Page 28 of Healing Home

“Thank you,” he told her softly.

“You are very welcome,” she said, just as softly, as if she knew how important it was to him.

The party wound down soon after. The guest of honor had to go inside for sleep. Justin grumbled but Mary was implacable. It was actually pretty cute to watch them bicker, because he knew it was with love. Everything they did was with love.

Damn. He was so mushy and emotional today. What the fuck?

* * *

BB hatedto leave the gathering, but everyone was wrapping things up. Justin was still recovering, and he needed rest now that the team had seen he was okay. She got up with the rest of the women and started cleaning things up so that Mary wouldn’t have to worry about it.

She asked about the other injured man and was told that he was fighting an infection. That was why they hadn’t come today. BB hoped he did okay.

The thought of Link being injured, and having no one here for him, terrified her. And saddened her. When Mary returned from settling Justin, she asked her for a minute of her time.

“I know this isn’t my place, but if Link ever gets injured, can you let me know? I’d like to be here for him.”

Mary looked at her for a long moment before giving her a single nod. “I’ll have to check with him first, if possible, but yes, I will let you know.”

Mary already had her number because she had been the main contact for the contract. “I appreciate that, Mary.”

“I like you, BB. I hope you’ll come down and see us without Link being hurt.”

She smiled sadly. “I like you too, Mary. Thank you so much for your hospitality and friendship. Maybe next time you have a party I can slide down.”

BB didn’t know what she was saying. She really did like all of these people and there was a communal draw that surprised her a little. Even Rocket had been kinda cute in his misguided way. Military families were strong and she was flattered that they’d taken her in the way they had.

Lincoln sighed as they climbed into his truck. “I hope that didn’t get to tedious for you. I know you probably get asked to sketch people a lot.”

“I do sometimes, but I enjoyed doing it here. No one asked other than Rocket. I offered.”

The evening was nice so they left the windows down. Frankie hung her head out the window, making BB worry. She ended up rolling the window up part way and wrapping a hand around her chest.

When Link reached out and gripped her spare hand, she didn’t say anything, just held his fingers all the way home.

They pulled up in front of his house and Link rolled up the windows. “Hold on a minute and I’ll help you.”

BB appreciated that. Normally, she could walk pretty well, but sliding out of a taller truck wearing a dress and wedge heels, carrying a thirty pound dog made it a little more difficult. When he opened the door she let Link take Frankie from her. The dog grunted but didn’t protest. Then he held out a hand to help her to the curb.

BB got her feet and straightened, leaning up to kiss his strong chin. “Thank you.”

Rather than move out of the way, he leaned down and kissed her lingeringly. As if she wasn’t excited enough, BB thought. The tiniest looks and touches thrilled her, and it wasn’t just because she hadn’t been dating for a while. It was most definitely Link.

When he finally pulled away, she was ready to strip down in the street and fuck him on the front lawn.

BB cleared her throat and stepped away. “I think we need to head into the house.”

Lincoln grinned in the darkness. She could see the flash of his bright teeth. “I think you’re right.”

The porch light was on next to the front door. Lincoln entered the code into the front door lock and paused long enough to reach out and stroke a finger down the leaves of the flower in the flower box. “I really like these. I’ve never bothered putting anything in here because of my schedule. I thought they would die.”

BB snorted. “These ones will never die. I promise.”

He gave her an appreciative look, and BB felt guilt prick her heart. “Lincoln, they’re fake.”

He paused on the threshold. “What?”

“They’re fake. You don’t have to worry about them dying because they’re not alive.”

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