10

Georgia

It’s been two weeks since the accident and I’m busting out of this hospital. Boone has been with me every day. We’ve had some fun discussions and some very serious ones. Being a captive audience has accelerated our relationship positively, at least I think so.

I’m worried though. Boone still blames himself for what happened, and I can’t convince him that it’s not his fault. No matter who talks to him and tries to get it through that thick skull of his, accidents happen, and I’m fine.

“I can’t wait to get home,” I say to the room full of people who’ve gathered to help me get out of the hospital. I don’t add that it’s because I could use a break from the constant family visits, but that’s a big part of wanting to go home. I also want my own bed and to get a full night’s sleep.

“Daddy and I were thinking that you should come and stay at the main house while you’re still recovering,” my mother says with a sweet smile. We’ve already had this conversation without an audience and I said no. Now she’s trying with my dad and brothers present hoping they will be on her side.

“Mother, we already talked about this. I want to go home to my house. I’m still on the property so if I need someone all I have to do is call and you guys can be there so fast.”

I look over at Boone, waiting for him to tell everyone that it’s going to be fine because he’ll be with me, but he isn’t. Instead he looks away when I look at him. A ball of dread starts to form in the pit of my stomach. This man has held my hand, helped me shower, and wiped my tears when the pain was too much, but now he won’t look me in the eyes.

“I’ve gotta go to work,” he says to my dad. “Let me know when you’ve got her home, so I know she’s safe.”

“Will do, son.”

Boone turns to leave and that is not the way this is fucking going to go. “Boone Lowe, turn your ass around and look at me.”

The whole room, full of my noisy family, falls silent. Boone doesn’t turn his whole body, but his head turns enough for our eyes to meet. “You’re ok, wildflower.”

I nod, then he turns back around and leaves. The tears flow freely down my face. My heart hurts, along with everything else, and I want them to bring the morphine back so I can go to sleep and pretend he didn’t just do that.

My mother comes over and dries my tears, “He isn’t gone for good. I think that man will be back for you.”

Shaking my head, I lay back down on the bed and close my eyes. Mother gets everyone to carry all my stuff out to their cars and leaves just Dad to drive me back to the ranch. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl and if anyone is going to understand what I need right now, it’s going to be him.

“We’ll leave whenever you’re ready, Georgia,” he says calmly.

“Why would he leave like that? He’s been with me every minute for the last two weeks. I thought he wouldn’t leave me again.”

“He knows you’re okay now.”

“What does that mean? Do I look okay? Boone walking out that door without a promise of coming back makes me very not okay,” I say, the pitch of my voice rising with every word.

“I know, but you can’t force him to stay. We just have to hope that he sees he’s being a jackass and comes crawling back for forgiveness and that you aren’t too stubborn to give it to him.” Dad smiles and kisses my forehead. “Let’s get you home.”