Page 90 of We Redeemed the Rain

“I’m so relieved.”

“Us, too.”

“Did the doctor tell you why you had a seizure though? Any ideas?”

“Unfortunately, there’s not a visible reason at this point. It’s going to be a whole process trying to figure it out.”

“Okay.” Tag’s hand gently rubbed my shoulder.

“I’m going to let you go. I need to call Mom and type out a family group text still. After that, I'm turning my phone off. I’ve been so stressed recently and need to spend this morning focusing on my almost-bride.”

Sarah said something in the background. Peter laughed—man, I loved his laugh—and he must’ve covered the mouthpiece on the phone. He said a few words in a playful, scolding tone. Yes, he wanted to hang up with his sister. Couldn’t blame the guy.

He chuckled again. “Sorry, Bea.”

“You’re good. Have a fantastic morning. Buy that woman a mimosa.”

“Will do. Hey, call me when you’re free and tell me how things are going in Texas. I haven’t gotten the update. I’ve been…kind of stuck in my own world.”

“Understandably stuck. I’ll call. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Sarah and Peter were laughing as he disconnected.

I held the phone against my chest and allowedmy eyes to flutter closed. A tear followed my cheek to my chin, where a gentle knuckle brushed it off. I opened my eyes to see Tag looking down at me, his brow furrowed. “It sounded like good news.”

I choked out. “It was.”

His chest collapsed in relief, too. He said nothing but snaked his arm around my upper back and pulled. My head hit his shoulder, and we sat there for a few long moments as I sniffled myself together.

His hand gently rubbed up and down my upper arm. He was being so tender, so sweet. I wanted to cry all over again simply out of appreciation. Tag had always been thebestlistening ear and support when it came to Peter.

Maybe because he understood what it felt like to worry over a brother you loved.

He whispered, “You alright?”

“More than alright. I’m great. I've been so afraid.”

He squeezed. “I know.”

“It’s funny. I was tired four minutes ago, but now I feel like I could run a mile.”

“Your body’s castin’ off that fear.”

“It feels amazing.”

“Good.”

I wanted to linger there. His shoulder was a perfect fit for me, perfect height. He smelled so good. The temptation to snuggle in and let him hold me…

But he dropped his arm, and I dutifully took that as the signal to stop leaning on him.

I looked up into a soft expression. His eyes bounced between mine, studying me, checking in. “Do you wanna take a little time this mornin’? You look tired.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I want to help.”

“I’ll be fine if you sleep for a while.”

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