Page 33 of Home for Justice
He chuckled, the sound raspy but strong. “Baby girl, I feel good. But I know about limitations. I’ll have to work back up to doing the things I used to.”
When they left the hospital, he’d insisted he didn’t need the walker. But she knew better than to take him at his word when it came to pushing through pain. The walker was tucked behind the driver’s seat, and she glanced toward the back as she unbuckled. “I want you to use the walker to get into the house and settle. If you don’t feel like you need it all the time, that’s fine. But please, Dad, don’t take risks.”
He turned to look at her, and for a moment, she saw the same man who used to patch up her skinned knees and chase away monsters under the bed. The man who’d always stood tall. There was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes now, tempered with the wisdom of someone who’d learned what it meant to be fragile.
“I’ll be careful, I promise.”
She jogged around the SUV and opened the door. He eased himself out, and she stood just behind him, ready to catch him if his legs betrayed him. But his steps were sure, stronger than she’d expected, and pride swelled in her chest as he made it up the porch and through the door with only the gentlest support of her hand on his elbow.
He paused just past the threshold, looking around with knowing eyes. “You moved the coffee table.”
“I had Tyler come and help me,” she said, a smile flickering at the mention of his name.
“Charlie’s grandson?”
“Yes. We’ve been spending time together. He was a lot of help getting things ready.” She glanced around, taking in the newly widened walkways. “I just want to make sure you have room to maneuver if you’re using your cane or the walker. There’s nothing that can’t be moved back later.”
He nodded as he stepped toward his recliner. “I’m glad to hear he helped you. I’d hate to think you did all this yourself.”
As he sank into his favorite chair, his body relaxing into the well-worn cushions like a man finally exhaling after a longstorm, she slipped back outside to grab the walker and his hospital bag. The sky was bluer than she remembered from this morning, the clouds higher. She felt lighter.
Bringing the items inside, she paused in the doorway, and her breath caught at the sight of him home. Sitting there like he belonged, like the past terrifying weeks were nothing more than a bad dream. Her throat tightened, the moment weighted with unspoken gratitude.
He glanced over, noticing her frozen stance. “Justice, darling… I’m fine.”
She nodded quickly, swallowing against the emotion clogging her voice. “I know,” she managed after a beat, her smile tremulous. “How would you like some real cooking to erase the taste of the hospital food?”
His eyes lit up. “Now you’re talking!”
Laughing, she headed into the kitchen. Recently, she’d gone through every blog, cookbook, and health pamphlet she could find, determined to cook something that would nourish his healing heart without tasting like cardboard.
She’d settled on lemon herb salmon, roasted brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a side of wild rice pilaf with chopped walnuts and cranberries. The meal was hearty, comforting, and doctor approved. It didn’t take long before the house filled with the savory scent of garlic and lemon.
When she ushered him into the kitchen and he saw the table pushed against the wall, his brow creased slightly. Before he could say anything, she raised a hand. “Dad, it’s usually just you and me here anyway. This just gives us a little more floor space.”
He studied her for a second, then nodded slowly. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”
She smiled as she set down his plate. “I’m trying.”
“Well, the doctor wants me walking every day,” Jack said, taking another sip of water as he relaxed in his seat. “So as soonas I build my strength and stability back up, you won’t have to feel like all the furniture’s squished to the side.”
Justice arched a brow and wrinkled her nose. “The furniture isn’t all squished.”
Before he could retort, a knock sounded on the front door. She blew out a soft breath. While she didn’t want to be rude to any of her dad’s friends who might come by, she also hoped they’d have more time to settle before anyone dropped by to visit.
She crossed the living room and opened the door. Inhaling quickly, she felt her heart give a little flutter. “Hey!” she greeted, her surprise giving way to a smile.
Tyler stood on the porch, one hand rubbing the back of his neck like he wasn’t sure if he should’ve come. “I don’t want to bother you,” he said quickly. “I just… I saw you in the driveway and wanted to check in. Make sure everything went okay getting your dad home.”
Emotion and gratitude swelled in her chest, and she stepped aside. “Dad would love to see you. Please, come in. We’re just having dessert.”
By the time she led Tyler back into the kitchen, Jack was already standing, steadying himself with a hand on the table, his curiosity piqued by the sound of another voice.
“Please don’t stand, sir,” Tyler said, extending his hand. “It’s good to see you.”
Jack’s expression shifted instantly, recognition and warmth mingling in his gaze. He clasped Tyler’s hand with a firm grip. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Tyler. I think the last time was at your grandmother’s funeral. And I have to say, I’m sorry as hell about Charlie. Your grandfather was a good friend and a good neighbor. And I’m equally sorry I couldn’t attend his service.”
Tyler nodded with quiet appreciation. “Thank you. That means a lot. But I think your reason for missing it was pretty major. I hope your convalescence goes well.”
