I need more.
I’ve been careful about not pushing Katie, because I know I’ve been coming on strong. I can’t keep going like this, though. I plan on talking to her about it tonight. I just pray she’s willing to listen.
“You’re in deep thought there, Jake.”
I look over at Miss Hazel and smile. “Just a lot on my mind, I guess.”
“Sometimes a woman is so afraid she needs her man to give her a gentle nudge,” she says. My eyes look down at Lennon who is thankfully engrossed in a game on Katie’s phone.
“Miss Hazel if I nudge her much more, she’s liable to go running for the hills,” I mutter.
“Then I guess you’ll just have to go find her.”
I smile at her. At least I’ve managed to win over one of the Smith women.
“Here I come,” Katie says. I look over at the door and there’s my woman, coming toward me with the aid of a walker. It’s hard for her, but she’s grinning from ear to ear and she’s doing so good. She’s pushed herself in therapy at the local clinic and with me at home. She’s weeks ahead of schedule and I’m proud as hell of her.
Miss Hazel and Lennon are both shocked. Katie has been keeping her progress a secret, wanting to surprise them. They are definitely that. They’re completely quiet for a bit and then start cheering Katie as she walks deeper into the room.
“What do you think?” Katie asks, looking at them, beaming with happiness.
“I didn’t know you were walking on your own!” Hazel exclaims.
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“Mommy! Soon you will be able to go to the park with me again!”
“I definitely will,” Katie agrees, laughing.
“Well, this calls for a celebration.”
“You think so, Mom?”
“My baby is walking again! Of course, it is! We should all go to that Mexican restaurant Katie loves—Cantina.”
“I’m not sure Katie is up to that,” I caution, not wanting to wear her out and do too much, too soon.
“I’m not sure Mom is up to that,” Katie murmurs, but Miss Hazel is already shaking her head.
“I’m up to it if you are,” she says.
“You sure?”
“Absolutely. We can race—me in my chair and you on your walker.”
“Well, that hardly seems fair,” Katie laughs.
“Afraid of an old woman?” she taunts back, and we all laugh.
“I’ll ride with Grandma in her chair,” Lennon says and Katie scowls at him. “What? I like winning Mom!”
“Okay, okay. We’ll go to Cantina this evening but first, Lennon and I are going to clean the barn.”
“Well, if I’m going out to eat tonight, I’m calling Callie to come over and make me beautiful.”
“Too late, you’re already gorgeous,” I respond, getting up off the couch. Lennon follows me, leaving the phone he was playing with on the couch. I walk over to Katie and stand in front of her.
“I’m a mess, but with Callie’s help you’ll be proud to be seen with me tonight.”