Page 124 of I Knead You Tonight

* * *

Sully springsfrom the couch when I push the front door open.

“How is he?”

“He’s good,” I say, setting the car seat down. “Sleeping.”

“Good. That’s good. I left as soon as Winston called you. I didn’t want to crowd the room and figured it would be best if I left.”

“Thank you for taking them in,” I say.

“How, uh, how is he?”

He doesn’t have to say his name, and I’m a little thankful he doesn’t.

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.

Sully nods, lips turned down. “Look, I know you’re upset, and you have every reason to be. You probably don’t want to hear it right now, but just know the first thing Winston did was tend to Riker. He didn’t give a shit about his shoulder or the pain. He pushed through it and made sure your son was okay. There wasn’t a second where he wasn’t completely focused on him, so don’t think he wasn’t taking care of him, okay?”

“He let him roll off the bed, Sully.”

“His shoulder gave out.”

“Because he refused to acknowledge he was in bad shape. That is completely on him. He knew he was hurting. He should have said something before I left my son in his care.”

“You’re right. He should have, but he was just trying to help you, Drew. He knows how hard you work, how much you sacrifice for your son. It wasn’t done out of malicious intent. He did it out of love.”

Love.

The word sends my heart hammering and I try to push the thoughts of romance away.

I’m mad. I’m supposed to be mad. I can’t be thinking about love right now, especially not with Winston.

“When they put Riker in the bed…I’ve never seen Winston break like that. He…” He shakes his head. “It was hard to watch. He wouldn’t even leave to get his shoulder looked at. The doctors came to him. Winston loves Riker, Drew. He loves that baby so much. Just remember that, okay? Remember the love he has for you both.”

I don’t say anything.

I can’t.

“I’m going to head out for the night, give you guys some space.”

Another nod.

Before I realize what’s happening, Sully wraps me in his arms, hugging me close.

“It’s okay to be mad, Drew, but it’s also okay to forgive him.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Then he’s gone, leaving just me and Riker to ourselves.

Hours pass before Winston comes creeping into the house.

I don’t know if he took the bus or walked. Either way, I’m glad for the few hours’ reprieve we’ve been provided.

It’s quiet enough that I hear the key in the front door, bracing myself to face him again.

I hear his shoes hit the floor and the loud sigh he lets out when he leans against the front door.

He taps his head against the wood twice before pushing away and ambling down the hall.

---