Page 63 of Dandelions and Smoke

“Why would you ever want to be that, when you get to be you?” Chief’s voice floats softly from behind me, but before I turn around, a large coat is placed over my shoulders, sheltering me from the cold.

His hands press lightly against my shoulders as he turns me to face him. I let him guide me onto the rail, where I settle in front of him. Slowly, I lift my gaze to meet his concern-filled eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I rush out, freezing for half a second before carrying on even quicker. “I didn’t mean to make a big deal out of something so stupid. It’s really fine. I’m fine. I don’t want to ruin your party⁠—”

I’m silenced when he shakes his head and shushes me.

“Answer my question,” he says, brushing a stray tear from my cheek and pushing back the pink curls that have fallen forward. “Why would you ever want to be anyone else, Little Lion?”

I roll my eyes and smile at the ridiculous nickname he continues to call me, but it wobbles. I shrug my shoulders, unable to conjure up any type of answer he’d be satisfied with, and look away, swiping at my face with the hem of his jacket sleeve.

Leaning into me and placing his hands on the top of my thighs, he waits patiently until I’m ready to answer, giving me space to make sense of my emotions and thoughts. When I’m finally ready, I pull my gaze from the lake’s shoreline in the distance and look at him.

“What do you want me to say?” I ask, pressing my lips together and throwing up my hands. “My brain is broken and struggles to regulate energy, focus, and emotion. Sometimes, it’s awesome being me.” I chuckle, and though he smiles back, his pinched brows and the way he’s running smooth, comforting strokes up my thighs tell me he knows that this isn’t all fun for me. “I get all the superpowers of a brain that never stops moving. Other times, those same superpowers forget they’re supposed to come with an off switch.”

Nodding his head, his hands squeeze my thighs. He inhales slowly, steadying not only himself but me as well. He doesn’t immediately try to fix my problems for me or tell me that how I feel is wrong. It’s as though, instead of interrupting or pushing away my chaos, he’s absorbing it, making it feel less overwhelming by being here with me in it, supporting me as I face it head-on.

“It wasn’t about the plates,” I say on an exhale, my shoulders dropping as I lean forward. I rest my head against him, letting myself finally accept the support he’s offering.

“I know, sweetheart,” he mutters against my temple as his hands trail up and down my back in a comforting motion. “But even if it was, that’s okay, too. I understand what happened, because I know you. So instead of trying to explain to you all the reasons why you’ve already told yourself you shouldn’t have reacted that way, I’m going to tell you something else. Okay?”

He pushes me back so that I can see him, and my stomach immediately somersaults with the way this man looks at me like I’m something precious.

“You didn’t ruin anything. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. You’re thoughtful and kind. Your insane attention to detail is exactly why I fell for you the first time we met. You care so much, but it’s your passion that makes you who you are and why I would never want you to be anyone else.”

He turns his head down and raises his brow at me, like ‘do you hear me?’ before going on. “I call you my Little Lion because it’s short for the dandelions that you yourself described as stubborn survivors capable of anything.”

A small gasp leaves me. He actually remembers that conversation we had at the bar all those months ago.

“You, Rory, are a dandelion, but not only for that reason.” His voice lowers, and he swallows hard. “You give me hope. Having you in my life makes me believe that wishes really can come true.”

My pulse skips and stumbles, the terrifying beauty of feeling truly seen stirring something deep inside me. At the mention of his wishes coming true, I remember what I meant to tell him. My eyes widen, my mouth falling open as I remember the other gift I got him.

“What is that face for?” he asks, this time with concern laced with humor.

“I,” I say slowly, dragging out the word. “I got you another present.”

I clear my throat and press my lips together, my gaze falling to the floor.

“One besides this party and that incredible cake that’s going to send me into a diabetic coma if I don’t stop myself from eating every slice?” he jokes, placing a kiss on my forehead. “Which you know I plan to do.”

“Um, yes,” I answer, biting my lip and pulling at my sleeve.

“Okay?” He looks me over, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What is it?”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out, nerves getting to me. I’m not sure how he’ll feel about this.

“Spit it out,” he encourages.

With a deep breath, I do. “I got you a lawyer,” I blurt out.

Chief’s head jerks back, so nervously I continue.

“You don’t have to use her, but I wanted you to be able to have the option if you want to. She’s on retainer. I mean, I’m not trying to overstep.” My hands go up, hoping that he understands that all I want is his happiness. “It’s just that I know how much you miss your son, so I’ve been saving up money, and when I asked Callie if she knew anyone, she suggested this woman, Katie Larue. Apparently she’s a great family and divorce lawyer. Highly recommended, considering she’s their lawyer, Jerry’s daughter. But I was told not to mention it to Mark since his half-brother, Declan, I believe, apparently had his ass handed to him by her in the courtroom. I don’t know, but that’s not important.”

I cringe, rambling once again but unable to control it.

“She can help you see Scout,” I say quickly, finally, like ripping off a bandage.