“Gross,” Noah whined.
Walker chuckled. “I agree, little man.”
Noah scrunched up his face. “Are you guys gonna be lovey-dovey like all the time now?”
Jensen laughed. “Well, I kind of love him, so the chances are good.”
Noah’s little fists landed on his hips. “I have one rule then.”
I grinned. “Sock it to me.”
Noah’s expression grew serious. “No kissy stuff duringKarate Kid.”
I let out a bark of laughter and had to hide the wince that wanted to come after. “That’s a deal.”
Noah nodded. “Good.” He turned on his heel and marched towards the house.
Jensen started us forward again. “I need to warn you. There’s someone here to see you.”
My steps faltered. “Who?”
She looked from me to the house and back again. “Your dad.”
My jaw clenched. My father had come to the hospital, but I’d told Jensen and my mom that I didn’t want to see him. I just didn’t have it in me. But I knew I’d have to talk to him eventually, and I guessed now was as good a time as any. “Okay.”
Jensen let out a breath. “Good.” We made it up the steps, and I had to pause to catch my breath. “Do you want to be set up in your bed or in the recliner in the living room?”
“Recliner,” I grunted. I hated how my body was currently betraying me.
Walker opened the front door, and Jensen guided me through to the living room. My father jumped to his feet as soon as we appeared. “Tucker.”
He looked different. But I couldn’t quite place how. His face appeared almost thinner. His eyes clearer.
“Hi, Dad.”
No one moved for a few seconds. Then Jensen ushered me towards the recliner. “I’m just going to get him set up in the chair, and then I’ll leave you two to talk.”
It took a couple of minutes to ease me into the oversized furniture. And by the time I got there, I was breathing heavily.
Worry filled Jensen’s expression. “Are you okay?”
I squeezed her hand three times. “I’m fine. You remember what the doctor said. It’s going to take some time for me to get my strength back.”
Jensen nodded slowly just as Walker appeared with a couple of bottles of water. “Here you go.” He handed one to me and the other to my dad.
My dad took the bottle from Walker, and his hand shook. “Thank you.”
Jensen met my gaze and mouthed “I love you.” Then she and Walker left.
My father and I were silent for a good sixty seconds.
He fiddled with the wrapper on his bottle of water. “So, the doc says you’ll make a full recovery as long as you do the physical therapy they’re recommending.”
I nodded. “He predicts I’ll be back to one hundred percent in a month or so.”
“That’s good. Real good.” Dad finally met my gaze. “I’m glad you’re going to be okay.”
“Me, too.” The silence returned, stretching out and making itself comfortable. I could only take it for so long. “What are you doing here, Dad?”
