Paige chuckles. “I’m sorry.”
Joan pats her shoulder. “Great job snagging those back-to-back championships. And that news interview you did was spectacular. I think that was the year before last? You were so poised. I was really impressed.”
I turn to my wife. “You did an interview?”
A flush returns to her cheeks. “It’s nothing.”
Joan tuts. “Nothing? I beg to differ. Check it out for yourself, Rhett. It’s linked on the Broncos’ cheerleading website.” Then she turns to my wife. “I’m discharging you, but I want you to take it easy and drink plenty of fluids. Come back if you experience any more dizziness.”
I start to scoop up Paige, but she growls. “I can walk, Rhett. Jeez.”
Joan chuckles. “He just wants to protect you. Looks like you found a good one.”
Taking a step back, I offer Paige my hand. “Just in case you need the support, okay?”
She nods, presses her palm in mine, then slides to her feet. As we walk slowly to my truck, I wrap my arm around her slim shoulders. “Was worried about you back there.”
“I’m okay.”
“How do you feel about ribs? I was thinking of barbecuing when we get home. I can set you up on the couch, you can read that romance book that caught your eye, and I’ll fix us something to eat.”
She glances at me. “You don’t have to baby me.”
“But what if I want to?” I ask slowly. We stop to stare at each other. “I like taking care of you, wildflower. Will you let me?”
Her eyes get glassy, and she nods. I open my arms, and she tucks herself against me. Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head.
I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but one thing is certain. I don’t wanna fuck this up.
28
PAIGE
“Holy shit, Paige.”Rhett’s attention is glued to the TV where he’s watching last year’s nationals competition. “You’re amazing, but I’m shitting my pants here.”
Beau whistles. “Look at you, Little Lewis. Our flying squirrel.”
When I do a full front flip off a human pyramid, the guys all hoot and holler.
I chuckle. I’m a little embarrassed to be the center of attention like this. It’s been a week since I landed myself in the ER. I’m training again, but I’ve learned my lesson and will hydrate better before setting off for a long run.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what Rhett said to me when we were in the hospital, when he thought I was asleep. He said he wants to be more for me but doesn’t know how to get there.
I know what he means, feeling like you’re giving everything you have. Cheer has been like that for me. I’d plateau and even though I was working my ass off, I couldn’t get to that next level. At one point, my friend Roxy had to take me aside to help me find the right mindset.
But relationships aren’t that simple. What if Rhett never wants more children? I can’t force him to want that with me. Am I willing to give that up? Are he and the life I’m building at his ranch worth more than hypothetical kids I may or may not have?
What if I never meet anyone who makes me feel like Rhett? He’s the only man I’ve ever loved. That’s not something to be squandered.
Even if I’m willing to give up having children, there’s a bigger problem. We haven’t had sex since the truck a week and a half ago. I figured he’d want to after I recovered from that heat stroke episode, but he only cuddles me at night. I don’t know what to do to get beyond the barrier that disagreement created.
Gabriel wedges himself between me and Jace. “Paige, can you show me how to do that stuff there?” He points to the male cheerleaders tumbling across the stage.
“Sure.” I look at Rhett. “I mean, if it’s okay with your dad.”
Rhett frowns. “You’re just talking about the cartwheels and flipping around?”
I chuckle at his description. “At first, yes. Tumbling is a form of floor gymnastics. Even if Gabe doesn’t want to do cheer, learning those skills will help his balance and coordination and overall athleticism. It’s great exercise, and it gives kids an incredible sense of accomplishment. And if he loves it and he’s good at it, he could possibly get a gymnastics or cheer scholarship for college like I did.”
