“It’s working. Not sure how much more use you’ll get out of it.” Madden mentioned that the screen was cracked; it would need to be replaced, or the glass would eventually cut into her thumbs when she texted or her cheek when she was on the phone.
“That stinks. I’ll file a claim with my phone company tomorrow. For now, I’m going to text my parents and let them know we made it home.” In the hospital, they came and went as they pleased, called or texted me in case there was anything they could bring by the way of food or coffee.
“I should have done that. Here you go. I’ll be done soon, sleepyheads.” I hand her the phone, smirking when she takes a look at the screen, not saying another word, leaving her to it. Once the girls are in bed for the night, I’ll tell her what is currently on her voicemail.
THIRTY-FOUR
Bailey
“Bailey, baby, hate that I’m not with you. That I’m not there as you protect our girls. The minute you’re in my arms, I’ll be saying this to your face. Seeing that pretty smile of yours, my hands touching your skin, hearing your pretty voice. You’ve changed me, sweetheart. The man who didn’t want another woman in his life made me see that having you, it’s fucking everything. You’re my everything, and fuck me, you’re so deep inside me, I don’t want you to ever leave. What I’m trying to say is, I love you. Hold on, baby. I’m on my way to you.”
Holy shit. All the air leaves my lungs. Both girls are nestled into me, which is going to make it hard to get up to move. When I went to bring my parents’ number up to call, the plethora of calls I’d missed from Forest was a lot. And then there was that voicemail. The one I’m never ever going to delete.
“Hey, Catherine,” I call out, probably too quietly. She’s in the kitchen, and I’m trying to be quiet. Cammy and Piper are both conked out, Piper in my lap, her head on my chest, thumb in her mouth, a new habit she picked up since the accident. The silver lining is, at least she’s talking more. I swear if I ever get fifteen minutes alone with Krissy, she’ll feel a wrath like no other. I’m not a man; she can’t use that card. It’ll be woman against woman, and I’ve got a lot of anger built up in me, too much when it comes to her trying to hurt the girls and me.
“Everything okay?” She comes around the corner asking, hand towel on her shoulder, more than likely cooking a feast for us tonight. The family we have surrounding us is out of this world.
“Yes, I’m going to go take a shower. Will you help me move the girls and possibly help me braid my hair? I can’t get my stitches wet for seven to ten days.” You’d think they would come up with a better way to allow it to heal. No such luck. And I know if I keep it down, pile on the dry shampoo every single day, it’ll make it worse.
“Of course. Do you think we should wake the girls up? I only ask so they’ll sleep for you tonight.” Catherine comes around the couch. The girls are still sleeping steadily. She’s right. Waking them up is a good idea.
“It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.” I can feel her fingers sifting through my hair, being gentle with each layer that passes over the other. The braid will probably unravel by tomorrow. Someone else will have to help then. Lifting my hands over my head is a task that I will not be capable of.
“Okay, I’ll wake the girls up while you’re in the shower. Do you need help getting up the stairs?” Catherine finishes the braid and puts it to the side, then comes around the couch She first moves Cammy onto the other side with a pillow beneath her head, and she sinks further into the most comfortable furniture in the house minus Forest’s bed. I try to help her with Piper, attempting to pick her up to set her down. While my ribs scream in protest, Catherine gives me a look that says, Are you crazy? Why, yes, Catherine, I am, crazy in love with your son and two granddaughters.
“I should be fine. I’m going to leave my phone down here. I’ve texted my family group chat to let them know we’re home and that showering and resting were on the immediate agenda. If they call, will you reassure them I’m okay?” I ask as she lifts Piper out of my lap. The removed weight and warmth from both girls has me missing them already.
“I can do that, as long as you don’t attempt to do everything on your own.” She arches an eyebrow at me, seeing right through my line of bull.