Page 114 of The Wounded Warrior

“Already in the backseat, honey. Just you and the chair.”

“Just you and me and the chair.” It was an important distinction.

Rory gave him a long look, then nodded. “Of course, you doof.”

“I just want to make sure we’re together.”

“We so are.” Rory hauled bags out, then came to help him over the doorjamb.

“Thanks. Easier not to have to stand up and do it.”

“I know. You’re missing your fun with Avery.”

“I am! Damn.” Luke grinned. “Shit. I need to text him.”

“Like he doesn’t know. Everyone knows.”

“I guess so.” Luke would still send him a note. His session was late in the afternoon so he was still in the realm of politeness.

“Sorry. I’m harping on it. It’s one of my shitty qualities, I know.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “Harping? Babe, you’ve had a shitty week. You’re allowed to dwell.”

“Yeah? Because I’m nervous. I’m going and I’m going to bluster through, but I’m fucking scared. What if he comes to the office? Seriously, what will I do?”

“Kill him?” Luke laughed when Rory glared at him. “Kick him right in the nuts and call Jake.”

“I bet Lori does both of those.”

“No shit on that.” Jesus, that woman was scary. Word wasthat she had dealt with reporters and Jake, with looky-loos asking questions and the entire North Baptist Ladies’ Auxiliary.

She was also a wiz at filing permits and browbeating contractors. She was doing two hours of work a week in exchange for free horse boarding. Lori could get more damned work done in two hours than most people could in forty.

They got everything, and both of them, into the car, after locking up behind them. Time to get a move on. Luke grabbed Rory’s hand when they’d settled. “It’s gonna be okay.”

“No it’s not, but I’m going to deal.” Rory shot him a glance. “You and me? We’re gonna be fucking amazing.”

“We are.” What could he say? He believed that with his whole heart. “My PT in the hospital used to tell me I had to get used to the new normal. You make that easy.”

“The new normal. You. Me. Cats. The Rocking W.”

“Uh, what’s your position on dogs?”

“I approve, if there’s someone home often enough to let them out. Why?”

“Well, Matty has spotted that momma dog. We’ve got us some puppies.” Luke liked the idea.

“Huh. Ranches need dogs.”

“They totally do.” He thought about what Mal and the girls would make of puppies and chortled.

“You’re thinking evil thoughts. You have to share.” The Mustang roared to life.

“I was thinking of Mal versus puppies.” Luke knew who would win. Just like her dad, Mal would rule.

“Oh, man… That would be something else.”

“You know it. Dogs would be great at the ranch house, though, especially if we can train them as comfort dogs or helpers.” He loved the possibilities he was discovering.

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