six weeks passed slowly. Nightmares plagued my sleep, but each time, Layne talked me through it. He finally shared with me that after losing Nicole, he’d worked with a therapist to manage his PTSD. It was how he knew what to do for me when I was mentally trapped with Jack in Montana.
Michael and Marilyn had asked Layne to continue staying with them. They knew they wouldn’t be able to keep him away from me even if they’d wanted to. But they seemed to love him almost as much as I did. After all, he’d saved their son … and now their daughter.
We had signed my adoption papers, and I was officially a Parker. On the shitty days, I reminded myself it was proof I’d started a new life.
My leg was healed, but I still had some pain. It had taken me a while to walk again and rebuild my muscles, but at least physically, I was moving in the right direction. Benji was a massive support with my physical therapy. He busted my balls when I didn’t want to do the exercises. He would make a great coach, and I loved him for being mine.
We celebrated the new year at home with movies and cocktails. I hadn’t wanted to leave the house lately unless I had to. It didn’t feel safe anymore. But that night, I didn’t have a choice. Michael and Marilyn were throwing a party now that I was on my feet and the adoption was final. I had no idea who they had planned on inviting, but I hoped to make an appearance, then slip away with Layne. Since we were able to have sex again, that was all I wanted. If I could feel him inside me, it blocked out all the demons that were waiting to pull me into the darkness. My new therapist, whom I’d seen a few times, would have a heyday with that information.
Avery waltzed into my bedroom as though she lived there too. “Oh my God. You’re stunning.”
I turned toward her, smoothing my deep-blue A-line dress. Avery looked gorgeous in a burgundy dress with a plunging neckline. She’d opted for showing more cleavage than I had, but that was nothing new. Her dark hair was piled into a bun, and loose strands framed her face.
“Wow.” I walked across the room and took her hands. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. I’m actually done moping over Justin and ready to move on. There’s an entire world for us to experience, right?” Her eyes twinkled with anticipation.
“And we’ll do it together.” I hugged her, then stepped back and sighed softly. “This is the first time I’m really going to be out in public again. I mean, other than physical therapy or doctor’s appointments. My anxiety is through the roof.”
“Girl, from what Benji said, there’s so much security around the country club this evening, no one will get to you. They hired extra, and I’ll go to the bathroom with you. And …” Avery pushed her left boob up and reached into her dress. “I have this.” She grinned as she produced some mace. “I’ve got your back, Tensley.”
I returned her smile. “You’re the best. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“Good thing you don’t have to. Let’s get going.” She held her hand out to me, then we made our way downstairs.
Even though my leg was healed, I was treading carefully in my black high heels. A low whistle reached my ears and my head snapped up. My breath caught in my throat as I spotted Layne in a black tux with a blue cummerbund and bow tie that matched my dress. The blue brought out the color of his eyes, and I nearly stumbled over my own feet. Gorgeous didn’t even begin to describe how he looked.
“I think I’m going to have to sneak off early tonight,” I whispered to Avery.
“Damn straight. Wow. Maybe let him knock a ball into the eighth hole.”
I giggled at Avery’s golf pun. She released my hand, and I joined Layne in the foyer. I paused, greedily soaking him in.
He pulled me to him, and his warm breath grazed my ear as he spoke. “You’re breathtaking, and you’re mine.”
His fingers stroked my bare shoulder, and goosebumps dotted my skin.
“I am yours. Forever.” There was no way I would ever let him go if I had any say in it.
He bent down, brushing his full lips against mine. Heat pulsed through my body, but it would have to wait.
“Are you ready for a party in your honor?” Benji asked, wheeling into the foyer from the kitchen.
I turned to face him. “Good grief, how in the hell do you look better than everyone in this room? It’s illegal to look that damned good.”
Benji chuckled and Avery walked over to him.
“You two look so good together. Too bad you both like boys.” I wiggled my eyebrows at my best friends and laughter filled the air.