Chapter 16
CHAPTER 16
Chaney came around to loving voices and she thought she was dreaming. Then she realized it was Justus talking to Raffety. And she thought she had fallen asleep while talking on the phone with her friend, but that didn’t seem right. She wasn’t holding a phone to her ear. In fact, the voices were in the same room as hers. And they are close, so very close.
Her eyes fluttered and she saw the strong back sitting on the edge of Justus’ bed. Their words sounded so sweet that she sighed and almost fell back asleep except Justus said something about neither one of them being able to stay awake for very long.
“They say once we can eat something it should help, but I still haven’t seen any food being brought to us.”
“I’ll take care of that. What do you want?” Rafferty asked. “Pizza? Burgers and fries? I’m starving too. I’ll Grub hub an order.”
“Burger and fries,” Chaney blurted from her bed coming fully awake. “Hey, Rafferty. How’s the knee?”
“Hey, Chaney,” he said. “I’ve had surgery and been discharged. Just waiting for Rawlins to get here to take me home. How long are they going to keep you both?”
“Not sure,” Justus said. “How’s For All?”
“Don’t worry. Liberty has been taking care of him at the condo.”
“Oh good. That’s what big sisters are for,” Justus said, squeezing his hand. “I missed you.”
“I missed you.”
It got quiet and Chaney glanced over and found them kissing.
“Okay, you two. I’m still in the room,” Chaney said and then chuckled when they didn’t stop.
The door opened and Rawlins, Asher, and Liberty came in.
“Rawlins, make them stop,” Chaney pleaded.
“What do you want me to do about it?” he asked.
“Well, he is your brother,” she said.
“Correction. He’s my twin,” Rawlins said, walking over to her bed and sitting on the edge. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better now that you’re here.”
“Good. That makes me feel better knowing that.” He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Does that make you feel even better?”
Chaney sucked in her breath. She couldn’t believe it. He’d pick now of all times to kiss her for the first time in from of Liberty and Asher.
“Yes,” she croaked.
He kissed her again. “How about now?”
“Definitely.”
“I see my bro is learning a thing or two,” Rafferty said.
“Maybe we should step out?” Liberty asked from near the door.
“No. No. Don’t go,” Justus said. “Whatcha got in that big bag?”
“A surprise,” Liberty said as the large purse on her shoulder began to move, and a fury little head popped out of the top to look around. Ears sticking up, pinkish-red tongue sticking out as he panted, For All looked so happy to see everyone.
“Baby!” Justus cooed, reaching her arms for her little dog.
“Sh-h-h!” Liberty put a finger to her lips as she walked to her sisters’ bedside. She took the bag off her shoulder and removed For All from inside so Justus could have him.
“Hey fella,” Rafferty ruffled his hair. “We could get in trouble for him being in here.”
“I know,” Liberty said. “I was so glad he fell asleep on the way over, but he woke after he heard everyone talking.”
“I’m glad you brought him anyway,” Justus said, holding For All close. “Even if he can only stay for a few minutes.”
“We’ll take you back to the condo whenever you’re ready, Rafferty,” Asher said. “I’m sure you’re anxious to sleep in your own bed tonight.”
“I am.” Rafferty smiled. “I guess we’ll have to do a raincheck on those burgers and fries.”
Justus nodded. “I’m sure the meal trays will arrive soon anyway.”
Asher handed Rafferty his crutches and he got to his feet. “Call if you need anything tonight. We’ll come immediately,” Rafferty said.
“There’s a policeman right outside our door,” Justus reminded him.”
“And I’ll be staying with them in here unless I get kicked out,” Rawlins said.
“My hero,” Chaney cooed.
Liberty took For All from Justus and put him inside the large purse, zipping the closure almost closed so he couldn’t pop his head up easily. Then she slipped it on her shoulder and held it with her arm so he wouldn’t make too much movement inside. “We’re going now. See you later.”
“See you,” Justus called. “Love you.”
Rafferty missed a hobble when she said that and almost fell. Asher caught him and helped him up.
“Are you alright, buddy?” Asher asked.
“Yeah, I haven’t got the hang of these things yet,” he said.
“I get ya.” Asher patted him on the back as they headed out the door.
Once they were gone, Rawlins looked at them, “What was that about burgers and fries?”
“Rafferty was going to order from Grub Hub,” Chaney said.
“I’m down with that,” he said.
“Cool,” Justus said, looking at Chaney and giving her a thumbs up. “I’d say we’re both lucky girls.
“Very lucky,” Chaney said, winking back at her.