Page 82 of Rest In Peace

"Should we help him with the stairs?" Alex asked, torn between the urge to rush out and the respect for Matt's hard-won independence.

"No, let him do this," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

We were a silent cheer squad, watching Matt close the distance with unwavering resolve. Each click-clack of the crutches on the path and stairs was a drumbeat pushing away the ghosts of the pain we'd all endured. When his eyes finally met mine through the window, they sparkled with triumph. Then we all ran to the door.

I waved through the open doorway, catching Dan's eye as he backed out of the driveway.

"Thank you!" My words hitched a ride on a gust of wind, hopeful they'd reach him. He nodded, his silhouette framed by the fading sunlight before the car disappeared around the corner.

"Hey there, beautiful.”

“Hey, handsome. Good day?”

"Got some good news," he beamed, a boyish grin stretching across his face.

"Share with the class?" I teased, closing the distance between us.

"Prosthetic leg." His words were nearly tripping over each other. "Dan says I'm ready, that I'll be walking on my own two feet sooner than we thought."

"Really?" I couldn't help but feel the excitement bubbling in my chest.

"Really," he affirmed, his confidence infectious. Dan's been talking to the specialist. They're optimistic. They said I've got the grit for it."

"Of course you do." I reached out, running a hand through his tousled hair. "You're unstoppable."

"Seems so." He chuckled, the sound wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

"Unstoppable," I echoed, allowing the word to fill the room and seep into the corners where doubt liked to linger. "That's you."

"Guess I am a superhero, huh?" Matt jested, throwing a glance toward the kids.

"Superhero, indeed." My heart sang.

“I’m actually thinking of going back to work once I’ve gotten used to it.”

"Work? You mean back to the force?" My voice hitched, a note of alarm threading through the question. The sight of him, so full of life and chatter about his new prosthetic, had been a beacon of hope. But this? This was an unforeseen gust, threatening to snuff it out.

"Of course, I mean work." He reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm not going to let this," he gestured to his crutches, "keep me from what I love."

"Matt…." The word was a soft exhale, a mother's instinct clashing with the admiration for the man before me. His dedication was one of the things that drew me to him, but at what cost?

"Hey, I'll be careful. Desk duty, promise." His thumb caressed the back of my hand, a soothing rhythm against my racing thoughts.

"Desk duty," I echoed, the words rolling off my tongue with skepticism as my mind conjured images of shootouts and narrow escapes—the very memories that haunted our dreams.

"Cross my heart." Matt's smile was meant as reassurance, but it did little to silence the parade of what-ifs marching through my head.

"Okay." I managed a nod, though it felt like agreeing to let him waltz into a fire. My heart thrummed against my chest, a silent drumbeat of worry.

"Okay?" He searched my face, looking for the truth behind the acquiescence.

"Okay," I repeated, stronger this time. If I knew anything about Matt, it was that holding him back wasn't an option. Not when it came to his calling. Not when it came to serving others. And I was happy to see him smile again.

"Thank you," he whispered, pulling me close. His scent, a mix of determination and aftershave, filled my senses.

"Stay safe," I murmured into his shoulder, allowing myself this one plea.

"Always." His lips pressed against my forehead in a kiss that spoke of promises and battles yet to come.

---