Page 68 of Torqued

Us

“Are you ready?” Dad sticks his head in, doing a quick check of me.

My smile spreads across my face. “Just all my life.”

“She asked me to come to get you; she wants to talk to you.” Dad frowns, and the look of concern on his face sickens me.

“Is she okay? Something wrong?” I scramble to my feet, hurrying over to the door.

He tilts his head toward her tent. “I think it’s nerves, but you might want to go see.”

I brush past him, sprinting over to Thayer’s yard where Spencer’s dressing tent is setup. The wedding guest reminds me of tennis spectators, as their heads move from people entering to me and back.

Sandy, Spencer’s childhood friend, steps from the opening. I come to an abrupt halt, shifting from side to side. She peeks back over her shoulder and then back to me.

“We had a little hiccup, and she got scared. I think she just needs to hear your voice.” Sandy rubs my shoulder, wandering off.

I ease over to the door, pulling it open slightly. “Spen, you alright, baby?”

“Yeah, kinda.” She sniffles, latching onto my hand.

I grip it, laying my other hand on top, holding hers in the middle. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“I got scared.” Her breath hitches. “I am scared, Rush.”

“You have no reason to be; we’re better than good.”

She whimpers. “But what if something goes wrong?”

“What could go wrong, Spen? We love each other, and it’s stronger than any love I’ve ever witnessed.”

“And if something would go wrong?” She whispers, leaning closer to me on the other side.

“Nothing will, I promise you.” I squeeze her hand, hoping she feels my love for her.

“I haven’t been honest with you, Rush. Not completely.” Her words, though low, are no more than a mumble.

I lean in, holding her hand tighter. “Do you feel that Spen?”

“Yeah,” she mewls with a snub.

“I’ll never let go, I promise you. Forever, Spencer.” My heart clinches, stopping, and starting time and time again. I have no idea what’s frightened her so much, but I’d do anything to make it stop.

Spencer peeks out, wrapping her hand around my neck. “Close your eyes, I need you here with me.”

“Of course, baby.” She pulls me through, clutching onto me for dear life. My stomach knots with what feels like desperation in her. “Spencer, I need you to tell me what’s going on.”

Again, her breath hitches, and she lays her cheek against mine. “I’m afraid of leaving you with our baby like my momma did.”

“Never.” I press my face to hers. “We’re going to have the happiest and healthiest family two people can have. I’ll move heaven and earth to make sure you’re both okay.”

“Are you sure, Rush? We’ll be alright, nothing’s going to happen.” She trembles, making me tighten my arms around her.

“I can’t imagine living with losing your mom and never getting to know her. I know it’s not the same as having her here, but your dad had never let either of you forget her. And because of that, you’re standing here now, thinking of her. She’ll always be with you, and one day, our baby too.”

Her lips brush my ear as she whispers. “She’s already watching over her.”

“Yes, she is.” I pause, as her words swirl around in my ears. I rear back, gazing into her tear-stained face. “Are you sure?”