Page 103 of Coming Home

“I’m sorry, Nat.”

She leaned, wrapping her arms around him. “I love you, Clay Pot.”

“I love you, Natster.” He squeezed her tight.

Nat pulled away. “I think you owe Noah an apology.”

“I think you two owe me a pi…pi…pizza.” He paused. “You’re right, though.”

She rolled her eyes. “Why did you just walk in?”

“I knew he was working tonight, and he said he was just hang…hang…hanging out at home for the day, so I thought I’dsurprise him with pizza. We’ve walked into each other’s houses without knocking for years. I know he walked in on Elle and me, but I never thought I’d walk in on him with someone, especially my…” He paused with a firm smile. “…adult sister.”

Amusement lifted her lips. “I think we should agree to always knock from now on.”

He smirked.

“Why don’t we grab Elle? We can order a replacement pizza on the way and go to Noah’s. You two can make up over pizza before he heads to work. I’ll text him.”

Elle poked her head in. “I’ve got the Daryl’s app up. Do you want wings, too?”

Nat arched a brow. “Were you eavesdropping?”

“Well, I had to make sure you didn’t kill my future husband. Even if he was being an ass, I love that ass.” Elle grinned, batting her hazel eyes.

“My ass is one of your favorite parts,” he said, winking at his fiancée.

“Ugh!” Nat gagged.

Hetsked. “Those in glass houses…”

“Especially when they’re naked on the kitchen table of said glasshouse getting nailed,” Elle quipped.

“Too soon. WAY too soon.”

After placing their order, the three hopped into Clayton’s pickup. Bumping along the blacktop country road, Nat sank into the sensation that all was okay. She’d faced her fear and conquered it. Pulling her cell phone out of her sweatshirt pocket, she texted him.

Me: Clayton pulled his head out of his ass.Smiley Face Emoji.All is well. We’re on our way to your place with “Sorry for being a dick” pizza.Pizza Emoji.I love you, baby.

A happy thrilled buzzed inside her at the freedom of those three little words living in the sunshine. She loved him, and he loved her.

No response came, so she slipped her phone back into the front pocket of her sweatshirt, knowing he’d respond soon. He always did.

“What the…” Clayton’s words stopped, causing Nat to look forward.

A motorcycle lay on its side in the middle of the road. The rider sprawled on the hard pavement beside it, a cracked helmet a mere foot away, and blood dripping from his head. Clayton steered onto the narrow shoulder and parked. Nat’s eyes scanned the scene and her breath caught at the sight of a familiar SUV wrapped around the telephone pole.

“Oh my…” she gasped.

“Noah!” Clayton croaked.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

“…feeling as if all the happiness and support of their lives was about to be taken from them.”~Louisa May Alcott,Little Women

Every nerve fired alive, sending fear quaking across Nat’s body, her heart racing. For half a beat, they remained in the pickup. A never-ending horn blared, pulling Nat out of that gripping terror.

I am a doctor. I’ve been trained for this.She inhaled a steadying breath.

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