Page 87 of Flowers in Your Hair

“Come in,” Beau’s low voice calls.

I open the door, finding him on his knees, pulling out the trundle bed. “I’m not surprised Andrew didn’t know this existed,” he says with a laugh.

I chuckle. “I had no idea either.”

“He always slept in the basement when we were kids, so it makes sense,” Beau explains. “Marley’s in the bathroom washing up. I can take those for her if you’d like.”

I nod, handing him the folded up clothes. “There’s some in there for you too.”

“Great, thanks,” Beau mumbles. He stands, stepping over to me. “Thank you for coming today. Your support means a lot.”

“Of course,” I reply. “I weirdly get the feeling that your family would have done the same for me, and I’m just one person.”

“You’re a special person, Josie.”

“Thanks,” I reply awkwardly.

“I look forward to having you as a sister someday.” His words catch me off guard. He winks, like he didn’t just shake me to my core. “I think we both know you two are getting married.”

I coyly shrug, not really ready to admit to anyone but myself that I can see myself marrying Andrew, sooner rather than later.

Beau holds his arms out, and I hug him tightly. “Thanks, Josie.” I nod into his chest. For as grumpy as he can be, Beau also has a bit of a soft side.

“Goodnight,” I say, stepping back from the hug and out the door. I walk down the hall to Andrew’s room, finding him in bed.

“Did you bring the other two some clothes?” I ask.

He nods, his eyes already closed.

“Do you need anything else?” I ask, stepping over to him, pushing his hair off his forehead.

He shakes his head. “Just you.”

“Okay. Let me turn the light off and change.”

I change quickly, and turn off the light. I plug my phone in, making sure the sound is on before I set it on the nightstand. I got all the numbers of everyone in the family tonight, and Nikki promised me that she would call if there were any urgent updates. With the craziness of today, I realize that I’d completely forgotten to tell Andrew about the potential contract with Meadow Grove Winery. Tonight isn’t the time though, we both need sleep, and there are other things that are a priority.

I pull down the sheets, crawling into bed next to Andrew. His arms and legs tangle around my body. “You’re like my little octopus,” I murmur.

Andrew sleepily snickers into my ear. “Goodnight, petals. Thank you for everything.”

I press a kiss to his cheek. “Goodnight, Andrew.”

I love you.

38

ANDREW

“This goddamn spoon won’t cooperate,” Gramps grumbles, watching the spoon that was once full of pudding shake as he attempts to bring it to his mouth. He’s been awake and extubated for just over a week and has not stopped complaining since.

The physical therapist in the room offers him reassuring words, while aiding his movements so the spoon makes its way to his mouth.

The last few weeks have been the definition of chaos. Gramps is no longer in the Neuro ICU, but moved down a floor to the regular Neuro unit. From what we can tell, he’s healing well. He’s struggling a lot with weakness, and can’t walk or stand without assistance for now. It’s hard to see, since he’s always been able bodied and healthy, but the doctor has assured us that this is normal, and to be expected after what he went through.

We’ve been on a rotating schedule as to who is here with him so he’s not alone during the day. Today is my turn, though I’ve stopped by everyday, whether he was awake or not. Josie’s been with me a few times. She plans to stop by later this afternoon once she finishes up this weekend’s wedding. She hired the other gal, Kenzy, as her new assistant, and they met a few times this week already to prep for this event. Josie hasn't stopped talking about her and how incredible she is.

I haven’t had the chance to surprise her with her workstation. It’s still safely in the back of Jason’s truck, waiting for the right time. I also haven’t told her I love her either. I want the moment to be right, when I show her what I made. Though it’s almost becoming painful not telling her how I feel.

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