AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh my lord, the magic words.” He delivered a kiss and she could feel his smile against her lips.
Picking her up, he carried her easily to the porch and put her gently on her feet. Her mother and sister were the first to hug her and Nate signed into her palm for them. She knew he was frustrated that they hadn’t learned even basic sign, but she’d given up hoping for it long ago.
Rick and Bill hugged her carefully and she told them, “Nate explained how you both jumped in to help. Thank you so much for making it possible for him to stay with me.” She waved the hand Nate didn’t have. “It’s even odder to try to communicate like this so…when I’m able to cook again, I’ll be able to see you and thank you properly.”
Nate signed, “They say you don’t have to worry about anything but getting better and they’re glad to see you on your feet.”
“Thank you.” Reaching out, she touched the person she thought was Nate’s daughter based on the height of her outline in the sun. “Mandy?” She nodded against her hand. “Thank you for keeping it together and calling for help. You’re the smartest, strongest young woman I know. I’m so proud, so grateful to you. I know it must have been terrifying. I’m sorry you had to go through it.”
Wrapping her arms carefully around Zoe’s waist, Mandy sobbed against her shoulder for almost a minute. She stroked her hair and murmured gently to her.
After a long while, she lifted Zoe’s hand and signed, “Seeing you standing again, at the house where you belong, makes every second of that night less scary. I missed you.” Stepping to the side, she signed, “I know it’s strange to meet my grandmother Caroline and my aunt Noel like this…”
“I-I don’t even know if I match. I can feel the condition of my hair and I’d like to say I’m usually rather fussy. Forgive me.”
Noel took her hand and introduced herself. “Mandy chose all your clothes so you definitely match.” Zoe laughed. “It’s good to meet you at last. You’re even more adorable than my brother and niece described. I didn’t think that was possible. Focus on healing and we’ll be your backup.”
“Thank you, Noel. I can’t wait to see you spar. I’ve never seen anyone do that and Mandy says you’re terrifying. Um, I’d like to learn some basics…if you wouldn’t be opposed to showing me.”
“You’re going to regret that request.” Then Noel leaned down and kissed Zoe’s cheek.
Another hand took hers and signed, “Zoe, it’s Caroline. I feel like we’ve met a thousand times but I know how off-balance you must feel right now.”
Zoe smiled. “I can feel the callouses from your drawing pencils. I wondered if I’d be able to.”
“What an observant woman you are.” Caroline hugged her lightly and planted a careful kiss on the side of her head. Releasing her, she signed, “We’re going to have many years to chat but right now, I know you need time to rest and take a real shower. Don’t think about anything. Everyone is here and happy to help.”
“Thank you, Caroline. I can’t wait to see the four of you side by side in person. Soon, I hope.” To everyone she said shyly, “I really do need to shower. I can feel the knots and-and other things in my hair. The stitches only dissolved a few days ago so I’m really disgusting.”
Nate lifted her into his arms.
“It means a lot to me that all of you were here to greet me. Knowing Nate and Mandy had such a support system took a lot of fear and worry off my mind. I’ll see you all later.”
He carried her into their bedroom and sat her on the side of the bed so he could sign. “Quick bathroom and then shower?” She nodded with a funny expression. “I bet you can’t wait. Be right back.”
Less than a minute later, he led her into the space she recalled as being spa-like. After she used the bathroom, she returned to the main area.
She could feel the warm dampness in the air from him turning on the shower. “Nate?” He took her hand. “This is going to be weird. Being naked with you the first time like this. I-I’m really nervous about it, to be honest.”
“I understand. I’m sorry all our dirty plans were ruined but we’re going to have plenty of time to make every one of them a reality. For right now, let me help you do all the things you need to. Noel made sure all your usual products were on hand.”
“Your family is wonderful.”
“While you were in the hospital, Rick and Noel packed up your place and brought everything here.” Her eyes widened in surprise. “We didn’t know what was going to happen. All your personal things are in my bedroom. How do you feel about that, Zoe?”
Her smile was slow. “All those awkward conversations we never have to have…fascinating. Thank them for me.” She slid her hand up his arm to his shoulder. “Nate. Please. Ireallyneed a shower.”
He kissed her temple and kept one hand on her back to guide her to the sink so she could brush her teeth. He’d already put toothpaste on the toothbrush for her.
When she was done, she felt around on the counter and put the toothbrush in the cup.
Nate undressed quickly and removed the soft cast he wore on his left hand. Zoe stroked her fingers down his arm, feeling the scars he’d always carry from the night of her accident.
Mandy had filled her in on the details she hadn’t been conscious for, but Nate had downplayed the injuries he sustained.
“How doyoufeel, Nate?”
His fingers against her palm signed, “I’m alright. Don’t worry.”
