Page 72 of Love Me Again

That was what life and love was for.

But for the actual surgery, he preferred his even-keeled sister being the one driving him to and fro.

“Once I’m cleared to drive on my own after this, I’ll track her down. I’m not giving up this time. Or ever again. I’ll give her space and time, but I’m not giving up.” He said it out loud as a promise to himself.

“Sometimes, I think… God, what if He Who Shant Be Named tried to get me back and wouldn’t give up? It’d be damn annoying, and I’d probably call the police.”

“Sure, after Shane, Gav, and I kicked his ass.”

She snorted. “Sure, after that.” She slid a glance over at him as she navigated the Benson traffic. “This isn’t like that though. Not that I think you should harass her, but…”

“I know. I’m trying to ride the line. The thing is, she only ever had her dad and grandma, and her grandma died when she was little. She’s always been the person there for everyone else. I think it’s going to take her some time to realize… She’s got people who’ll be there for her. That she needs it, and she can trust it.”

He understood her. Probably better than she knew. For all he’d let his own thoughts and issues take over when he’d walked out on her, it wasn’t without understanding her. Maybe that’s why he’d been so afraid, because he knew she would take care of him, sacrifice for him. Hurt for him. He’d thought it was brave or something to spare her from that.

But he was finally starting to learn the difference between the people who love you hurting for you rather than because of you.

He wasn’t going to let that be a lesson he learned too late.

Molly found a parking spot and then they got out of the car. Boone couldn’t say he was especially nervous. He’d had a handful of surgeries at this point, and they always sucked, but he knew what to expect. And the surgeon had told him this would be the least invasive with the shortest recovery of all the ones he’d had so far.

They walked toward the front of the hospital doors. Funny how it had only been a little over a week since he’d been here to meet his nephew, knowing he’d go home to find Josie gone.

“Boone. Look.” Molly sounded shocked, so Boone turned his head to where she pointed.

And there she was.

She didn’t smile, but it still felt exactly like it had when he’d stepped into the vet’s trailer and seen her smile shyly.

Like every moment after this one was changed, different, because she existed.

And she was his.

He hadn’t realized he’d stopped walking until Molly gave him a nudge. “Go on,” she said, clearly excited.

Boone inhaled. He didn’t think she’d be here if she wasn’t giving him another chance, but still he hadn’t done anything specific to get her here…he didn’t think.

Boone approached, not hesitantly, but carefully. His heart felt like some independent being, beating crazily in his chest.

She didn’t move. She didn’t smile. Maybe she was a hallucination. But Molly had seen her too.

When he got close enough to speak, he found himself…at a total loss for words.

“Hi,” she offered.

“Hi. I… I’m so glad you’re here. First and foremost, I’m just floored you’re here, but…why are you here?”

“Molly texted me the details.”

“I know. She told me. That doesn’t answer my question, Jo.” And then, even though he told himself to ease into it, he just couldn’t quite keep his hands to himself. He reached out, fitted his hand to her cheek.

She didn’t push it away or step back like he’d half feared she would.

Then, just like that time back in the foreman’s cabin when he’d touched her, really touched her, for the first time since she’d come to the ranch, he simply slid his hand down, over her shoulder, to her back, drew her into him and held on.

He felt her shudder, then relax. Her cheek pressed to his chest. His cheek pressed to the top of her head. Josie in his arms, just where she belonged.

CHAPTER 22