Page 153 of Here With Me

“Well, it wasn’t my decision to make. He was afraid to lose him, and I couldn’t compete with that,” I say.

“He risked his life to save your horses. I doubt he’s worried about that now.” Gramma winks.

“I don’t think Dad’s gonna be as easy on me about it.” I chew on my bottom lip, worried I’ll disappoint or anger him.

“You let me take care of your father.” She winks.

I snort. “Ew. No need to share that with the class.”

“Oh, you!” She playfully swats at me, and I laugh.

“By the way, Gramma. Thanks for rattin’ me out,” I tease. Though I suspected she knew from what she said at our last family supper, I hadn’t expected her to say anything.

“Oh, who did y’all think ya were foolin’? I knew it from the first time I saw Fisher look at ya. I’d never seen a man so in love.”

My cheeks heat at her words. I can’t even argue. Momma grins, and I’m relieved she’s not upset. Though I’m sure the lecture will come later.

I contemplate what I’m going to do once he’s awake. Will it change anything between us? Do we go back tojust friends? If it were up to me, we’d be together and never spend a day apart, but I can’t ask him to risk his relationship with Jase after everything they’ve been through. He has to take that leap.

Either way, I’m here for him—as a friend or as more.

When I stand to move to the couch, Momma offers me her arm since I opted to hop on one foot instead of using my crutches. Using them requires more effort than hopping a few feet and dealing with the rib pain for a few seconds.

I rest my foot up on the chair once I get comfortable on the makeshift bed. It’s been aching all day, but I’ve ignored it.

“Ya need ice for that?” Momma asks.

“No, the meds will kick in soon.”

It’s more of a discomfort than anything, but I could go without the rib pain.

“Will ya be alright if we go? I gotta get Gramma Grace to bed.” Momma fusses with my pillow and pulls the blanket over me. I plan to go back to the chair and rest my head next to Fisher as soon as they leave.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. His nurse comes in frequently enough that if I need anythin’, they’ve offered to help,” I tell her so they don’t worry about me being here alone.

They pack up the leftovers and grab their things before giving me hugs. “Thanks for comin’.”

“Of course, honey. We’ll be back tomorrow with breakfast.”

I chuckle, knowing nothing I say would stop them from bringing me more food.

“Okay, thanks.”

After we say goodbye, I grab the blanket and drag it back to the chair next to Fisher’s bed.

“Well, I guess the cat’s outta the bag,” I tell him, sighing with relief that their reactions weren’t nearly as bad as I anticipated. I’m not sure whose response I’m more worried about—my father’s or Jase’s.

“You’ll be glad to know Gramma absolutely adores you.” I chuckle even though I have no idea if he can hear me.

As I lay my head next to our conjoined hands, my phone goes off with a text, and I hold on to hope that it’s Jase.

Tripp

I think we know who the body is. He’s on camera with Craig.

Noah

Oh my God, who is it?