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Claire smiled. “That sounds wonderful.”
“You’re wonderful.” Kyle’s gaze dropped to her mouth, and his lips curved.
Wow, the love those two shared was deep.
“You need to sleep, Claire.” Rachel gave Claire a censuring look. “Even if Kyle’s not up for it, you have school in the morning.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll swing by and get you,” I said, but Claire shook her head.
“No, that’s all right. I appreciate it, but I’ll just ask Missy.”
Popping open the door on her side, Claire stepped out onto the dew-slick pavement. I watched a breeze lift tendrils of her blond hair before I shifted, watching Kyle get out.
“Just give me a sec.” Kyle’s wince and stiff movements told me a lot about how much pain he was in.
Claire moved to get her shoulder under his right arm. “Lean on me. It’s okay to lean on me. I know you’re strong.”
“Right.” He gave her some of his weight.
“Hold up a minute.” Rachel got out of the car. Rounding the hood, she met the couple, studying Kyle.
I rolled down my window because,hello, of course I wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to listen. Inner-outer-circle privilege of the ages to eavesdrop and all that.
“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” Rachel asked. “I have experience patching up guys after fights, believe it or not.”
“I believe you, but ...”
When Kyle trailed off, she gave him a knowing look. “You’d rather my daughter do it. Is that it?”
He nodded.
“Then I’ll let her.” Rachel turned to Claire. “Soap and water for the minor cuts. Hydrogen peroxide for the major ones. Don’t cover them. Let them breathe.”
“Okay.” Claire nodded.
“No wrapping his ribs. Just Tylenol for the pain. Addy says there’s a first aid kit under the sink in their bathroom.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, honey.” Rachel started to withdraw, then stopped. “I want you to be happy. I’ve always wanted happiness for you. I just forgot that it’s for you, not me, to determine what that happiness is.” Her shining gaze rested on Kyle for a second. “Or who it involves.”
Claire nodded. “Everything Kyle does is done with an eye toward protecting and defending me and providing what I need.”
“I remember what it’s like having a partner like that.” Rachel’s expression turned wistful. “Your dad was always so wonderful, but maybe he made things too easy for me. It’s in the tough times that you grow and learn who your true friends are. Daniel wanted you to have friends like you do, and to find someone to care for you like Kyle. I know he would be happy for you.”
A sudden gust swirled around my sister that also lifted Kyle’s dark strands and seemed to pull the shadows from his gaze, or maybe it was Rachel’s praise. But I’d like to believe it was Daniel showing he was closer than any of us thought, and that he approved of Kyle like we all did.
Addy
Ithrew open my door as soon as I saw Barry emerge from the building. Wearing sweatpants again tonight, this pair gray and his shirt black, he looked even more delicious than he had the night before.
Had it been just the night before that I’d slept in his bed for the first time?
It seemed a lifetime ago. Battling Martin, even with backup, was exhausting, but what happened tonight drove home a point.
Life and love were a gift. A fragile one. Every day, every moment should be celebrated.
