Chapter 39
CHAPTER
THIRTY-NINE
brUCE
I stayed the night with Farrah after her surgery, not wanting to take my eyes off her and refusing to leave her side. What if she needed help in the middle of the night?
She did, by the way. And I was the best nurse of all time.
We’re in bed at her apartment, with me lying on my side and one arm curved beneath my head. Soft morning light filters through the curtains and onto her face. Her dark eyelashes fan out along cheeks that now look rosy and healthy again, unlike how pale she looked when I found her on Remy’s kitchen floor yesterday morning. Although her skin looks better, and I’m glad she’s healthy again, I know her heart is breaking over the surgery. But I’ll be here when she wakes up, and I hope that will bring her some comfort.
Farrah’s eyes eventually flutter open, slowly and sleepily. The whole of those blues that I love are visible, and I bask in them. Not wanting to break the peaceful morning fog, I quietly take her in, memorizing all the features that I’ve missed in the last several days. Features I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to study this closely again.
“You stayed,” she whispers.
“I keep trying to tell you, I’m not going anywhere.”
She reaches out and grips the back of my neck, pulling me in and placing a tender, heart aching kiss on my lips. I scoot closer, until our bodies meet beneath the covers. I’m still wearing my athletic shorts and black tee from yesterday, and she’s in pajamas that have little cupcakes all over them. But even though we’re not skin to skin, I still feel closer to her than ever. It’s a connection that has nothing to do with how physically close we are. I feel like our minds are finally in sync, like she’s finally trusting me to stay. Trusting me with her heart.
I slide a hand into her hair and kiss her deeply, tasting the sweetness I’ve missed desperately. I pull back slowly, because we need to talk, and I don’t want to hurt her. The doctor said she’d be sore for a few weeks.
She allows her hand to fall from my neck, but it doesn’t go far, moving to rest on my bicep. “I missed these,” she says, giving the muscle a pat. Farrah smiles and it lights up my world that was starting to feel too dark. “I missed you .”
I lean in to run the tip of my nose along the bridge of hers’. “I missed you too.”
“And I’m sorry. I’m sorry for bringing my baggage into this amazing thing we have, and not believing what your actions have told me over and over again.”
“It’s okay. I know we have some barriers to work through, and I’ll be patient as we break through those. But let’s do it together, okay?”
She nods. “Okay.” Farrah looks away, her eyes growing misty. “Being with me means giving up on some of your dreams. Like being a dad. Are you sure you’re okay with that?”
I kiss her softly. “Farrah, you are my dream.”
Farrah blinks back tears. “Bruce, I love you.”
“I love you too, Yeux bleus.”
She smirks, humor filling her eyes. “My handsome Petit gateau.”
I don’t tell her she pronounced it wrong.
Farrah’s expression grows serious, worrying her bottom lip. “I have a question for you, and it might seem too soon to ask it, but?—”
I hold a hand up. “I plan to spend my life with you, so nothing is too soon.”
She smiles. “Okay, here goes. I’m not sure I’d want to go through IVF…trying to get pregnant the first time around was so hard, mentally. Month after month of negative pregnancy tests. I’m not sure my heart could handle it again.” Farrah pauses, not looking away from me. “Would you ever want to adopt?”
I don’t even need to think about my answer. “I would love to adopt.”
I grin, the thought of fostering warming my heart. So many kids out there need good homes and I’m so grateful I was adopted by incredible people who loved me. Giving that to another child…what could be better?
Farrah and I slowly drift back to sleep, together, in each other’s arms.
That afternoon, I pry myself away from Farrah’s bed to get ready for the game. I told her I could skip it, and she told me she’d never speak to me again if I did. She looked deadly serious, and I wasn’t about to take any chances. Also, her mom and sister drove down today after hearing about her surgery, and they’re going to stay with her tonight. I don’t think I could’ve left her all alone, but I know she’s in good hands.
Farrah is sitting up in bed, with a tray of food over her lap. I kiss her on the forehead and start toward the door.
“Bruce! We didn’t watch a romance. What about your good luck ritual?”
I stride back over to her and kiss her on the mouth, lingering there until it’s hard to pull away again. “Baby, you’re the only good luck charm I need.” I wink and she laughs.
“What about your truck?”
“Actually, I thought about finally trading her in. I think it’s time for a fresh start.”
Her jaw drops. “But I love that truck.”
“An SUV would be better for hauling large cakes around.”
She smiles at that. “True.”
I check the time. “Will your mom be here soon? I should probably get home and change into my suit.”
A knock comes from the apartment door and Farrah shrugs. “You summoned her.”
I open the door and Sally Remington beams up at me with her blue eyes and grey hair. “Well, if it isn’t the second most beautiful girl in the world,” I say.
She hits my arm lightly. “Oh, you rogue!” Sally laughs heartily and I realize that’s where Farrah got her amazing laugh from.
“Bruce, this is my youngest daughter, Felicity.” A small woman who looks like a younger, dark-haired version of Sally steps forward, grinning the same way her mother does.
“I finally get to meet the infamous Bruce McBride,” she says, resting her hands on her hips. “I’ve heard you’re the best kisser my sister has ever experienced.”
“Felicity!” Farrah yells in horror. I look back, and she has her hands over her face.
“Is that right?” I ask, waiting for Farrah to uncover her face. When she does, I wink at her. “I try my best.”
I wrap Sally in a one-armed hug then pat Felicity on the shoulder. “I hate to rush out, but I’ve got a Stanley Cup to win.”
“Good luck!” The three women yell in unison.
And as I trot down the stairs and head to my pickup, I’ve never felt so damn lucky in my life.