Was he just freaking reading my mind?
I school my expression, but my exasperation bleeds through. “Puh-leeze… you just said you’re coming right back to work.”
“Nora,” he chides, his deep brown eyes solemn. “I’m an old man. You have a young business. I would understand if you had to do what you had—”
“Just be quiet,” I snap. “Or I’m going to call MaryBeth Henson to come and watch over you this afternoon while I go feed the horses.”
A slight tinge of fear seeps into Raul’s expression. She showed up yesterday with a bag of knitting, then promptly sat in one of the other guest chairs and glared at Raul the entire time, almost daring him to get sicker. It was hilarious, and Raul had been on his best behavior. I still have no clue why she showed up. She’s shown nothing but disdain for him in the past.
Tacker and I laughed about it later while we ate dinner in the hospital cafeteria. He thinks MaryBeth is actually sweet on Raul, but doesn’t know how to act and resorts to her normal crusty personality.
I don’t know how I would have made it these last few days without Tacker’s support. From the moment he showed up in the emergency room, I could feel about a hundred pounds of weight coming off me. I felt horribly guilty for pulling on him for support, because I was fearful it would be too much for him to bear. He’s had so much on his shoulders for so long, and I didn’t want to add more.
Turns out… his shoulders are mighty fucking strong.
And he loves me.
“What are you smiling about now?” Raul asks. I blush from my toes to the roots of my hair, knowing he must have seen the physical effect on me as I thought about Tacker’s beautiful speech.
I still can’t believe it.
The depth of my feelings for him, and well… more unbelievable, how deeply he feels for me.
Such a brave, fearless man to put himself out there again. Open himself up to hurt and disappointment by taking a chance on me.
Not sure I can really describe how that makes me feel, but it’s akin to perhaps being able to conquer the world. His strength gives me strength, and I hope he feels that back from me.
There’s a knock on the door. All I see are a variety of spring blooms before I realize Tacker is standing behind them.
I pop out of my chair, exclaiming with surprise. “What are you doing here?”
He’s not supposed to be here at all. He’s supposed to be getting ready for the first home game of the playoffs tonight. Sadly, I won’t be there as it’s just more important for me to stay here with Raul tonight.
This despite protests from Raul that he didn’t need me hovering.
Tacker was more understanding, and he supports my decision to hover.
He steps into the room, rounds the end of Raul’s bed, and presses a kiss to my mouth. “Just wanted to come by for a very quick visit. I can’t stay but a few minutes.”
He drove over thirty minutes, on a playoff game day, just to visit for a few minutes?
Yes, I do love this man. My love only gets stronger by the minute, or so it seems.
“You didn’t need to bring me flowers,” Raul deadpans.
“Not for you, old man,” Tacker replies with a grin as he hands them to me. “For this beautiful lady for having to put up with you the last few days.”
I accept the flowers, put my nose in them, and inhale. Raising my eyes, I smile. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you,” he murmurs, dipping his head for another kiss. Raul makes a gagging sound, which means he’s feeling better.
Chuckling, Tacker pulls back from me and holds up a white bag with grease stains. “And I brought you breakfast. Chorizo and egg sandwiches.”
Raul’s eyes light up as if he had just been handed a lottery ticket. I immediately squash his dreams by grabbing the bag from Tacker and telling Raul, “Sorry… not on the approved diet.”
“You’re killing me, Nora,” Raul grumbles.
“I’m saving you,” I say.
We engage in a staring contest. Eventually, Raul scoops up some oatmeal and puts it in his mouth, grimacing the entire time he chews.
“Hey,” Tacker says, taking my upper arm. “Mind if I talk to you out in the hall?”
“Sure,” I reply, setting the flowers on my vacated chair. I keep the food bag in hand, not trusting Raul.
Tacker walks up to Raul’s bed, bends, and touches his shoulder. “You doing good?”
“I’m good,” Raul replies. “Don’t you worry about me, and I’ll be watching you tonight on the TV. Both Nora and I will.”
“Thanks,” Tacker replies, giving him an affectionate squeeze. Then, he drops his voice. “And I’ll sneak you some better food next time when she’s not watching.”