Page 130 of Average Joe

“It’s not like me to be so careless or out of control. But lately, I have no control over anything, especially my temper, and… I need help. I know that.”

While I purged, Joe watched, stiff and still.

My body shook, overloaded with emotion. “I’m going to see a counselor or a therapist and work through all the craziness in my head. And my lawyer said I could serve time.” I pressed my hands together and begged, “If I do, please, please, will you take care of Bruce? You’re the only one I’d trust him with, and I understand that you hate me, but Bruce and Ginger, they’re good together. They need each other, and I don’t think we should punish them just because we’re not going to see each other anymore.”

Still, nothing from the man. No smirk or sneer, not even an eye roll.

“So, if you want him full-time, that’s okay, too. He likes your house better anyway. It’s bigger. And you’ve got your shit together unlike crazy ol’ me.” I had to stop rambling. I drew a deep breath and said, “I’m just so, so sorry.”

Joe set his mug on the counter, ripped a paper towel off the roll, then dabbed my tears. “I forgive you.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“You forgive me. That’s it?” I had to be dreaming. “No yelling, screaming, making me suffer?”

“You didn’t aim the gun at me. You didn’t shoot me on purpose.”

“No.” Another sob escaped. “Of course not.”

“I’m pissed, Marley, and I’m a grouchy fucker when I’m in pain. And that whole situation was shitty.” He dropped the napkin in the sink. “Had every intention of making you suffer. But then…” He stared over my head for a beat, as if searching for the right words. “Listen. The thing is, life is short, and I refuse to waste time being angry over an accident. That’s all it was, an accident.”

“Joe,” left my lips on a sigh.

“I love you, and I forgive you.” He pressed a finger over my mouth. “You don’t have to say it back. I see it in your eyes every time you look at me. Read it in your smile. Feel it when you touch me.” He cupped my face, tilted my head. “I get that you’re not ready to admit defeat. But we’re good. I forgive you for giving me a new scar just like you’ll forgive me for being an overprotective, bossy asshole. We’ll always forgive each other because that’s what you do when you love somebody.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“It is.” He smiled hisI’ve got yousmile, then winked.

I eased my arms around his middle and rested my cheek against his chest. My heartbeat steadied for the first time in days. Emotion clogged my throat, so I hugged all the gratitude I couldn’t speak into my incredible man.

* * *

Lilly’s eyes filled with tears, and she clutched her chest. “So, Joe’s going to be fine, and you two are good?”

“Yes.” I nodded, biting my lip because I’d cried enough and wasn’t about to start again.To say I was overwhelmingly grateful would be the understatement of the century. “How are things with Marco?”

“I’m still pissed,” she huffed and leaned against the counter, gripping the edges. “I mean, really, he crossed a line. They all did. But, he’s groveled enough and his intentions, though extreme, were pure. I suppose it’s time to let him off the hook.”

“And if Joe can forgive me shooting him,” I added, “I sure as hell can forgive him starting a business across the street just to prove me wrong.”

Lilly wrapped me in her arms.

I melted into her, so thankful for the people in my life. “I appreciate you taking care of things the past couple of days.”

“It’s been smooth sailing.” She rocked us back and forth.

“No Harper?”

“No Harper.”

“Prius Guy?”

“Oh, Prius Guy hasn’t strayed from his morning schedule, but when it’s not you, he says, ‘never mind’ and drives away.”

A full-body shiver tore through me.

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