Chapter 36
Malachi
Gracie’s hospital stay was trying, to say the least. Spending any duration in a hospital, even when I wasn’t the patient, was a challenge for me, but my Wildflower was so strong.
She embraced every task, exercise, and inquisition with an inner strength I don’t think she realized she possessed, and it was a delight to witness.
Her energy, light, and goodness radiated out of her and enamored everyone who crossed her path. She charmed doctors and nurses alike.
There was an endless stream of visitors as soon as the town heard about what happened, but most notable was the Papadakis brood. She was one of them. Someone from the family visited every day, and the food they brought was next-level.
Indy had taken me aside to apologize for our first meeting, and seeing the guilt and pain dance across his face and the obvious care he had for Gracie, I couldn’t blame him.
I was just as protective of Gracie as he was.
We’d all fallen into a companionable friendship as I’d been welcomed into the Papadakis shenanigans during the hospital stay.
Seb and I had bonded over classic cars, and Kath had scolded me for not teaching Gracie better self-defense moves.
Indy and Gracie received another harsh blow on day two of her hospital stay when Max shared the evidence he’d found of Jordan and Mary Boseman’s involvement in Lexi’s death and the evidence that they murdered her.
The pain had nearly crushed Gracie, and Indy was inconsolable.
My heart broke for Seb as he tried to comfort his partner.
The Sheriff's department, where Jordan had been a deputy for almost ten years, was also under investigation and Mrs. Boseman had been arrested and was going to jail. My father—no, The Reverend, he’d never been more than a sperm donor to me, had also been arrested.
She and my father had been stealing from the church, having an affair and planning these “accidents” for people my father deemed as sinners.
It was horribly ironic when The Reverend was the greatest sinner of them all.
Authorities stripped him of his title and the church defrocked him.
He had been charged him with embezzlement, conspiracy, and attempted murder on multiple counts, as well as statutory rape and many other felony charges.
He was going to jail for the rest of his miserable life.
It had broken my heart to hear how many people had suffered at the hands of my father. So many young people had come forward with stories and additional charges. It sickened me that his blood ran through my veins and that I wasn’t the only one he hurt that way.
Gracie had made me promise to see someone and with Seb’s help, I had an appointment with Levi, who specialized in LGBTQIA+ trauma and conversion therapy recovery.
From our brief interactions, he had a different approach to therapy than Cal did, and I liked the idea of keeping these issues separate.
Gracie and now Max were the only people I had ever told about what my father had done to me and opening up was a challenge, but I would do it.
For myself, for Gracie, and for our future together.
“I’m so proud of you,” Gracie told me as I helped her get settled back into bed after her first physical therapy session.
My gaze shot to hers. “You’re proud of me? I’m not the one learning to do everything one-handed and retraining a limb with nerve damage.”
“Well, you sort of have before.” Her gaze shot to my prosthetic limb.
A loud chuckle burst out of me. “I guess you’re right. I’m still proud of you, too.” A surge of pure delight bubbled up as my lips met her forehead, my heart soaring with the ease of our closeness.
She gripped my hand and squeezed. “Seriously, it’s not easy to re-open those wounds and talk about your father. I’m proud of you.”
My cheeks heated at her praise, but I knew it had been a long time coming. “Thank you.” The words emerged barely audible as emotion clogged my throat. “Levi seems knowledgeable, and he’s been easy to talk to.”
“I’m glad.” With a sigh, she closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep once more.
After three days in hospital and two in outpatient rehab, I was finally taking my Wildflower home, and I couldn’t wait.
Leaving in the hospital required a wheelchair; I took a moment to take her in. She was beautiful. Her golden hair glowed under the fluorescent lights, and her freckles stood out, making me want to kiss every single one. “You ready to go?”
“So ready. I can’t wait to get out of here,” she said as she packed her hairbrush and toiletries into her bag. “What’s that for?”
“Hospital policy. Your chariot awaits.” I gestured with an over-the-top bow and relished her soft giggles. Her smiles, laughter, and happiness came more freely now, not weighed down by Cain and fear.
“You’re ridiculous.” She shook her head at me, making her waves fall around her shoulders as she sat in the wheelchair. I grabbed her bag and lifted it over my shoulder before pushing her out of the room. We made quick work of her discharge and were on the road in a matter of moments.
The drive passed in silence as Gracie rested with her good hand in mine, and I cherished these quieter moments. After an hour, I was pulling off onto the ranch’s driveway and gently roused Gracie, who let out a groan that had my dick twitching in my pants.
“We’re home already?”
Home. The ranch was home.
My heart swelled at her words, and I hoped like hell she’d never want to leave. As I drove into the circular drive, I turned off the motor and went around to open her door.
“What are we doing here? I thought we were going to your cabin?” Her lower lip stuck out in an adorable pout, and I pressed a quick kiss to her lips before helping her out of my truck’s cab.
She moved slowly, cautiously, clearly still in pain.
“How’s your shoulder feeling?” I asked.
“I’m fine.” She turned to me, rising onto her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “But I could use a shower.” Her gaze flicked down to her injury, then back up to meet my eyes. Her pale green depths flared with heat. “I’ll need some help. Think you’re up for the task?”
Heat flared in my gut as my cock twitched. I longed to be inside her, taking her, making her mine again. It had been too long, and I yearned for our connection. I kissed her, gripped her hips, and teased my tongue along the seam of her lips. She groaned as she rocked her body into mine.
“No one said today’s party came with a free show,” Oakley hollered as we both froze, caught between our passion and the welcome home party I’d planned for Gracie.
I’d cockblocked myself.
Groaning, I murmured, “Sorry about this.” I pressed my forehead to hers and breathed her in.
“To be continued,” she promised and I growled. “Hey now, you’re the one who brought me here instead of taking me straight to your cabin.” She smirked playfully before turning to greet Oakley.
“Hi, Oakley. As mischievous as ever, I see,” she hollered as she did a one-handed curtsy, making Oak cackle.
“She’s a wild one, Radar. Please, let me take her off your hands,” he hollered right back, fanning himself with his Stetson.
“Not a chance!” I growled.
“Oh, Annie. You couldn’t handle me,” she sassed as she passed Oak and headed into the house.
I clapped Oak on the back. “What she said. And she’s all mine.” I quickly followed my girl inside and enjoyed leaving Oak gaping behind us.
As soon as Gracie rounded the entryway and entered the open-plan kitchen area, everyone yelled, “Welcome home!”
I stood behind my Wildflower and wrapped my arms around her waist, laying a hand over her still flat stomach, relishing the fact that a baby was growing in there. “I love you, Wildflower, welcome home,” I murmured in her ear as I kissed her cheek.
“What did you do?” Her tear-filled gaze caught mine over her shoulder. “I love you too, so much.”
“You have so many people who wanted to celebrate your recovery, and who was I to say no.” I guided her out onto the patio where Yaya and Kat had set up a smorgasbord of Greek delicacies.
The entire Papadakis family, my military family and the ranch crew, her Dusted Bull colleagues, along with Max and the sheriff’s department, Kath, Emily, the Jolt team and so many more, crowded around Gracie, wishing her well and congratulating her.
During her hospital stay, Dr. Fabor had accidentally revealed her pregnancy, and as soon as Yaya found out, there was no putting the cat back in the bag. Gracie had assured me it was okay, and she was thankful and excited for everyone to know even though she was only nine weeks pregnant.
“We can celebrate it like a normal couple now,” she said as she held my hand over her stomach.
The tiniest bump had formed, which looked more like a food baby.
She was still too thin and recovering from so much emotional abuse that every meal and bloat became visible.
I liked that we could see her grow with life.
It was incredible. I fell more and more in love with my Wildflower and my child every day.
After we’d had our fill of the delicious feast, we’d all enjoyed our time chatting and catching up.
“Is there really a baby in your tummy?” Hazel asked Gracie as she bounced on the outdoor couch we were curled up on.
“There sure is. You’re going to have a cousin!” Gracie said.
“Wow,” she spoke reverently, before turning to me. “You gotta take good care of my aunt and little cousin, okay? You promise.”
She was so adorable, with her stern expression as she sat on her knees next to us with her hands on her hips.
“I promise.” It was an easy vow to make.
Her haunting blue gaze squinted, then she smiled and jumped off the couch. “Okay, I believe you.” She ran over to hug me and my heart melted. Gracie’s family had accepted me as easily and wholly as mine had accepted her, and my heart swelled with all the love, care, and kinship I’d found.
We were both free from the shackles of our pasts, and had escaped our own hells to find each other again and be what we always should have been.
This was the life I’d always wanted, and I was getting to live it with my best friend, my soul mate, my Wildflower.
“I think she likes me.” I nuzzled my Wildflower’s hair as I kissed her temple.
“She does, but you do have some fierce competition for her favorite uncle.”
“I’m not above bribery.” Gracie’s answering giggles warmed my heart.
“And what about me? What sort of bribes do you think could turn your favor?” I liked it when my Wildflower got playful, both in and out of the bedroom.
She’d started coming into herself the moment we reconnected, and I longed to see her truly shine now that Cain, Jordan, and her mother were out of the picture.
Kissing over her thrumming pulse, I uttered, “I can think of a few ways.”
She shivered against me as she squirmed in her seat.
“What’s the matter, love? You wet and aching for me already?
Maybe I should tease you with my words while we hang around until everyone has left.
I could drive you crazy until you can’t take it anymore, and you’ll be begging me to let you come.
What do you think, Wilder? Are you up for the challenge? ”
I was sure she was soaked as her breaths came in short pants. My Wildflower had discovered her sensuality, explored her sexuality, and reached new heights of pleasure, and I was thankful to be her guide.
“Kai,” she moaned my name as her head fell back on my shoulder and she rocked in her seat, gripping my hand over her tiny bump. “Take me home.”
“With pleasure.” I helped her to her feet, and we said our goodbyes before we hurried to my truck and headed for my cabin.
I had my Wildflower to devour and cherish.