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“I would love that.”

“We better start thinking about a design. I’ll talk to Jesse about it tomorrow.”

She helps me to my room, and then we say goodnight.

I lie back on my bed, wondering if my parents have noticed I’m still gone. The thought should make me sad, but instead I smile, happy that my new ones made sure I was in for the night, safe and sound.

Elizabeth even waited up for me just to hear about my date. It was the sweetest thing ever.

My eyes fall closed, and for the first time in my entire life, I fall asleep secure in the thought I’m not alone.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Lexie

Raffe greets us at the front door, holding it wide open for me.

“Hey, thanks for coming over here for your therapy. Rachel had a rough day yesterday, but she’s feeling a bit better today.”

He gives Ash a big hug. “Oh man, I can’t tell you how good it is to see you two together.” He points to a door. “Rachel has been excited to see you since you got back. Why don’t you go in and say hi while I catch up with Lexie?”

Ash’s head falls. “I’m glad to be home, but man, I just wish …” His voice catches, and he turns away from us.

Raffe puts his hand on his shoulder. “I know, brother, but this is a part of life, and we’ll get through it.”

Ash chuckles sadly, and I think to myself how wonderful it is that I’ve found a group of real men. Men who don’t shy away from the hard things and who aren’t afraid to show their emotions.

“I’m supposed to be comforting you, not the other way around.”

“Hey, she’s your momma too. Don’t sell yourself short here, kid. She loves you and your sister like her own.”

Ash nods and pulls himself together. “Okay, okay, I can do this.”

“She’s still the same Rachel.”

“Yeah, okay.”

Raffe gives him a little shove and then turns to me. “Come on, let’s go sit down. I see you’ve ditched the crutches.”

“Yeah, the doctor said I didn’t have to use them once I was able to tolerate pressure on my foot. I tried it this morning, and it feels really good, so if Rachel isn’t up to doing my therapy, I think I’ll be fine on my own.”

He laughs. “Don’t tell her that. She’ll give you a list of a million reasons why you’re wrong.”

I sit down and look around the room at all the photos on the wall. Each frame is filled with the life they’ve built for themselves over the years. Raffe notices as he lowers himself beside me. He follows my gaze and smiles, proud of his family.

“So, how have you been?” he asks.

“Good,” I tell him mindlessly.

He clicks his tongue. “I don’t want an auto response.”

It makes me laugh a little. “Okay, so I’ve been better. I’m sure Rachel told you how miserable I’ve been.”

“No. She actually gave us all a fairly upbeat report, except she was a little concerned about your prescriptions.”

“Don’t worry. I gave them to JD when I got home. He only gives them to me when I’m really in pain, but I’ve been getting by without them.”

“I’m really proud of you, Lex.”