Love Survives(128)

“Brooks?”

“Yeah?”

She sniffled as she responded. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Yes, you do. Go take a hot bath. Close your eyes and think about B’s smile. Think about how happy she is when you walk into the room. Think of things that make you happy. Just try to relax.”

“I’ll think about you, Brooks.”

I can’t even begin to explain how much of a relief it was to hear her saying that to me. “Without clothes. That always seems to change my mood.”

I heard her attempt to laugh. “I’ll try that.”

“That’s my girl. I’ll see you in a bit.”



Kat never expected me to show up with bags, and she certainly couldn’t have known I’d bring a few guys to give me a hand. The look on her face was priceless. “Hey. Now before you freak out I just want to say that I did my best picking out something you’d like. If it’s no good, we’ll take it all back and pick out something else.”

I put the bags down on the coffee table and kissed her. “You didn’t have to buy me anything.”

I’d already started walking back outside to get more. “If I’m going to be living here, then I need to pitch in.”

When I came in again I noticed she was already going through the first set of items I’d brought in. She seemed so delighted, and I couldn’t help but smile. Finally I’d done something right. “I can’t believe you did all this. Did you take off early?”

“No. I ordered it all on the computer and it was ready when I got off. Mom suggested it.”

Kat seemed pretty shocked. “This is pretty amazing. I can’t believe you did this.”

I sat down beside her and ran my hand over the soft part of her face. “I’d do anything to see you smile, Kat. Put your feet up and start opening packages. I’ve got to go back outside and help my buddies with something.”

“Your buddies?”

We all took a corner and began carrying the heavy mattress in through the doorway, and then to the bedroom. I couldn’t see Kat’s face, but I was pretty sure she was shocked.

After we got that positioned, we then carried in a new area rug to take place of the ruined one. The whole time they were in the house I couldn’t wait for them to leave so I could give all my attention to my girls.

I saw my friends out and thanked them, promising a case of beer to each for their assistance. Once I was back inside, I picked up Kat and carried her into the bedroom, sitting down on the soft mattress beneath her.

“So, how does it feel? The Internet said it’s the most sold bed in America. The rug is even softer than the one we had to throw away. It matches all the new bedding. Mom picked them out based on what you had before.”

The memory foam made me excited to sleep at night. I hoped she liked that kind of comfort. Her old mattress felt kind of hard. “It’s great, but there’s just one problem.”

“What? Too soft? I know some people like a bed to be firm.”

“No. It’s too comfortable. I don’t see how you’re ever going to get any action when I fall asleep as soon as my back hits the bed.”

I laughed before pulling her close to me. “Am I allowed to kiss you or are we still waiting?”

She closed her eyes and separated her lips just enough to tell me she was ready. “Waiting only prolongs the inevitable.”

I kissed her slowly, running my wet lips over hers. “I don’t think I have to worry about you falling asleep on me. I know ways to keep you alert and ready.” Right as I began to run my hand between her legs the door came open and in popped B.

“Hey, Daddy will be outside in just a second. I need to talk to Mommy about something first. Go on with Mom-mom and I’ll meet you there.”

She hopped down and went looking for her grandmother. When Kat met my stare I think she saw the intent in my eyes. I wanted her.

She still kept me from touching her there. “What’s wrong with you?” I questioned.

“Don’t you dare do it. I need time, Brooks. I can’t just spit on a grave that hasn’t even been dug yet.”

I just shook my head. Sure I was disappointed, but I was willing to wait. “Look, now I get that you’re worried I’m going to push you, but I won’t push for that. Kat, I will wedge myself so far into your life that you won’t be able to get rid of me, but I wasn’t going to ask you what you think I was. In fact, I wasn’t going to ask you anything.”

“Sorry. What was it?”

“While you were in the hospital, I stopped by and had my appointment with the medical board. It seems that my injuries are more severe than I thought. They’re going to have to do surgery, and they’re not real sure that they can fix the damage.” I was lucky to be seen in Bethesda on such short notice, but after they’d examined my records they knew what the results would be. I think they also appreciated that they weren’t going to have to fly me out there since I was already in the area.