Page 105 of Never Have I Ever

He says, “It was bad. Fifteen cars.” He looks us over, almost as if he’s in disbelief we’re here. “If you’d been going any faster—”

“Yeah,” I cut in because neither Poppy nor I need the reminders of how we walked away with minimal injuries when it could have been the opposite.

Doesn’t matter that a semi-truck swerved into two cars or that it caused a chain reaction three cars past us. I will still never forgive myself for not reacting faster.

Poppy rests her hand on my leg and says, “Laird had just helped me manage a panic attack when it happened. A lot was going on.”

The doctor places the e-pad at his side and rocks back on his heels. “The ER was full, but fortunately, there were no casualties. Well, other than a few nurses who Mr. Faris was kind enough to sign autographs for.” His eyes pivot to me. “We see a lot of celebrities due to our location, but you were quite the hit last night.”

“Pun intended?” Not sure I trust a doctor who puns.

He chuckles. “Always.” Heading for the door, he says to Poppy, “You already have your care instructions. Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

As soon as we’re alone, I ask, “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” she says, standing from the couch. “They did an MRI due to the past accident and my memories returning.” Grabbing her bag, she moves to the door. “I was given the all clear. I wasn’t the last time I had one, so this is good news. Progress, babe.”

“Your body and your brain have been through a lot. You don’t need to conquer the world in one day.”

Swinging the door open, she turns back to me with the biggest grin splitting her cheeks. “I’ve lost too much time. Let’s go make up for it.”

I have a feeling I’m not going to be able to convince her otherwise, so I might as well go along for the journey. I get up and grab the door above her head to hold it open. “So what’s first?”

I almost run into the back of her when she stops suddenly in the middle of the hallway. Glancing back at me, she says, “Your mom is here for you.”

“No, I’ve already seen her. She’s here for you.”

The magnitude hits her expression quick, and tears flood her eyes. “For me? Really?”

“Yes. For you.” I pluck the side of her dress and add, “She wanted to stay to make sure you were okay.” While tears roll down her cheeks, she turns back to my mom, and then walks into her open arms and cries on her shoulder.

We all just want to know we’re loved. If her family won’t do it, mine will step up to do the job because I already know I’m going to marry her one day.

Once my mom is satisfied with the health update and has left, and Poppy is beaming with happiness, she presses her hands to my chest. I can tell by the look in her eyes, she is definitely up to no good. She asks, “You up for an adventure, lover?”

I slide my hands around her waist and pull her to me. I will never tire of adventures with her. “With you? Always.”

Five weeks later . . .

“No to the hat. It’s summer. You don’t need a wool beanie on.”

The huff is heard across the room. “But it’s my Faris Wheel official tour hat?”

“I know.” I take another look up from my phone. As cute as she is in it, it’s firsthand embarrassing for me. “I remember giving it to you, but it was October in Austin, not June.”

“Yes, but we’re in California, not Texas.”

I kick my feet onto the coffee table, figuring we’ll be here all day at this rate. “Southern California. My vote is no.” As soon as I say it, I know I’m losing this battle.

“So we’re voting? My vote is yes then.” She walks as proud as a peacock to the counter to grab her bag. “It also covers the scars on my forehead.”

I won’t lie to protect her. It’s the one thing she asked me not to do anymore. Instead, I tell her the truth from the start, “The scars are part of who you are. You look beautiful.”

“Aw, babe. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Veering back on the course she’s determined to travel, she picks up where she left off. “Anyway, it makes as much sense wearing this as it does our choice in tattoos.”

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