Page 45 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 32
Parker was beyond ready to have his cast come off today. Delilah had driven them to the doctor’s office and helped him inside. It didn’t take long, and as they stepped outside, Parker pulled her into a fierce hug.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Delilah questioned.
“Taking care of me.”
“I love you, Parker. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
The rode in silence to the house, watching the scenery pass by. Parker held Delilah’s hand in his, his thumb constantly rubbing her hand. He couldn’t get enough of her, and he was dreading his return to work. He didn’t know how he was going to survive over night shifts away from her. “I hate that in a few weeks I’ll be back at work.”
“You love your job. Plus, it’s not like you can’t come home on duty.” Her eyebrows waggled.
“You naughty flirt.” Parker smiled.
“Speaking of home…” Delilah paused, “Don’t you think it’s time you moved in for real?”
“What?” Parker nearly ran off the road.
“Move in, Parker. Please?”
Turning the truck around, he headed towards his place. “Where we going?”
“To pack my shit.”
Delilah couldn’t contain the laugh that bubbled up through her lips. “Eager aren’t you?”
“Delilah,” Parker cut his eyes towards her, “You haven’t let me touch you since that day. So, I want to make sure I have all my shit at your house because we won’t be leaving the bedroom for days. Ok?”
She threw her hands up, “Ok. Geeze.”
They pulled into the driveway and Delilah hopped out. Hank greeted them at the door, “Guess you came to get your shit?”
“How did you know?” Delilah cocked an eye at him, tilting her head in question.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see he is madly in love with you. It was only a matter of time. I’m just surprised it took him this long.”
“Well, the cast did kind of hamper my ability.”
“Right – well, shall I help you?” Hank moved to the side, letting Parker and Delilah into the house. Parker had already decided to let Hank have his place, hoping Hank would put down roots here.
Parker quickly packed his things. Delilah grabbed the letter from inside the drawer, “What’s this?” She held up the envelope.
“Oh. That’s my letter from Momma Belle.”
Delilah looked at the white linen, seeing her scrawl across the front, “Here,” she handed it to him.
Parker grinned. He grabbed something from his dresser, tucking it into his pocket, before turning towards her. “I think it’s time you read it.” He handed it back to her. Delilah sat on the bed, pulling the letter from the under the flap.
My dearest Parker,
If you are reading this, it means my time on this earth has come to an end. I’m an old lady, so that means little to me – I got to live my life and it was a grand one at that. First, let me say that our friendship was very dear to me. You are the son I never knew I needed, for that – thank you. I know you struggle with demons from your past, but it’s time you let those go. Your parents wouldn’t want you to die a lonely man. I wouldn’t want that. Now, the purpose of my letter. There were things I hadn’t told you – things I kept secret from you and most importantly from Delilah. I am assuming since you’re reading this, Delilah found my box. That’s good. I wrote them, always planning to give them to her one day. Once I learned, well… that part is not important right now. I just knew this was how she should find them. There will be things that will be hard for her to read. I know she is stubborn and will try to push you away, but Parker – don’t let her. And if that tool of a boyfriend (I refuse to acknowledge as her fiancé) is still around, find a way to make her see he’s useless. She’s too good for him. You’ll see what I mean when you spend time with her. I know you feel connected to her from all the stories I shared, use that to build a relationship with her – you’re the last connection she will have to me. Now, the last and most important thing I need from you Parker. Delilah is going to fight you every turn. She is stubborn and strong, yet she won’t see what’s right in front of her. I know you fell in love with her before ever laying eyes on her. That’s why I know you are the one she needs and deserves. Now, when the time comes, I need you to be ready. When she sees John isn’t the man for her, it will be your time.
Be ready to give her everything she deserves. Be her knight in shining armor. Give her the sun, the moon, and the stars. But most of all, give her your heart. Can you do that, Parker?
I know deep in my soul you are what she needs, and she is what you need. Don’t let her be a fool. Be strong, and when she is ready, you’ll know.
