Page 35 of Fractured Grief (Hope’s Ridge #2)

Indy

C arol insisted I have Monday off, then we’d reassess. I got Hazel dressed and ready for the day.

“Are you really okay, Daddy?” She asked when we chose her clothes. “Why would you not get better? You have to get better!” Her sweet face was tight with fear, and tears welled in her eyes. I don’t think either of us had fully dealt with losing Lexi and all that came from that traumatic day.

I remembered how Haze had panicked the first time we had to return to the hospital to have her cast removed after the accident. I should have done more for her. I should have gotten her some help. She still wouldn’t tell me what she remembered from the accident, other than it was “the bad day”.

“I am already better, sweetie. You saw the medicine going into my arm yesterday. That has done most of the work; now I just need to rest.” I tried my best to reassure her. “I’m sorry if their words had you worried. Would you like to come with me today and hear the doctor say I’m all okay?”

She paused to think, her little nose scrunching up. “Yes. If that doctor says you are okay, then you must be.”

“Okay, so let’s finish getting ready, brush your teeth and hair, and we’ll head to the doctor’s office.”

“Okay,” she hurried to do what I’d asked.

Once we were ready, we left Seb’s bedroom and found him sitting in the living room, looking pensive. His face cleared when he noticed me, but that expression worried me. “You okay?” I glanced into the kitchen. “Where’s Lyric?”

“He’s gone for a walk. Probably won’t be back for a while.” He rubbed over his thick beard. “We could walk to Doc’s, it’s not far. Do you think you’d both be okay with that?”

Truthfully, I felt more than fine, like nothing even happened, and Hazel was always full of energy. “We’ll be fine. What about you, though? It’s not too far?”

“I should be fine. It’s nice outside, if a little cold, and we can always stop by the café for a break before we head back,” he said, thoughtfully.

“Okay. Do I need to make an appointment, or can we just head in?” I asked.

“Doc’s expecting you, so unless there was another emergency, we should be fine.”

“Well, we’re ready if you are.” Seb nodded in response. I smiled down at Hazel. “Let’s get some shoes on and put on your coat, then we can head out. ”

“Let’s go,” Seb said as he made his way to the door to put on his shoes, and we all bundled up in winter gear.

His street was picturesque, with beautiful family homes and snow-covered lawns.

Cars and a variety of trees lined the street.

I could picture it bursting with greenery and the new growth of spring.

It would look like an iconic postcard with the tree canopies reaching towards each other over the road.

It all felt very family-friendly with kids’ play equipment and bikes littering many of the front yards.

I enjoyed the peace and quiet as we slowly made our way there.

Turning onto Main Street, it was filled with charm, just as I remembered, but now it was covered in Thanksgiving decor.

I would have loved to explore all the shops and see what Hope’s Ridge had to offer, but that would have to wait.

Seb guided us through the street before turning into a side alley that led to Doc’s practice.

He held the door open for Miss Hazel and me to enter and followed us in.

Hazel ran up to the counter, which was unattended, and rang the bell persistently.

“Hold your horses, I’m coming,” Doc called out.

“Hazel, one ding would have been enough,” I chastised.

“Sorry, Daddy, but it was fun,” she said, a playful smile on her face.

“It’s okay.”

Doc came through the walkway, pulling on his white lab coat. “Morning, Indy. How are you feeling today?”

“So much better, thank you. I wanted to get the all clear and ensure I was safe to drive.” I extended my hand to shake. “You remember Hazel,” I said as I wrapped an arm around her.

“Yes, of course. Good morning, Hazel. How are you this morning?” He knelt to shake her hand too, before leading us into one of the patient rooms.

“Indy, wait a sec.” Seb halted our movements. “I’m going to make my way to Jolt, the café on the corner of Main Street, with the black and white awning. Will you two be okay to meet me there when you’re done? Or would you prefer I wait?”

“Oh no, that’s fine. We can meet you there.” Seb’s face still held some earlier tension. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. Just want to catch up with someone at the café and check on a few things.” He paused to rub over his bushy beard. “You sure you’ll be okay?”

I reached for his large hand and squeezed it. “I’m fine and we’ll be happy to meet you there.” I stretched up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “See you soon,” I said and turned to go find Doc and Hazel.

Once I got the all clear from Doc, Hazel and I made our way to Jolt .

It was eclectic and trendy for a small-town café, but I loved the hipster vibes and warm welcome we got as I pushed open the door and the bell jingled. Everyone turned to wave, like they knew me, and in that moment, I was home.

This town was what Lexi and I had been looking for.

“You made it,” Seb greeted me with a kiss to my cheek and pulled a chair out for me. “Everything okay with Doc?”

“Yep. Just need to keep taking the oral meds and no driving at least for today to ensure there are no side effects from the medication.” I glanced around.

“This place is quirky. I love the yellow.” The counter was bright yellow, and there were yellow accents everywhere.

It gave off a sense of joy and happiness.

“Best coffee in town and the food’s pretty good too. Lyric’s best friend Kaydence works here, and his family has owned and run this café for generations. What would you like? My treat,” Seb said with a smirk.

Hazel pulled on my sleeve. “Can I have a cupcake?” She attempted to whisper, but it came out in her normal voice as she pointed to the display case on top of the counter, filled with a collection of muffins and cakes.

“They’re muffins, but it looks like they have some cookies too,” I added. “Let’s go take a look.” I held Hazel’s hand as we made our way to the counter.

Seb followed behind and greeted the lean blonde before introducing us. “Indy, this is Kathleen, Kay’s twin sister. Kath, this is Indy, my…”

“Boyfriend?” I added, hopefully .

“Really?” Seb sounded astonished, as his lips lifted in a radiant smile.

“Yes, boyfriends,” I said firmly and linked my fingers with his. “And this is Hazel, my daughter.”

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you both. Welcome to Jolt and Hope’s Ridge.” Kath’s face lit up with her smile, the freckles over her nose standing out. Her sandy blonde hair was swept up into a ponytail at the back of her head.

“Can I have a dotty cookie, please?” Hazel asked as she pointed to the cookie covered in multi-colored dots.

“Sure thing, sweetheart. If your Daddy says it’s okay,” Kath responded, looking between me and Hazel, her eyes going soft.

“It’s fine. I’ll have one of the pumpkin spice muffins and a latte, too, please,” I added. “Would you like a drink, Hazel?”

“Oh yes. Can I have a milkshake? Please, Daddy.” Butter wouldn’t melt at the cuteness of my daughter sometimes.

“Do you have small milkshakes or kiddy sizes?” I asked Kath.

“Sure do.” She turned to Seb. “What about you, Seb? Your usual?”

Seb groaned as he exclaimed. “Yes, please, but I’ll have a double choc muffin instead of the breakfast wrap, thanks.”

“Sure thing. I’ll bring it all out to your table soon,” Kath said as Seb paid, and we headed back to the table.

I loved the hipster vibes and small-town charms of Jolt, and the muffin and coffee were to die for.

I hadn’t been able to suppress my groan as I enjoyed my first bite of my overlarge muffin.

I enjoyed Seb’s eyes on me as I ate, and my skin tingled with electricity at our closeness.

His soft smiles as he watched me had my heart skipping a beat.

I was still flying high at Seb’s ready acceptance of our boyfriend label. I was giddy that Seb was mine.

After we finished our treats, Seb offered to show us a little of the town and asked if we minded ducking by his work. I was excited to have Seb share his town and life with us.

We made our way back onto Main Street and headed up towards the town entrance to visit the garage.

We were about to step into the large, open workspace when we noticed a couple in a rather heated embrace.

A petite man was held up with his legs around the back of the tall man, who had similar colored hair and skin to Seb.

This must be his other brother. The only one I hadn’t met, as he’d been unable to visit Seb at the outpatient center.

Seb cleared his throat before speaking in hopes they’d notice us and pull apart naturally, but to no avail .

“I’d say get a room, but I know that wouldn’t matter with you two,” Seb called. His words had them jumping, and the smaller of the two came launching at Seb.

“Sebastian, it’s so good to see you,” he said as he jumped into Seb’s arms for an exuberant hug.

Seb chuckled. “It’s good to see you too, Bodhi,” as he hugged the man back.

“Careful, Bodhi, you’ll knock him over.” The other guy said as he came to greet us. “It’s good to see you, bro,” he said and gave Seb a backslapping hug once Bodhi moved aside.

Once they’d both hugged Seb, they turned to glance at Hazel and me.

Seb reached his arm out for me to step into his embrace. I did just that, reveling in his warmth and ownership. “Guys, this is Indy. My boyfriend,” Seb announced, beaming from ear to ear. “And his daughter, Hazel. Indy, this is Atticus, my older brother, and his boyfriend, Bodhi.”

Atticus’s jaw dropped as his gaze flicked between me and Seb.

“Wait. Hold up. Boyfriend? What the hell have I missed?” he said, looking stunned.