Page 190 of State of Suspense

“I’m sure he’ll get right on that. In the meantime, work hard and do your best. That’s all anyone can ever ask of you.”

“I wish it came naturally to me the way it does for Dad.”

“He’s a unicorn that way. The rest of us have to bust our rumps for good grades. The hard work makes the good grades worth it. I remember the first time I got all A’s on a report card in college. I thought it was a misprint.”

“Wow, that’s awesome. You must’ve been so excited.”

“I was shocked. I didn’t think I was capable. After that, I started to feel like anything was possible.”

“That’s really cool.”

“It took me a long time to hit my stride in school, thanks to the undiagnosed dyslexia that caused me no end of heartache. But things started to change when I decided to really apply myself. It was never easy because of the dyslexia, but I surprised myself and everyone else. That felt pretty damned good.”

“I should try harder. I want you guys to be proud of me.”

“Oh my goodness, Scotty. We’re so proud of you. No two parents have ever been prouder of their son than we are of you. Neither of us has any doubt that you’re going to do great things with your life, and we’ll always be proud of you. No matter what.”

“It’ll be pretty hard to top you two.”

“You don’t have to top anyone. Just do you. That’s more than enough.”

“If you could keep those study guides coming, it’ll be easier to make you proud.”

She laughed and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Don’t stay up too late.”

“I won’t.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

The conversation with him had made her whole day, she thought as she ran upstairs to the third floor to knock on the door to Shelby and Avery’s suite.

Shelby answered with baby Maisie in her arms. She looked exhausted. “Come in.”

“I’m coming to check on all of you. I was glad to hear Avery is home.”

“So was Noah. He’s in with him now, taking care of Daddy.”

“Aw. Is it okay if I peek in on them?”

“Of course. Go right ahead.”

Sam poked her head into the bedroom, where Noah was “reading” to Avery in bed.

“Sam! Dada is home!”

“I see that, buddy. I’m so glad.”

Avery gave her a wan smile. His face was still pinched with pain, but thank goodness he was home and on the road to recovery.

“How’re you feeling?”

“Sore as heck, but glad to be out of the hospital and home with my loves. Noah is taking very good care of me.”

“I get you ice.” The little boy scooted off the bed, picked up the plastic cup from the table and toddled out of the room.

“He hasn’t left my side since I got home.”

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