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They each spoke at the same time over one another and awkwardly chuckled at the timing.
“Can we talk?” she asked.
Killion shook his head and took to his feet. “We don’t have to.”
Rainy reached for his hand. “But I do. Please?”
Killion looked between their entangled grip and Rainy. It was as if there was power in her touch. It was electrifying, and the persuasion it granted was more than he could deny. It infuriated him as much as it intrigued him, and he didn’t like how either seemed to impact his emotions. He wasn’t used to this, and as much as he didn’t like it, he couldn’t help but be curious about it.
“I, uh…” Killion looked at the sleeping babies. “I guess. But not in here.”
Rainy nodded and began to stand but stumbled when the chair gave, and she lost her balance. Before she could fall backward, Killion wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to his body to steady her, leaving her breathless.
“Thank you.” She panted. “I forget I still have a few things to overcome. Didn’t even think to grab my cane.”
“Probably because you walked back just fine. Pushing the stroller kept you sturdy.”
“Yeah. Probably.” She winced, causing him to loosen his grip and instead hold her up by her hands.
“You okay?”
With a weak smile, she nodded. “I am. Just a little tender from moving the way I did. That’ll teach me.”
“Teach you what?” he quizzed.
“Teach me not to do that again.” She tilted her head, surprised by the question.
“But you know not to do that. You simply forgot. Lost in a moment.”
“Figuratively, not literally, Killion.” She snickered. “You’re right. I was just lost in a moment.”
His cheeks turned crimson at the realization. “Oh. Right.”
“Can I borrow your arm?” she asked.
Killion held out his bent arm, confused by the question. “My arm?”
“Yes. Your arm. I don’t have my cane in here and need a little help getting to the living room. That is where we’re going, right?”
“Oh. Right. That. Yes.” Killion offered his arm and led her to the living room where he helped her get comfortable on the couch and put her weaker leg up on the coffee table, cradled by cushions for comfort. “That okay?”
“It’s fine. Thank you,” she said.
“Are you thirsty? I can get you something to drink. Maybe a bite to eat? I can get you a snack, make something… order in?”
“No. I’m fine. Thank you.” She patted the couch seat next to her. “Come sit down.”
He did and sat uncomfortably at the edge of the seat cushion, fingers woven together in his lap, looking everywhere but at her.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly, and Killion whipped his head in her direction, confused by the apology. “I’m sorry for everything I put you through. But I’m not sorry for what I did, and I would do it again if I had to, painful as it would be.”
Killion swallowed so hard the gulping sound was audible. If he was uncomfortable before she began to speak, this was downright torture for him, and he wore it on his sleeve. He quickly stood, looking around the room, but before he could take off and move anywhere but right there, she reached for his hand and pulled him back to the couch and gestured for him to sit back. Get comfortable. So he did.
Rainy used her hands to lift her leg from the table and change her position so she could face him. When Killion attempted to help, she waved him off with a friendly smile that felt more like a plea to let her do it herself as if she was craving independence. He figured she probably was. The woman he knew was unstoppably brave, stronger than most, and fiercely independent. A person of that magnitude and daily determination didn’t give in to the sedentary lifestyle her injuries tried to force on her. She was a fighter, so he let her have her battle and move her leg so she could adjust her position on the couch to face him –– even if the proximity and more intimate closeness made him painfully uncomfortable.
“I’d do it again because—”
“I know. You said it before. To protect me and the others.” Killion interrupted.
