Real Sexy (Real Dirty Duet #2)(43)

"Maybe so. But Boone would kick my ass, and Ma would ask what happened to the manners she beat into me as a kid, so we'll just go with it."

"Thank you," I whisper again.

Then he shocks me. Grant closes both arms around me and squeezes me against his body.

"It's gonna be okay, Ripley. He's stubborn. He's got too much life ahead of him to do anything but live it on his own terms."

The tears that were falling fast in the bathroom spill over again, and sobs rack my body. "You can't lose him. Ky needs an uncle. Your mom and dad-"

Grant hugs me tighter. "We're not gonna lose him. None of us are. You included." He presses a kiss to my head and holds me for long minutes as I cry my tears on his shoulder.

No one held me when I cried for my mama. I curled up by myself and sat in the corner of the bathroom after I mopped the floor, bawling until I had nothing left, so I appreciate this hug more than Grant will ever realize.

I've known Boone's family for just over twenty-four hours, and they've already given me more than mine has in almost thirty years. That thought sends another wave of tears spilling over.

Finally, I snuffle back my sobs, lift my head, and swipe at my eyes. "Thank you for that."

Grant meets my gaze, and instead of the skepticism that was there only a couple of hours ago, I now see approval.

"I'm the one who should thank you."

Before I can ask him what he would possibly need to thank me for, he adds, "Come on. Let's go sit with Ma and Dad. We're stronger when we lean on each other."

His simple words hit me deep inside.

We're stronger when we lean on each other. I've never had that. I never thought I would have that. And now, in this family's nightmare, the guy who I thought was an asshole is drawing me into the fold.

"Okay."

We cross to the corner of the room where Mr. and Mrs. Thrasher wait, and sit in silence until a man in scrubs comes out from behind double doors and turns toward us.

"You're here with Mr. Thrasher?"

"Yes. We're his family," Mrs. Thrasher responds, and the description causes my heart to clench.

"He's awake, but we're taking him right now for a CT scan to check for further damage. We'll get you back there as soon as he's done. Please have a seat, and I'll be out shortly."

He's awake!

"Praise the Lord," Mrs. Thrasher whispers, grabbing my hand and squeezing.

Mr. Thrasher crushes her to his side. "Thank God. You know we raised a strong boy."

I thought I was all out of tears, but when more cascade down my cheeks, Grant pulls me against him and pats my hair.

"I told you it's gonna be just fine, Ripley. He's tough. Hard head."

I hiccup, wanting to say something, but the words escape me.

Mr. Thrasher gets up. "I gotta do something. I can't just sit here."

"Go get us some coffee. It's gonna be a long night, so I'm thinking we can use it."

"Sure thing, Susie-Q. I can do that." Mr. Thrasher strides off toward a hallway.

I pull away from Grant's shoulder and swipe at my eyes. "I'm so sorry. I don't usually cry-"

He gives me a soft smile. "It's okay."

"Grant, call Wendy and give her the update. Have her tell Ky that Uncle Boone is okay. He was freaking out something fierce," Mrs. Thrasher says.

Grant gives me a nod and stands. "Will do. That boy loves his uncle." He walks toward the doors to step outside and make his call, leaving Mrs. Thrasher and me alone in the corner of the waiting room.



       
         
       
        

The matriarch of the Thrasher clan doesn't screw around when it comes to family, and I respect her for that.

She reaches over and clutches my hand again. "You looked like a warrior princess running to her fallen man on the battlefield. That's what Rand said. He's always had a more fanciful imagination than me, but I have to say he's right in this instance. That bull wasn't even contained when you threw yourself over the fence, girl. What the hell were you thinking?"

I meet her faded blue gaze and blink back more tears that burn my eyes at the rough emotion in her voice.

"I didn't think. I just . . . I had to get to him."

"Any woman who'd put herself in the path of two thousand pounds of bull to get to my boy deserves my respect, and you have it. I'll never forget that moment for as long as I live." She pauses. "One thing you can always count on-love makes us do stupid things."

Her last words shock me.

Love?

She studies my face carefully. "You don't even realize it, do you?"

"I'm . . . He . . . I . . ." My stammer comes out sounding ridiculous.