Even the Score(94)

“I look like a Muppet.” She sighed, tossing the brush into the sink in frustration.

“You do not.” I laughed, feeling bad instantly when I realized her eyes were filling with tears. She covered her face as best she could with her good hand, and I rushed over, wrapping my arms around her as gently as I could.

“Baby, don’t cry. You do not look like a Muppet. You were attacked, and you’re a little banged up, that’s all. By this time next week your bruises will hardly be noticeable and your cut will have healed.”

“You’re right.” She sniffed. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself today.”

“That’s normal, too. You’ve been through a lot, Dani.”

She nodded and took a shuddering breath, straightening up tall again. “No more pity parties today.”

“I know one thing that might cheer you up.”

She spun to face me. “What?”

“While you were getting dressed, I got a text . . . from Gloria. Her and the kids will be here any second.”

Dani’s eyes widened, and she gave me a big smile. “Really?”

“Yep.”

She beamed. “That does make me feel better. I miss those little monsters.”

“They miss you, too. They’ve been driving Gloria crazy, asking when they get to come and see you.”

Her face dropped and she looked down toward the floor. “Andy, is this normal?”

“What?”

“Your kids. The way I feel about them. I mean . . . not only am I in love with you, I’m in love with them, too. It’s kinda scary.” Her eyes swept back up to mine. “I’ve never loved this many people at the same time before.”

“It is scary, but it’s also awesome.” Once again I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, covering her whole upper half, and squeezed gently. I took a deep breath of her coconut-scented hair and fell in love with her all over again, right there in a hospital bathroom.

“Ow,” she grunted into my shirt.

“Sorry.” I laughed and let go.

A little while later there was a quiet knock on the door, and Dani’s eyes widened. “They’re here,” she hissed in a panicked tone.

“Calm down.” I held my hand up as I walked toward the door. “Gloria talked to them, and they know you have some bruising and stuff. It’ll be fine.”

She pinched at the skin on her neck nervously and nodded.

I pulled the door open and squatted down just in time for Becca and Logan to jump into my arms. The last few days had been such a whirlwind that I hadn’t had a chance to see or talk to them much, and in that moment, it hit me how hard this must be on them, too.

“Hey, guys!” I closed my eyes and squeezed hard.

“Hi, Daddy,” Becca chirped like her happy, usual self.

Gloria pressed her lips together and smiled down at us as I held them and rocked back and forth for a minute.

“Can we see Dani now?” Becca whined when she was over hugs from her dad.

I laughed and let them both go. “Yeah. She’s excited to see you guys. Come on in.” I gave Gloria a quick kiss on the cheek before turning back toward the room. Logan and Becca followed me in cautiously, clearly nervous about seeing her. Silently, for Dani’s sake, I prayed that they didn’t freak out and run from the room. To me, Dani looked great, but I’d been watching her improve every day. From the kids’ perspective, I totally got where they’d be nervous.

Just as I expected, Becca bounded over and climbed right up onto Dani’s bed, practically throwing herself into her arms.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Dani said, slowly wrapping her arms tightly around Becca.

“I miss you,” Becca muttered.

Dani pinched her eyes tight. “I miss you.”

Becca pulled back and looked up at her, studying her face carefully. “That’s a big bruise!” she exclaimed.

“It sure is, but it’ll be gone soon.” Dani gave her a comforting smile.

“Does that hurt?” Becca pointed at the cut under Dani’s eye.

Dani shrugged. “It did at first, and it’s still a little bit sore, but I’m getting used to it.”

“I had stitches once,” Becca babbled. “I was playing in the backyard on the trampoline and Logan said it was his turn, but it was still my turn. He climbed in and started jumping, and I jumped too high and cut my chin on a rock.”

Dani had a permanent smile plastered to her lips as Becca went on and on about every injury she’d ever had.

“Okay, Becca,” I jumped in finally. “I think let’s give Dani a break from your medical history, okay?”

“Okay,” Becca agreed, hopping down from the bed.