Page 123 of Free to Judge

I stare at the ceiling, blinking back tears. After a long moment, I turn my head. “Then you’d better make damn certain you can keep up, Conian. Dad’s a fast runner.”

The flash of his smile is almost as bright as the love he has for me that’s visible in his eyes. Then, he looks down and seems to realize he’s gripping the bed rail instead of my hand. Sitting down, he slips his fingers through mine as if testing how it feels to be touching me again.

My heart skips a beat when he lifts our joined hands to his mouth and presses a soft kiss to the top of it.

“I’ll make certain you enjoy that water station, firebrand.”

Three months later, at a 5K fundraiser in honor of Brave Steps Forward, every female in our family whoops and hollers at our men since they followed Declan and my father’s lead wearing tutus and tiaras.

Including Ben and his sons, who all shot me a jaunty little wave when they passed by the water station I’m dutifully manning.

I still can’t run, but both my body and heart are well on their way to recovery due to Declan’s tender care.

Much to my surprise, Ben remained my primary doctor while I was in the hospital. “Declan and I can talk later. I want you to have the best care there is.”

Once I was discharged, they did meet. What was said exactly, Declan never told me. But when he came back from that conversation, his soul was lighter.

Immensely.

After their talk and while I was recuperating at home, Ben brought his sons, Bryan and Emmitt, to see Declan for the first time since Tanya died. To say it was an emotional reunion is a complete understatement.

Ben pulled Declan in for a quick, manly hug. Though my view from the couch was slightly blocked, I watched as Declan returned Ben’s grip—two men having moved into the next stage of grief.

Together.

When they broke apart, Emmett launched himself at Declan with the energy of a very young kangaroo, nearly knocking Declan off his feet. “Missed you, Uncle Dec!” Declan righted him, ruffled his hair, before Bryan almost took him down doing the same move from the other side. “Same!”

I’m not certain how he held his tears back, but he did. Still, he choked out, “I missed you both. I love you so much.”

After they made it inside, Ben couldn’t help but check on me. “Kalie, if you keep up with your PT, I see no reason you can’t be running again by fall.”

“That’s good to hear. I’m going stir crazy.”

“I bet.” His eyes twinkled as his gaze wandered around my home.

I groaned. “Declan told you?”

“Actually, I knew who you were. That’s why I was brought in to consult.” His eyes were salacious. “Is it here?”

I rolled my eyes before I pointed toward the stairs. “Yes. It’s in my office.”

“What is?” Emmitt asked his father.

“A special medal Kalie won for running,” he replied.

Bryan wondered, “Are you good?”

Declan grinned with pride. He grabbed each boy by hand and led them to my office. “Let me show you.”

Ben scrambled to his feet. “I’m coming too!”

That’s when they learned about the important artifact in my office and why it’s not my Olympic medal.

It’s family and love.

First.

Last.