Page 32 of Breathe Again

Mom sat there glaring at the two of us. I knew she was just worried about me.

“Is it still hurting that badly?” she asked with concern.

“She’s fine, Cora, just a little lightheaded from the medication,” Cole told her.

“Then she should be able to walk with assistance,” she argued.

“She’s perfectly capable of it,” Cole insisted. “But Doc said to keep her off it as much as possible for the next three days and let her heal.”

“Oh, well if that’s what Doc said, then thank you,” she told him as if I wasn’t even in the room. “I brought you chicken and dumplings, Lizzy. Your favorite.”

“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate it,” I told her, and I really did. Cole and I had spent so much time talking and bonding and just everything, that I hadn’t realized how late it was, or that we’d skipped lunch entirely.

Cole frowned.What about vegetables? Do you only eat crap?

I stared at him in horror. “Chicken and dumplings are not crap, Cole Anderson. You take that back right this second.”

“Lizzy,” Mom scolded. “What is wrong with you? He didn’t even say a word and you have this ridiculous outburst. Are you certain you’re okay?”

I blushed, realizing he’d spoken through our bond. It was definitely going to take some getting used to.

“A compromise at least, Elizabeth. Let me run to the store and get stuff for a nice salad to go with it,” he said, seeming to have tuned my mother out entirely.

“That’s rabbit food. We’re wolves, California boy,” I reminded him.

“It’s just so unhealthy, slathered in fat,” he argued.

“There’s carrots and peas in it, Cole. It was about the only way I could get Lizzy to eat a vegetable as a kid,” my mother admitted.

He sighed in disgust. “You’re going to eat better, or I’m throwing out the Pop-Tarts while you’re laid up and can’t go buy more,” he threatened.

“You wouldn’t dare,” I challenged, while my mother actually started laughing.

“Watch me.”

He started to stand, and I conceded, fearing he really would follow through with his threat. “I’ll eat your stupid salad. Just please don’t take away my Pop-Tarts.”

Mom’s jaw hit the floor. It wasn’t in me to back down or compromise. It made me a ruthless lawyer, but a damn good one, too.

“Thank you. Your precious cardboard looking pastries are safe, for now. Cora, do you mind staying with her while I run down to the market?”

Mom just nodded at him, looking stupefied. He leaned down and kissed me, told me to behave, and left. Mom’s eyes narrowed.

“What’s going on, Lizzy? With you and Cole,” she clarified.

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried. I didn’t have to say a word before Mom started crying. “You’re sure this is what you want?”

“Mom, he’s all I’ve ever wanted. Life’s been so empty without him,” I confessed.

She nodded. “It’s so hard watching my babies grow up and move on without me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Mom, I’m thirty-two years old. Don’t you think it’s time?”

She nodded. “I always thought I’d have a house full of grandpups by now.”

I’d walked right into that one. “Maddie’s off to a good start for you.” She stared at me and I rolled my eyes. “I’ll see what we can do to contribute to that.”

My mother lit up in excitement. “So this is serious then? Like really serious?”

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