Page 62 of Avenging Azalea

Winston didn’t cower away when I opened his door, but he didn’t come out to visit either. Setting his bowl down, I left everything open and joined Sheba on the floor. Humming the song that was on the radio, I stroked her head and smiled at the sound of him eating kibble.

It took ten minutes before Winston stuck his nose out of the kennel. I kept my head down and didn’t look at him, but I could see him out of the corner of my eye. It took another ten minutes for him to step out and slowly come toward us. Sheba put her head down on my leg like she was encouraging him to trust me.

I held my breath as he got close enough to sniff me and then slowly laid down, pressing himself against my leg. Once he was settled, I gently rubbed his head while tears ran down my cheeks, and he closed his eyes.

A tapping sound caught my attention, and I looked up to see Dr. Taylor on the other side of the door window. He signaled for me, and as much as I didn’t want this moment to end, it was probably best to let Sheba and Winston get used to one another on their own. Sheba was great with new dogs and even acted like a ref when someone was getting out of line.

“Stay here with Winston and keep him company, okay?” Sheba lifted her head as I got up, but I managed to sneak out without Winston stirring. I slipped out the door, took a deep breath, and then smiled.

“Looks like things are going well so far,” Dr. Taylor said, and I nodded.

“It’s not an overnight fix, but trust me, if anyone can help Winston, it’s Sheba. I’m so sorry again for her almost attacking you.”

“Don’t worry about it. She was doing her job. Mind you, that was not how I pictured you seeing me naked the first time,” he said.

I nodded before catching on to what he said. My face flamed hot as I stood there stupidly staring at him. My mouth opened, but no words came out. Dr. Taylor cleared his throat before pointing to the front as the bells chimed.

“I better go see who that is,” I said, practically running away. I looked back and smiled as our eyes met. This had been the strangest twenty-four hours.

TITUS

Nathaniel and Savannah looked over at the same time when I softly rapped on the open door.

“Hi, I brought you these,” I said, showing off the large vase of flowers tucked under my arm.

“They’re beautiful, thank you, Titus,” Savannah said, wincing as she tried to push herself up higher in the bed.

“Let me help you.” Nathaniel jumped up, his face twisted with concern. Savannah grabbed his hand.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re hardly fine. You were shot. If you think I’m not going to hover, then we’ll get your head examined while we’re here.”

Savannah rolled her eyes. “Titus, can you take him with you when you go? My husband needs a project that’s not me.”

“Oh, don’t look at me. I’m not getting in the middle.” I held up my hands and smiled.

“I can’t find an ally anywhere,” she said, sighing dramatically, before she kissed Nathaniel’s knuckles. Savannah was as tough and maybe even more stubborn than my brother. I could only imagine the fights over the next few weeks.

Walking over to the bedside table, I set the flowers down and gripped my brother’s shoulder.

“How are you feeling, Savannah?”

“Like I was shot. I don’t recommend it.”

“Well, I’m happy that you’re going to be okay and don’t worry about Cutter. I talked to Mom earlier. I’ll take him after work every day until you and Nathaniel are home. That way, he can see the girls, and it’ll keep his mind busy.”

“Thanks, brother,” Nathaniel said as Savannah nodded.

“Can I speak to you for a minute?”

He looked at Savannah, but she waved him away. “Go, and you can get me a cheeseburger with a strawberry shake for lunch while you’re out.”

“But….”

“I promise I won’t get up without a nurse. I’m going to rest until you get back, and you have guards outside the door.”

“Fine,” Nathaniel growled, grabbing his jacket. Savannah winked when Nathaniel turned his back to her.