Page 105 of Sugar and Skulls

“Dirk, I don’t know what to say.”

He smiles. “How about that you like your name. That would be a good start.”

“I love my name. I’ve always loved it.”

“Good.” He kisses the end of my nose. “Let’s get some sleep.”

I tuck myself in close to him, closing my eyes. I fall asleep in the arms of the man I have always belonged to. It may seem weird to some but to me it’s perfect. Dirk and I are a perfect match.

When I wake up I find Dirk in the garage. He is standing there deep in thought. He startles when I move in the doorway.

Chuckling I make my way over to him. His scary eyebrow pops up. “Sneaking up on me now?” he asks.

“What are you doing out here?”

“I have an idea on how we can help Raffe.”

I hug him around the waist. “Let’s hear it.”

“Well it all starts with my sister.”

“Your sister?” I ask, confused.

“Did you know she just happens to be a physical therapist?” A wicked grin spreads across his face.

“He isn’t going to like this is he?”

“He isn’t going to have a choice.”

I shake my head back and forth. When Dirk has an idea, there’s no talking him out of it. “Okay, let’s get this plan of yours in motion.”

He kisses me on the forehead. “This is why you’re perfect for me. You’re not even going to try to talk me out of it.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Jesse

???

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. My dad and Candice had their wedding. Katie’s adoption went through, which we celebrated with a big party. My dad went all out with bouncy houses, clowns, and ponies. Katie was thrilled. I’m so happy for her…for all of us actually. She’s brought so much joy to our lives.

With all that going on Dirk and I still spent most of our time at the hospital. Raffe has been down, understandably so. He decided he wants to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Arizona, not because he thinks they will help him. But, because he doesn’t want to burden any of us. It’s been heartbreaking to watch his spirit fade. He’s basically given up.

I run my hands down my jeans nervously. Today’s the big day. Dirk spins me around to face him. “You can do this. He will understand.” He shrugs his shoulders then adds, “Well, eventually he will understand.”

I blow out a long breath, square my shoulders and then push the door to his room open. He is sitting up in bed starring out the window. His eyes slide to mine, and he offers me a small, fake smile. “Jesse, what are you doing here? I thought we said our goodbyes yesterday.”

Ignoring him I move over to the chair perched beside his bed and sit down. He watches me carefully. “What’s going on?” he asks.

“Do you know how much Dirk and I love you?”

He rolls his eyes. “Yes, I know. You two have been smothering me with love for the past several weeks. It’s sickening, actually.”

I nod my head slowly. “Did you really think we were going to let you go to another state, to a facility full of strangers?”

“Jesse,” he warns. “We’ve been through this a hundred times. I will not be a burden to the club. I’m going to Arizona. My transport will be here in a few hours. It’s done.” He crosses his arms across his chest.

“You’re going to walk again.”

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