I stop in the room, my cheeks turning red as I stare at everyone, their knowing smiles aimed my way. “Sex is good for healing,” my grandma remarks. “You should do it often.”
“Kill me right now.” I cover my face.
“I’m so proud of you. It seemed like a good finish,” Skylar comments as he claps. “With us right here, so proud.”
Nope, that’s it. I’m out.
FIFTY-THREE
Apparently, Noah can be discharged tomorrow. They won’t do the surgery right away, but he needs to be monitored, and I know that means Mackie will be with him a lot. I should probably mind, but I don’t. Seeing how broken and upset they both were drained all jealousy and pettiness from me. I care for Noah. He’s almost a friend, and I love Mackie, so I’ll make sure they are okay, no matter what it takes.
I did try to leave with the others, but Mackie insisted I stay, and Noah agreed. I end up on the couch with Mackie in my arms. I was worried about how Noah would react, but he seems to be in a good mood and even gave us a blanket.
Mackie sighs, turning in my arms and burying his head in my chest. I hold him tighter, kissing his forehead. “I know you love him.” Noah’s voice is soft, and I jerk my head up to find him watching me. “I do too. I have no plans on taking him from you or ever getting in the way. I’m thankful you were here. You’re a good man, Conan. Thank you.”
“Does this mean we’re friends?” I tease.
“Don’t push it,” he grumbles, but he’s smiling. “I plan to be around for a long time. Is that okay with you?”
“It always was,” I reply. “You make him happy. How could I ever be upset about that?”
“You make him happy too. You know that, right? I might have been his plan since he was a kid, but you? You were destiny’s plan for him, and he loves you a lot.”
Glancing down, I pull Mackie closer.
“I know you’ve been in love before and you still love your husband, just . . . All I’m asking is that you love Mackie as much as you loved him, no matter what happens.”
“I plan to,” I murmur as I push some of his hair back. “He wasn’t my plan either, but I’m so happy when he’s around. He brought me back to life, and I can’t return to being without him. I guess we have that in common. He’s our sunshine.”
He smiles and leans into his pillow, watching Mackie. “He always was.”
“Get some sleep. You need the rest,” I murmur. “I’ll make sure he sleeps too.”
“Thanks, Conan.” He yawns and turns over with a wince. “Maybe we can be friends.” He’s snoring within a second, making me chuckle as I pull Mackie even closer.
Friends, yes, I can deal with that.
“Okay, I think that’s everything.” I drop the final bag on the counter. I helped get Noah settled with Mackie before I went and got groceries, since his fridge was empty. For such a big house, I have no idea how he didn’t have one fucking vegetable in sight.
“Thanks.” Mackie smiles up at me like I hung the moon, and for a moment, I forget how to talk, and when he leans over and kisses me, I nearly fall. “He won’t say it, but he appreciates it.”
“No, I don’t. I could do my own shopping,” Noah grumbles, making me grin.
“Shut up!” Mackie yells before smiling at me. “Stay for food?”
“Sure.” It’s out before I can deny it. I couldn’t say anything else to him, especially when he looks so happy.
“Great, you cook, and I’ll make dessert.” He hops up, and Noah glares at us from the sofa he’s been relegated to since he’s supposed to be resting. He’s grumpy because Mackie confiscated his phone, laptop, and even his car keys and told him to stay put.
“Sounds good to me.” I nod as he turns on some music and moves around Noah’s kitchen like it’s his own. He’s like this at my place too, but seeing him this comfortable makes me happy in an insane way. We work side by side. I make a simple pasta and vegetable dish, and once it’s served, we all eat together.
“It’s really good,” Noah says. “Thanks, Conan.”
“Sure.” I shrug as I take some from my plate and add it to Mackie’s. Noah notices and adds his own until Mackie’s plate is heaping. He doesn’t even notice, just keeps eating, oblivious to us fighting over him.
When we’ve eaten, I help clean up then grab my coat. “I’m heading home. Call me if you need anything.”
Mackie frowns. “It’s late.”
