Page 99 of Unbearable

Dotty glanced at me. “The guys wanted Henry tospeak with you first. I’ll wait in the waiting room and send them in. Then, I’ll come back with my dad,” she said.

“Okay, but I need your lips one more time.”

She gave me a playful look and walked over to the bed, leaning down. Her kiss was tender, but it teased more than satisfied.

“No, sir, you need to rest,” she teased.

“Can’t a guy make out with his girlfriend after a near-death experience?”

“Girlfriend, huh?” Her eyes widened, but she didn’t recoil.

“Did I stutter?” I looked her up and down and felt my dick stirring even as I sat in a fucking hospital bed, of all places.

“No, but you know your voice does sound a little funny,” she teased.

“I’d preferwife, but I don’t care as long as you’re mine,” I replied.

“Let’s start with girlfriend.” She smiled, glancing back at me before walking out the door.

A moment later, Dorian, Sawyer, and Colt walked in.

“Hey, guys,” I greeted, my throat beginning to feel the strain.

“It’s good to see you awake, brother,” Dorian said warmly.

Colt cleared his throat. “You look like shit.”

I chuckled, ignoring the sharp pain it caused.

“At least you’ll have a nice scar to show off to all the ladies now,” Sawyer said.

“There’s only going to be one girl for me now,” I said, and Dorian grinned knowingly.

Colt caught on quickly, but Sawyer seemed completely oblivious. He glanced back and forth between us all.

Finally, Dorian spoke up. “Dotty.”

“Dotty? Our sister Dotty?” Sawyer asked, surprised.

“Yes, you dumbass,” Colt said, playfully punching him in the shoulder.

“Oh, shit, okay. I’m happy for you guys. It makes perfect sense when you think about it.” Sawyer nodded.

“It does, doesn’t it?” I admitted.

“Well, shit. I guess getting shot makes everything come out, huh?” Sawyer chuckled.

“Sure does,” I agreed.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Dotty

REWRITE THE STARS - MICHAEL GEROW

The cold winterair surrounded me as I kneeled in front of my mother’s grave. “You were right, Mom.” I let out a soft laugh. “We are barely even official, but I already see you were right all along. It’s really funny how life circles back on itself.” I traced the engraved letters of her name with trembling fingers, feeling the chill of her absence.

Childhood memories flooded my mind, faint echoes of laughter and advice, of moments when my mother’s quiet wisdom had guided me. She had always seen something between Trent and me that we hadn’t understood—a connection that transcended friendship, a bond that apparently even time and distance couldn’t sever.

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