Page 37 of Stopping Short

“Oh, you’ll get it. You need to let me think through things.” She rolls her eyes. “I learned long ago from my dad, you need to let your brain digest the information, then you can give advice. I don’t want to throw out thoughtless advice. That wouldn’t be helpful to anyone. Sophia, Emma, and Bella probably didn’t tell you that most of the time I didn’t get back to them for a day or two.” She smirks.

“No, they left that little tidbit out.” I frown.

“I overheard Jackson and Owen’s conversation when he wanted off for your birthday weekend. I wasn’t snooping, but the guys are loud. Owen especially. And his office is right outside of the therapy room.” She looks apologetic for overhearing their conversation. “Anyway, Jackson sounded desperate. Like going to see you was the most important thing to him.”

I nibble on my bottom lip as I stare out at the field. I don’t know why I'm so hesitant to take the leap. I think I'm terrified of this ending badly and losing Jackson forever.

“Can I ask you something?” I glance over at Charlie.

“Of course.”

“We’re you scared of taking the leap with Wyatt?”

“Which time?” She smirks.

“Both?”

“The first time… I think I was so wrapped up in how much I loved him. I don’t think it ever crossed my mind that we could have it all fall apart. The second time… I was terrified. I knew what it felt like to have my heart broken by that man and I wasn’t sure I’d survive it a second time around.”

“What made you give in?”

“When Wyatt got hurt and couldn’t put any weight on his knee, I didn’t think. I knew I needed to take care of him. I knew I’d be able to get him back in the game faster than anyone else and do it in a way that would help him long term… I don’t know. I guess I just realized how quickly things can change. Wyatt’s injury was minimal compared to a tragic car accident or a fatal disease or diagnosis, but it made me realize I cared too much about him to walk away. It helped that he was persistent too.” She grins. “That man knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and it’s hard to resist that for too long, especially when that’s all I ever dreamed of.”

“That makes sense.” I nod my head, keeping my attention on Jackson.

“If you take the leap and date him, it could all crash down around you and you could completely ruin your relationship.”

My attention snaps over to Charlie and I scowl at her. Why would she say that? She chuckles and holds up her hand.

“BUT, on the flip side, it could be the most magical relationship you’ve ever had. He knows you, Harper. He probably knows you better than most people. I’ve seen him video chatting with you as he leaves the stadium or before a game. Jeez, I’ve even seen him walk away when the guys are hanging out so he can talk to you. He’s already acting like you’re his, so why not give him the chance to prove how amazing the two of you could be?”

I'm quiet as my mind runs with all of the possibilities.

I didn’t know Jackson takes my calls even when he’s hanging out with his friends. I assumed he only answered when he was free and alone. I never realized there were other voices in the background or that he was in strange locations I had never seen before. I guess I never really paid attention.

“Harper,” Dad whispers as he closes the distance between us and wraps me in a hug. I love being in his arms and I forgot what it feels like. I’ve been away for too long.

I don’t want to do it again.

I never want to be away from my family or Jackson again.

“I missed you,” I murmur, hugging him tighter.

“I missed you too, sweetheart.”

He doesn’t let go of me for several long seconds and when he does, he presses a soft kiss to the top of my head, just like he always did when he’d tuck me in at night before bed.

“Your mom will be sad she missed seeing you. You’ll have to come over this week. She’s been talking nonstop about seeing you. If she weren’t working, I’m sure she’d be here right now.”

“Who’s she working with today?” I grin. I miss hearing Mom’s stories from the operating room. It was always my favorite thing when I got home from school.

“Scott.” Dad chuckles and glances over at Jackson. “I’m sure the two of you are the topic of discussion for the day.” He motions between us.

“Just what I love to hear.” Jackson rolls his eyes. “Nothing’s better than having a bunch of strangers know everything about me because my dad can’t keep his mouth shut.”

“On the bright side, they’re with Kelsey and Summer today, so not strangers.” Dad winks at Jackson.

“Oh, that’s even worse! Then they all chime in! With my luck, Faith will give lunch breaks and Jesse and Derek will drop by while waiting for their operating rooms to be set up.” Jackson scrubs a hand down his face and lets out a groan.