Page 80 of Alive and Wells

“Okay, good. I was worried you’d be upset with me for acting that way. Scared I’m the kind of guy who goes around breaking noses regularly.”

“Iknowyou aren’t that guy. I would’ve been disappointed if you hadn’t punched him. What did you think I’d want you to do?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you’d think we should’ve talked it out like adults.”

She laughs under her breath. “I told him to drop dead moments before you showed up. I wasn’t interested in watching you try to reason with him…” She’s quiet for a moment, holding a damp cloth over her eyes to ease the redness from crying. “Were those divorce papers for real?”

“They’re real. You’ll need to fill out and sign your parts, of course. But at least you don’t need to worry about getting his signature.”

She spins around to face me with a hesitant half-smile. “So… wait. I feel like my brain isn’t working right. How? Why? I think I blacked out as soon as you said what was in the envelope.”

I’m tempted to give the air a quick fist pump. Weeks of feeling like I’ve made so many awful decisions when it comes to Cecily.Finally, the right one.

“They’re real, they’ve been sitting in my drawer for weeks, and they’re post-dated for May. You can’t legally file for divorce until then, but my lawyer said waiting a year is a lot easier than proving you need an earlier divorce because of abuse. I thought getting him to sign everything would be a lot harder than it was, though. I started making plans to go pay him a visit this fall if he didn’t turn up here.”

“And then… I’ll be done with him?”

“Darlin’, you already are. He’s gone.”

30

Cecily

He’sgone.I don’t know why, but I thought I would have a stronger emotional reaction to everything. Of course, I had a breakdown right after the boys drove him down the driveway. Now that I’ve finally weathered the storm, I’m just… okay.I think, anyway.

“Okay.”

I lick the clean water droplets off my lips and reach up to his jaw. The twist in my wrist reminds me of my earlier fall with startling pain. I suck a harsh breath through my teeth and yank my hand away.

“What’s wrong? Did he?” Austin’s gaze darkens as he tentatively reaches for my hand.

“No. I just… I fell on the porch earlier and hurt my wrist. I forgot about it until now.”

He tenderly inspects my hand and wrist. There doesn’t seem to be bruising or swelling; just a sharp pain if I bend it too far. He nods thoughtfully. “I think it’s just a minor sprain. I’ll get you some ice once you’re in bed. Stand here, darlin’, and let me help you wash your hair—you shouldn’t be using this wrist.”

I relax into the warm water, and he delicately massages shampoo onto my scalp. My eyes slowly close, making it difficult not to fall asleep with his gentle, loving touch. Then jets of soothing water rinse my hair, and he follows up with a healthy coat of conditioner.

Austin smothers my skin in both kisses and body wash. Ensuring every inch of me has been adequately covered by both, working his way down my body. Despite the heat and humidity, his lips create a path of goosebumps. Every part of today is worth it for this moment.

I’m floating, soaked in a delicious sleepy haze, when he shuts the water off and wraps a towel around me. My wet hair clings to my neck, releasing a trickle of water down my chest. Standing behind me, Austin attentively runs a comb through my hair, stopping only to wipe the tears clung to my eyelashes.

“What would I do without you?” I whisper. Not only about the shower. Everything. He’s doneeverythingfor me.

“I think you’d manage just fine. But I’m happy to be of service.” He tucks my towel tighter around my shoulders. “Ready for bed?”

Oh, God. Yes, I am.

In a familiar scene to our first time, I stand in front of Austin and drop my towel. Overcome with the need to have him touch me. Softly caress my body with the same hands I watched punch my ex-husband in the face earlier. My bare breasts press into his chest and I’m slipping my hands behind his head. The hair at the nape of his neck twirls around my finger. “Aus, thank you. For everything you do. Especially for kicking the absolute shit out of KJ today.Please, take me to bed and touch me.”

“Here I thought hitting him like that scared you.” His hands swipe over me, ignoring the prickling tension in my muscles, and finally land on the small of my back, drawing me into him.

I kiss him. “I was scared when he showed up. And then there you were. Riding in like the cowboy hero from an old western and punching him without hesitation.”

“I should’ve been there sooner. I never should’ve left you.”

“Don’t do that.” I trail a hand down his stomach. “You were there when it mattered.”

“I always will be.”

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