Page 88 of About That Night

His stubbornness makes me lose it entirely. “Will you just let me take care of you?” I ask, shrilly. “You don't have to prove anything to me.”

“I’m not trying to prove anything. I grew up with six siblings, sweetheart. The entire Young philosophy was to shake it off. Give it a shake, take some time, and then see where you’re at. I’m not trying to reject your help, I swear. It’s just not that big of a deal.”

“It’s a big fucking deal! I could be pregnant! You could have died!”

“But I didn’t. And you’re probably not.”

His nonchalance is making me insane. I climb out of the car. “Walk or don’t walk. Do whatever you want.” I slam my door shut with a fury borne out of fear and loop my purse over my head so I don’t have to carry it.

I stomp off to check him in and get some help moving him, but by the time I have explained at the front desk what happened to him, Hank is standing beside him. He limped his dumb ass all the way into the waiting area.

My lip is trembling. My palms are sweating.

I ignore him and text Nevaeh to let her know what’s going on, then I sit on a hard plastic chair and try not to freak out more than I already have.

“Do you need some water?” I ask Hank.

He starts to shake his head, but then he says, “That would be great. Thank you.”

I leap up and head for the vending machine, marveling that this is how our morning after sex is going.

Granny is laughing her ass off at me somewhere.

Hank

It’s pretty damn obvious I’ve messed up. I was worried Chastity was going to see this accident as a sign she’s cursed, and she did. But in trying to reassure her that it’s not, I’ve made her think I don’t care that she cares. That I’m insensitive to her fear and concern.

Which is the last thing in the world I want to do.

I don’t need or want water, but Chastity needs to give it to me, so I say yes. Her love is clearly expressed through taking care of people, so I need to just appreciate and accept her help, even if I don’t exactly require it.

When she returns with the water and hands it to me with a glare, I stare at the cap. My shoulder hurts like hell, and I can’t imagine twisting my wrist and how that will feel. “Okay, so I can’t actually open this. I need your help.”

“Of course.” She takes it back and untwists the cap.

She actually lifts it to my mouth, which I don’t think I’ve had anyone do in my entire life. Not past my first birthday. It’s actually kind of horrible and results in me choking, but I am not going to complain. “Listen, sweetheart. Seriously. This isn’t about a curse.” I take her hand in mine and give her a soft squeeze. “This is about you being afraid to lose me. It’s about you being alone and pregnant. Again. But Chastity, you are not alone, and you are not going to lose me. I have your back, always. I promise you that. Do you trust me?”

“Hank Young,” a bored voice says loudly.

I ignore the voice. “Chastity.”

“We have to go,” she says, jumping up and letting her hand slip out of mine. “That’s you.”

As if I don’t know my own name. But I just stand up and follow her, determined not to blow this relationship. Because that’s what it is. A relationship.

It’s a future, it’s forever.

Once we’re in a room behind a curtain, I don’t even wait. I’m sitting on the bed, but sideways. “Come here.” I hold my hand out to her.

She haltingly stands up and steps toward me, taking my hand. She stands between my knees.

“You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You’re selfless and caring and you’ve created a beautiful life for yourself and your son, with no help whatsoever except for from Neveah and Miss Loretta. I find you extraordinary, and I don’t actually deserve you. But if you let me be with you, I will love you with everything I’ve got. You will never be alone ever again, Chastity. I swear you’re it for me.”

“Are you sure this is what you want? A serious relationship, a child in your life that isn’t yours. You just got hit by a car because of me.”

“I got hit by a car because that kid was texting and driving, and I didn’t look where I was walking. It’s not the heavens trying to strike me dead because I got inside you.”

The curtain yanks open, and the nurse looks startled as she hears the last bit I say.

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