Page 46 of Finally

“Here, you go,” Topher said as he walked into the living room holding a large bowl of popcorn. “I added extra butter, just the way you like it.”

It had been a week since I’d gotten shot and my shoulder was healing quite nicely. Once the press had gotten hold of the story, they’d been relentless in their pursuit of an interview. Topher had gently but firmly declined, stating that he just wanted to put the entire ordeal behind him and focus on what lie ahead. Still, there were news vans lined up along the gates to his house and outside his campaign headquarters, but we’d been able to avoid them for the most part since he’d decided to work from home during my recovery.

“I’m going to get spoiled by all this attention. I’m also going to gain a hundred pounds if I keep lying around and eating like this,” I informed him. Topher sat down gently on the couch beside me, careful not to jostle my arm too much. I’d told him countless times that the sling would keep it secure, but he still worried, which I found absolutely adorable.

“It’s only been a week, cut yourself some slack. Besides, I enjoy spoiling you,” he said, leaning over to give me a soft kiss.

I kissed him back, but my lips turned down in a frown as he pulled away. Having been denied the sweet taste of him for so many years, my body was starved for him, but Topher had been insisting all week that I needed time to heal. That was difficult when just the sight of him got me hot and bothered. The touch of his hand, the sound of his voice, and the smell of his cologne had all worked together to leave my body in a near constant state of arousal. It also left me very grumpy.

“Don’t pout. This is hard on me too, but it’s important that you have time to heal,” he insisted.

I started to argue, but a knock on the door made him jump. Topher grabbed his phone and used it to check the front porch camera. I was glad to see him being careful, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me a little sad too. I didn’t want him to live in fear, but after everything he’d been through, I wondered if he’d ever feel completely safe again. It’s only been a week, I reminded myself.

Topher looked shocked as his eyes met mine. “It’s my dad.”

I reached over and ran my thumb along his jaw. “Maybe you should let him in.”

I could tell by the look on his face that he knew I was talking about more than just opening up the door. “Are you okay with that? He hurt you too. I won’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

I tilted my head along the back of the couch as I looked into his eyes. The fact that he would even put my feelings above his own meant the world to me. No one had ever done that for me before and it made me fall even more in love with him. “Baby, he’s your dad. I know what he did was wrong, but so does he and he’s apologized for it. I would’ve given anything for my parents to even notice me and your dad came here looking for you because he loves you and wants to make things right. Don’t you think that deserves a second chance?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he agreed quietly. He gave me a quick peck on the lips and then he got up and walked to the door.

His dad looked nervous as he followed Topher into the living room, so I smiled at him, hoping to put him at ease. “Hey, Dr. Brooks. I didn’t know doctors made house calls anymore,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Topher’s dad gave me a small grin. “How’s your shoulder doing? And please, call me James.”

“It’s healing really well, which I’m sure has a lot to do with your skills as a surgeon. Thank you for that, by the way.” James looked embarrassed by the praise, so I continued, “Topher’s been taking excellent care of me, although I wish he’d let me do a little more.”

“You need to heal. Dad, tell him he needs to heal,” Topher argued as he settled back down next to me. He motioned for his father to have a seat and James sat in one of the wingback chairs across from us.

James’s eyes flashed to Topher’s, probably surprised to have his son speaking directly to him. “Uh, actually, it’s good to keep that arm moving so you don’t lose any range of motion. Just keep it within reason. No heavy lifting,” he instructed, his voice becoming steadier as he slipped into doctor mode.

“Hmm. Did you hear that? My doctor said I should use my arm more.” I flashed Topher a toothy grin and he rolled his eyes.

“Thanks, Dad. Now he’s going to be impossible. Whose side are you on anyway?” he joked.

“Your side, Son. Always your side,” James answered quietly, and the smile quickly slid from Topher’s face. James sighed. “Look, I came here because I owe you guys an apology. I could give you a list of reasons why I left that note, the top one being that I wanted to help my son stay on track so he could achieve his dreams and be happy. But the bottom line is, I was wrong. What I did hurt both of you for a very long time and I can never make that up to you. I wish I’d realized what you two meant to each other because then, maybe I would have seen that the thing that would make Christopher the happiest, was you.” James looked directly in my eyes as he said that, and I had to swallow around the lump in my throat.

“Every parent prays that their child will find someone to love who has a good heart and treats them well and I can tell that Christopher has found that in you. You saved his life, and his mother and I will always be indebted to you for that, but just as important is the way you make him smile. I peeked into your hospital room a couple of times, just to check on you guys and I can honestly say, I’ve never seen my son happier than when he’s with you. And I’m…I’m just so…sorry that I messed that up for you guys,” he choked out as his shame and sorrow took over.

Topher’s chin quivered as he looked at me and I nodded my head. There was no doubting his father’s sincerity. Now, it was time for the two of them to mend what had broken between them. Topher walked over to his dad and knelt on the floor beside him, pulling him into a hug. A sob tore from James’s chest and they held each other as they cried. I wiped my own tears away as Topher turned to face me, his arm still around his dad.

“Dad, I’d like to officially introduce you to my boyfriend, Gregory Wright. Greg, this is my dad, Dr. James Brooks. I’d really like for you two to get to know each other.”

James’s lips pinched together as he swallowed back another wave of emotions. “I’d like that very much.”

“I would too,” I told him with a friendly smile, then I shot Topher a wink which made him blush.

His dad stayed for a little bit longer and then he said he needed to get home. “You know your mom. She’s been frantic with worry.”

“Well, go tell her that everything’s going to be all right,” Topher said as he walked his father to the door.

James opened the door and then turned around. “Is it?” he asked, still a little unsure.

Topher gave him a genuine smile. “Yeah, it is, Dad. Thanks for coming over. I love you.” His dad hugged him once again and was smiling as he shut the door behind him.

Topher wore a soft smile as he walked back into the living room and sat down beside me. “Feel better, baby?” I asked.

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