Page 94 of Alexander: Alexander's Story

“I missed you,” I whisper across his lips when we take a break for air.

“I’m not done loving you, I promise.” I nod back, and he kisses me once more. It’s not the kind of kiss we used to share where it was a fight for dominance. This time, it’s tender and filled with a caring, so deep I know he isn’t done. And I’m not either.

“We should probably head back soon, before the B’s send out a search party.” The B’s are Becks and Blanks. He stays close, his nose brushing against mine.

“Okay,” he finally caves, climbing off the boulder first, then reaching up to lower me down. The second my feet hit the damp, pine needle path, I know I’ve overextended myself.

“Any chance I could get a piggyback ride?” He smiles, crouching down in front of me.

I hold on tight as he walks us home, feeling safe, cozy, and alive inside. When he sets me down on the mudroom bench, I let him know.

“That was exactly what I needed.” Because I know him hearingthatis what he needs, too.

“Need help dismantling the layers?” I shake my head, declining his offer. “I’m gonna go start some tea then,” he pauses to kiss my forehead. “I’ll be right back.”

As he walks into the kitchen, I fling my scarf back off my neck, then throw my beanie onto a hook, clapping when it hits the pinboard like a backboard and sticks the landing.

Papers shift and fall, and I curse my own laziness.

Picking up the fallen papers off the floor, I sift quickly, my fingers catching on the corner of gilded handmade paper.

The invite.

June 14th.That’s still months away…I could make a lot of progress by then if I work hard enough…

“Becks!” I shout, bringing her running into the mudroom. Screens and I still aren’t the best of friends. I’ll need to outsource help for this task.

“Are you okay?” she asks frantically.

“Yeah, I just need you to send an email for me, please?”

TWENTY-FOUR

Alex

june

I double-check the packages before signing. Looking at the delivery driver then back at the packages, I pass over his electronic signature pad.

“Em!” I yell over my shoulder into the house.

Following the sound of my voice, she and Delta round the corner.

“Wow!” she says excitedly.

“Were you expecting all this?” I ask.

She nods, smiling, then leans in for a quick kiss.She’s in a good mood.I’m practically hard from her kiss and smile alone.Not that I’ll let myself do anything about it…But I still can’t help admiring my wife’s ass as she stacks two boxes, one on top of the other, to carry inside.

“Stop, I’ll do that for you.” She shoots me a glare and I back off. I haven’t gotten used to her more recovered state.

She’s worked her ass off for two and a half months. 5:00 A.M. wake-ups for PT, hours of cognitive therapy, enough vegetablesto feed a small country later, and she’s clawed her way back to her old self. Mostly. She’s gained an edge, but it’s one that I appreciate, honestly.

“Oh my god, they’re here!” Becks lets out a squeal I can hear from the entry. Picking up the last three boxes, I find them both in the dining room.

“What’s all this for?” Emma isn’t a package-a-day girl. She orders clothes when she needs them. And even then, most of the time, it’s Blanks telling her she needs something and then him getting it for her.

“It’s for next weekend,” she turns around, letting the box flaps fall shut. She bites her lip nervously.