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“And Kass, I know I’ve given you a lot of crap about this and the code. But you’re my sister and I just want you to be happy. Even if it’s with my teammate—I mean, if Luc makes you happy, then I’m happy for you.”
“Wow, I didn’t expect to hear that. Thanks, bro. I am very happy, I swear.” Kassie pulled away from Luc and hugged her brother.
“Okay, enough hugging. I’m sure Ty wants to get going, and Ali is probably wondering what’s going on. I’ll call her and mom in the car to let them know everyone is okay. I’m sure Mom will want to make Joe some soup or something.” Kaden started to walk away, but stopped in front of Luc first. He put his hand out to Luc. “We’ll talk in a few days. I’m glad you’re okay, buddy.”
Luc smiled and nodded. Overcome by such a modest gesture, he didn’t know what else to do or say. They had done nothing but argue over Kassie, and suddenly things had turned a corner. He watched as Kaden walked away. Kassie was back to holding his hand, and she had herself wrapped around him as if she was afraid he was going to leave her.
“Kass.” Luc gently lifted her chin to meet his glance. Her dark eyes were wide and glistening. She was beautiful. Not being able to contain his love for her, his lips curled into a smile. There was a certain feeling of a weight being lifted from him. Sure, Kaden wasn’t one hundred percent okay with them, but he was willing to give them a chance. And he’d finally agreed to have a man-to-man sit-down with Luc; that was the best part. That was all he wanted from Kaden, a chance to explain, to prove himself.
“I know I already said it, but I’m so glad you’re okay.” Kassie put some space between them and glanced to the floor. “I’m sure you heard me saying some things to Kaden.”
Her expression had changed, and it punched him in the gut that she was now nervous because he’d heard her admit her feelings. Softly tipping her face back up to him, he smiled what he hoped was a soft smile. “Yes sweets, I heard what you said. And you don’t have to be nervous or embarrassed. I’ve had this weird feeling in my chest since the day I met you. I didn’t know what it meant then, but with each passing day, the need to be with you grew stronger. We hadn’t known each other that long, so I was convinced that it couldn’t be love. Because love at first sight isn’t real. That’s what I thought, anyway.”
He was rambling, but he didn’t care. These words were long past due. She needed to know exactly how he felt. All of it. Every crazy detail.
“But the feeling didn’t go away. It just got more intense. When I wasn’t with you, I wanted to be. Even my dad tried to convince me, but I didn’t believe it could happen so soon. And I dare to say it felt crazy.” He stared into her deep eyes. Studying her sweet lips, her rosy cheeks, and her long dark lashes, he knew. “But my dad was right, as always. Even though I haven’t known you long, Kassie, I’m in love with you, too.”
“Um, excuse me,” a nurse said from the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, but you can go back and see your dad now, Mr. Marcella.”
What a time for the nurse to come out. At least he got out everything that he needed to say. He whispered to Kassie, “We’ll continue this later.” Leaning down, he kissed Kassie on her forehead and took hold of her hand before following the nurse back to his dad.
His dad was sitting up in a hospital bed in slacks and a hospital gown, still in the emergency department. A black eye was forming, and his arm was in a sling. “Dad? You okay?”
“Hey there, son. Yes. Your old man is just fine. A bit banged up, but I’ll live. At least that’s what they tell me.” A lighthearted smirk filled his face. “Kassie. Nice to see you, dear. I didn’t expect to see you here, but I’m glad you are.”
“I’m glad you’re okay Mr. Marcella.” She slid her arm around Luc’s waist, pulling herself as close to him as she could get.
“I feel like I missed something. Does someone want to fill me in?” his dad asked, with a curious look on his face.
Luc shook his head. “Dad, you didn’t miss a thing.”
His dad swung his legs over the side of the bed and proceeded to slip his shoes on. He stood up and put his wallet in his pocket.
Luc grabbed his father’s arm and steadied him as he wobbled back and forth. “Woah, Dad, you sure they said you can go home?”
His dad nodded toward the doctor entering the room. “Yes—ask him, son. I can’t wait to get this blasted gown off. My dear, you may want to step out for that. No one really wants to see what’s under this.” He pointed to the hospital gown.
“Dad.” Luc groaned.
“You must be his son. Yes. Mr. Marcella can go home. He’s got a few bumps and bruises, and he’ll probably be sore in the morning.”
“Son, at my age, I’m sore every morning, accident or not.” At Luc’s insistence, his dad sat with a grunt back down on the edge of the bed.
The doctor snickered and shook his head. “Yeah, he’ll be sore. He was lucky, though. Broken bones were limited to his nose, and looks like one of his ribs. He’ll have to take it easy for a few days and see how he feels. He does have some whiplash and has possibly sprained his shoulder. I’m thinking the seatbelt did its job and yanked him back in the seat at impact. Unfortunately, that’s going to hurt for a while. I’ll send him home with the sling in case that shoulder gives him too much problem. He should limit how much he lifts. Take it easy for a few days until he feels better. But otherwise, he won’t need to wear it.”
“That’s great news. Thanks so much, doc.” Luc took a deep, cleansing breath.
When that car had hit them, the first thing that went through Luc’s head was never seeing Kassie again. When the impact was mostly on the passenger side of the car, his brain went into overdrive, worrying about his dad. His dad was all he had left. His mom was gone, his grandparents were all gone, and he was an only child. Their family was small; if he lost his dad… He couldn’t lose his dad.
The last few years had been rough for them. His father seemed to get into more messes than usual. And being so far away, Luc wasn’t easily able to help.
Luc could take his dad home and make sure he healed like he should. Hearing the doctor say the words meant that everything was really going to be okay. That he still had his little family. And that gave him an idea.
“All right you two. Unless you want to see an old man with his shirt off, I suggest you step outside while I change out of this gown. Then we can get the heck out of this place.”
Luc nodded. “C’mon, Kass, let’s go take care of the paperwork while Dad gets changed.”
She nodded and clung to him again. Not that he minded her neediness. Having this pretty girl glued to his side was something he could get used to.
