Page 81 of It's Always Us

“Never seen you smile like that before,” Wind says in a highly uncharacteristic, wistful tone.

Carson steps forward and wraps me up. “We’re happy for ya, and so glad you’re back. Please don’t ever leave us again. These guys don’t have a clue as to what they’re doing,” he teases as they throw jabs back at him. “And Slade has been like a starved bear on the prowl,” he whispers. “We’ve thought about locking him out but then worried he might rig something to blast the door open.” He raises his eyebrows and widens his eyes in warning.

Slade starts toward me as Carson retreats to the Dodge and Grandpa heads back to his cave.

“Nice to see you’re ok.” The big man tosses out, his crossed arms a clear boundary between us.

I stare at my shoes. “I’m sorry I didn’t text you back.”

“Was that payback?” His bright green eyes bore into me.

I don’t know what to say, so I save my words for the moment.

He doesn’t wait for an answer. “I’m sorry you found out like that. It was only a discussion. I would have talked to you about it.” He pauses. “It’s not because I don’t think you can run this shop.” It’s just like Slade to always cut straight to it. “I know you could and do it better than me.” That has me peeking up at him, wanting to know if he really believes that. “This is yours for the taking. I wanted Cal to know I’m interested, but I should have told you.”

I exhale slowly, gathering the right words. The ones that hurt to admit out loud, but I trust him with them. “It’s terrifying to think that the one thing you’re capable of might be taken from you, especially when . . . ”

His stiff stance eases. “You and that baby are going to be just fine. I can see that.” A sudden burn consumes my throat, and I blink a few times. “I’m proud of you for finally going after what should’ve always been.”

This big, growly man hits me right in the chest. I step forward, push to my tiptoes, and throw my arms around him. His big arms scoop me up, and I’m surrounded by the strength and stability of one of the men who helped me keep going when my heart wasn’t sure it could.

“I’m real happy for you. Just don’t disappear like that again. Krissy’s been asking about you every day and blaming me. I’m surprised she didn’t kick my ass out of my own house. And these nags . . . I can’t take one more minute of their nonverbal assaults.”

I laugh. “I’m sorry.”

“Krissy’s going to flip her shit when you tell her.”

The metal door bangs closed, and Slade releases me, his eyes flicking to Mark as he steps up beside me.

“Mark, this is Slade,” I say, standing between the two men. One, my best friend. The other, my husband. “Slade, this is Mark.”

It takes a second, but eventually, Mark sticks out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” His words come out stiff, not in his usual playful tone.

“Congratulations.” Slade returns the shake.

Slade looks back at me. “You be careful out here on the floor.”

“I will. I can’t stay long. I have a doctor’s appointment.”

He nods, stepping away. “Good.” Reading my mind, he says. “Don’t worry. We’ll figure something out.”

I offer him a soft smile, but telling me not to worry is like asking me not to breathe right now.

I turn to Mark; his eyes are locked on Slade’s back. Something about the expression on his face recharges the churn in my stomach. “Everything ok?”

He rubs his forehead, his eyes not meeting mine. When he doesn’t immediately answer, my intestines decide to join the party and do a little jig. The kind that makes me want to run for the bathroom.

The noise in the shop resumes, and he grabs my hand, pulling me to the door. He gaze drags to mine, and I’m not sure I want the answer.

“That was Rob. I have to leave tonight. I’m meeting with the Liberties first thing in the morning.”

I stare at him. I don’t know what to think or say, so I don’t say anything.

I knew he’d be leaving. I just didn’t think it would be today. It wilts the joy that’s been blossoming. I close my eyes.

It’s not goodbye.

I pull in a slow breath, shoving down the looming panic that he’s leaving and absolutely nothing will be ok. We’ll be back to two people who love each other but live completely separate lives.

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