Page 159 of Sparks Fly

Sawyer released a low breath that sounded relieved all the way through. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

She tilted my chin up with two fingers. “Come here.”

I leaned in and kissed her, slow and careful but full. Sawyer kissed me back like she had been holding her breath all evening.

“You okay?” she murmured when we pulled apart.

I nodded. “I’m lighter.”

Sawyer brushed her thumb beneath my eye. “Good.”

I stayed curled against her that night in the only position that didn’t hurt her shoulder. When she fell asleep, I watched her breathe, like some part of me still didn’t trust that safety could last.

“I’m so proud of you,” She said.

* * *

Friday came fast.

By the time the rehearsal dinner rolled around, I had already checked Sawyer’s medication schedule twice, helped her shower, and spent twenty minutes convincing her that she could not button a dress shirt one-handed just because she was stubborn enough to try.

“I almost had it,” she argued from the edge of the bed.

“You keep telling yourself that my love.” I rolled my eyes and stepped between her knees to fix it. “Hold still.”

Sawyer’s good hand settled against my hip while I worked my way up the shirt. She had chosen black trousers and a fitted black button-down, with a matching jacket she planned to wear open beneath her sling.

Even injured, she looked unfairly good. Her eyes stayed on my face while I finished the last button. “You’re nervous,” she said.

“No, I’m not.”

“Addie.”

I sighed. “Fine. I’m nervous.”

Her thumb moved over my hip. “They already love me, apparently.”

“They love the idea of you. Now they have to meet you.”

“Lucky them.”

I laughed despite myself and carefully helped her into the jacket before securing the sling over it. “There.” I stepped back to look at her. “How does that feel?”

“Like I’m wearing medical bondage to a formal event.”

“Bondage, hmm” I smirked.

“Addison.” She said in a warning tone.

I leaned down and kissed her gently. “Tell me if it starts hurting.”

“I will.”

“Actually tell me. Don’t wait until you can barely move.”

“I promise.”