“We’ve still got a lot of talking to do,” I said softly. “Before we get to the main event. But I’m not letting you go, Oak.”
His pleased sigh was all I wanted to hear. And when he demanded that I kiss him some more, I instantly obliged.
A few days later, Teague and I were back at the renovations in Cabin 3. We’d torn out all the old drywall, and gotten all the new insulation in, and were hanging the new drywall. This was one of the bigger cabins that actually had a bedroom that was big enough for two double beds or a double and a set of bunks. Teague was rambling about some of Nic’s plans, and how she intended to make some of the cabins more family friendly.
“We’re considering expanding Cabin 7, since we have to replace the outer wall anyway. It makes the most sense. Then that one could have two bedrooms, a bath, and a kitchenette. It probably won’t get rented as often because of the cost, but when it does, it’ll make up for it.” Teague hefted another piece into place and I quickly started screwing it in. He was strong but he couldn’t hold it indefinitely. “We’re going to make all the cabins accessible as well. Plus add porches like I did to Oak’s cabin.”
“That’s a lot of work. I mean, I’m in favor, especially about the accessibility. That will really draw guests, because sadly there aren’t as many spaces—.” My phone rang, and we both froze.
“I got it,” Teague grunted, leaning against the drywall.
I whipped my phone out, expecting it to be an emergency with one of the kids, but Oak’s name was on the screen. For just asecond, I thought about not answering it because we were busy and I could call him back in a few. But the next second, my brain caught up. Why was Oak calling instead of texting?
“Hey there,” I answered, turning my back on Teague for some semblance of privacy. “How’d it go?”
“Law.”
Just that. Just my name. But he sounded wrecked. So upset. He clearly had been crying. He’d been at therapy so I couldn’t imagine he was hurt. At least not physically. My heart nearly burst right out of my chest.
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
“C-can’t drive.” He sucked in a huge, shuddering breath. “Can’t stop c-c-crying.”
I was already moving. “I’m coming. I’ll be right there. Are you in your car?”
“N-no.” He breathed in again, this time a little more steadily. “I’m inside. I can’t…I can’t…”
“It’s okay, baby. I’m coming. Just hang on for me, okay? I’m on my way to you right now.”
He hiccupped and then he blew out a breath. “Okay.”
I glanced at Teague, then covered the mouth piece with my hand. He had worry all over his face. “I gotta go.”
He nodded even as he said, “What happened?”
“Tell you later,” I called as I raced out the door. To Oak, I said, “Stay on with me. Just let me hear you breathe if you can’t talk. I’m on my way.”
“T-thanks.”
My heart in my throat, I ran.
Chapter 20
Oak
Therapy was supposed to be healing. Not easy, but it should be healing, right? I still felt wiped out after every session—which I had twice a week with Nic’s blessing because I still did my tasks around the Inn—but I hadn’t expected this.
Doctor Marks was a great therapist, I could admit that easily. She knew her stuff and even had some experience in cult-deprogramming stuff which, to my surprise, had come up a couple of times when she’d tried to explain things to me.
I’d known I’d been abused. Of course I knew that. But admitting it out loud? Letting myself be truly upset about it?
Yeah.
Doc had warned me about this. About the breakdown after the breakthrough. I just hadn’t expected it to happen today.
She’d had to leave her office for some urgent consultation at the medical center right after I got out of her room, but she’d told me to sit in the little lobby with her receptionist for as long as I needed.
That poor woman was starting to look worried by the time Law told me he was there.
