Moving On (Rolling Thunder #7) - P.J. Fiala Page 0,49
right, Chase."
Chase's hand squeezed hers while he responded to Gunnar. "I am. How are things at the shop? I think it's safe to say I won't be much help to you for the Veteran's Ride. I'm sorry for that."
"We're sorry, too. I just wanted to pop in and see how you're doing. Dad said you had words today. For the record, he feels bad about it."
Gunnar's handsome blue eyes once again landed on hers and almost as if daring her to say something. He waited. Her breathing hitched up a notch and she wasn't sure if he was daring her to fight with him or testing her resolve. What she knew is that Chase cared for Gunnar and she loved Chase. While Gunnar would never give her the time of day again, she hoped at least they could be in the same room without fighting. If she had to sit and take his shit, she'd do it. Just like when she was in prison, she'd learned to sit and take the insults and vile words tossed her way from the other inmates trying to start a fight with her. At first she'd bitch back, but after two visits to the infirmary for cuts and bruises, she learned to sit and take it. She looked at it as her punishment for all she'd done. At least here in the outside world, she could walk away if she wanted to.
Focusing on Chase's hand holding hers, she simply stared back at Gunnar, keeping her face as neutral as she could. She wouldn't cower down.
"I feel bad about it, too. But, like it or not, I'm with LuAnn. I love her and she loves me. That is no one else's business but ours."
Gunnar nodded. "I'll take off then, I just wanted you to know we're thinking of you. Hope you'll be well enough to come to the wedding next Saturday."
Gunnar slowly turned without another word and stepped out the door. The room was silent for a few moments and she felt bad for Chase. This was Rolling Thunder's big weekend of the year and he was going to miss it. And his co-workers and family at Rolling Thunder.
"You know, we can get in my car and drive to somewhere along the ride and watch them all go by on Saturday. I'll pack a picnic for us."
His eyes turned to hers and his lips curved up into a soft smile. "We'll see about that on Saturday morning."
"Okay." Taking a deep breath, she asked one more question. "Who's getting married next Saturday?"
He adjusted himself in bed. "Gunnar and Emma and Ryder and Molly. They're having a double wedding. It's long overdue, they were supposed to get married a couple of years ago, but then Emma got pregnant and they all decided to wait until after the baby was born, then Molly had to sit through another trial with her stepfather after he kidnapped her, and they didn't want to plan a wedding during that time and so now they're finally getting around to making it all official. Not that it's stopped them from living as if they are already married."
"Wow, that's a lot of stuff to deal with. Glad they're finally getting their wedding. Emma and Molly seemed excited about the flowers when I saw them last night at the farmers market."
"Yeah." He pulled the blanket back and struggled to turn in the bed. "Your nursing duties start now, Lu. I've got to go to the bathroom, and I can't walk on my own yet."
32
Chase wrapped his arm around LuAnn's shoulders and gingerly took small steps until they reached the kitchen entrance from the garage. There were only two steps he had to climb, but he hadn't tried to climb steps since his accident. LuAnn stepped up first and waited on the first step for him to climb up. It wasn't as hard as he'd imagined it would be. Once he was steady on his feet, she opened the door, took the second step, and they repeated their maneuvers.
Inside the kitchen, the aromas that he inhaled made his stomach growl.
"Damn girl that smells fantastic."
She giggled. "You said you wanted roast beef, potatoes and carrots. That's what you're getting."
"Damn."
"Sofa or table?"
"Neither. Recliner, please."
Slowly, they made their way through the savory kitchen and to the living room. LuAnn stopped before the recliner and he removed his arm from her shoulders but then kissed the top of her head.