Chapter 40 Wes
“This is silly, why do I need to be in a wheelchair? I can use my crutches.” I pout up at Rose, who just keeps smiling and pushing me along. I protested repeatedly before we arrived, but she insisted it would allow me to keep resting and to still see everyone. And I did already agree to it, I suppose.
“I saw your discharge papers, Mr. Crutches, you are supposed to stay off your foot as much as possible. Do you think crutching around all day at the park will be restful? You were getting tired just around the apartment!” she practically screams at me. I glance around and already see people looking over at us.
“Rose, my princess, can you please keep it down?” But I know I deserve it. I haven’t been the best patient these past few days.
“Of course.” She rolls her eyes at me, but then leans down and kisses me.
“You’re ready for this? Being so . . . public?” My eyebrows raise, questioningly.
“I’m ready if you are.” Her smile stops my heart. I look around the area again. They hold the Sprouts Fest at the park in town every year. It’s a mix of a playground, grass, a small beach next to a river, and a beautiful view of some of the cliffs nearby. My skin pebbles at the cold breeze off the river and coming from the lake, but quickly warms at the sun shining through soft clouds. It’s perfect.
The wind blows in the scent of fried foods too and I can’t help the rumble I feel in my stomach. Rose has been a wonderful caretaker—very attentive and loving—but all she feeds me is healthy food and I’m now feeling the need for something considerably more unhealthy. My eyes dash between all the food trucks until it lands on one in particular.
“Is that a donut stand? We have to get donuts.”
Rose looks down at me like she wants to say no, or is thinking of a reason to say no. I narrow my eyes at her and she smiles before adding, “I know, they’re so good, let’s get those first.”
Before we make it to the donut stand though, Chloe and Elle walk up to us. “Hi, you two!” Chloe stopped by the other day to check in on Rose and it seems she’s warmed up to me a bit more than that first time I saw her at the Ranger Station. Hopefully everything that has happened has softened her towards me and that she can see I’m serious about Rose.
“Hi! Everything looks so good! You guys did a great job setting up!” Rose beams, always so proud of her friends and town. “Was someone able to pick up that bounce house that I abandoned?”
“Oh yes, we got that taken care of, no worries.” Elle smiles down at me. “How is Rose’s little patient doing? I heard you’re heading back to the park on Monday from Erick.”
“Yeah, I’m feeling ready.” I want to scream from the rooftops that it’s been amazing being with Rose and staying together, but I want to take her lead on this and don’t want to put her in any situations where she feels awkward or unprepared. I want her to make things known about us on her own terms, and not feel forced into it.
“So, I have something to tell you guys—well, actually, Chloe already knows. I’m sorry, Elle!”
Chloe gives a knowing smile and nods for Rose to continue. “Well, after talking with Wes, we’ve decided to be together. Now, I know this is weird and fast, but—”
“Honey, it’s okay,” says Elle. “It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? You were suddenly bright and bouncy after he showed up. You might as well have been screaming it in front of Mabel’s house.” All the women laugh together and then are hugging. Kate joins them and then it’s an all-out dish on our time together so far—how it’s going, and showing off the necklace I gave her.
“Hey, man.” Erick comes up beside me not a minute too soon.
“Erick, you have great timing, let’s go get some donuts.” I don’t want to sit here and listen to this, so I give him a pleading look to go anywhere but here. His eyes dart between the giggling girls and myself and then starts to move me.
“We’ll be back!” I shout. I see Rose wave and then we’re heading for the food. “Thanks, buddy,” I say when we’re out of earshot. The smell of the donuts are now overpowering and I can’t wait to get my hands on some as soon as possible.
Erick moves me through the crowds of people. There must be a lot of people from neighboring towns that come for the festival, because it’s much busier than just the people from town. “Oh, of course. How are you doing?” Erick leans down so I can hear him over the carnival songs and talking.
“Good. Rose is taking good care of me and I’m feeling better—no new symptoms or anything.” Thank god for that . I know that we’d figure anything out, me and Rose, but it’s good to not have to deal with that.
“That’s great to hear. I’m really happy for you, Wes.” I smile up at Erick as we get in the donut line. I follow his eyeline and can’t tell but think he’s looking over at Chloe. I don’t remember them ever being together, but maybe it happened while I was gone.
“Two large orders of donuts, please,” Erick says when it’s our turn at the front of the line, giving me a look. “We’re sharing, aren’t we?” He nods and I look up to see Joe standing over us.
“Hi, Erick. Hi, Wes,” he says stoically. I can’t tell which way this is going to go, but for the moment I’m glad that he’s in the food truck and we’re out here.
“Hi, Joe,” we both say, nervously.
Joe gives us a sad smile. “I’m glad you came by. I wanted to tell you I’m so sorry for how I acted the other night. Rose probably told you that we have a little history and that I messed things up with us. I’m sorry that I took out my frustration on you. You’re most definitely always welcome back at the restaurant.”
“Oh, thanks, Joe. No worries.” Erick and I exchange a look. I wonder what made him come around so quickly .
“Two orders of donuts coming up, and those are free on account of me being such an asshole.” We both visibly relax. Maybe things will be good with Joe after all.
“Thanks, and no problem.”
He hands us our food and we’re back on our way, tearing into the donuts as we go.
Heading back towards the group, we pass around the buckets of donuts and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Kate’s daughter even joined us and everyone is talking about heading to Kate’s house afterwards. Rose turns towards me, giving me the sweetest look and starts playing with the hair at the back of my neck.
I’ve waited so long for this and can’t believe that we’re finally to this point. I smile back at her and grab her hand. We stay like that for a moment, just looking at one another before Elle notices and calls us out. Everyone has a laugh and then there’s talk of more donuts.
I love this place.