“I love you like you were one of my own,” he mumbles. I feel the corners of my mouth turn up. I can’t tell you what it means to hear him say that. I stand there briefly watching him. He’s the closest thing to a father I’ve got. Before I get a chance to reply, he lets out a loud snore. I shake my head and chuckle. Fuck me if I don’t love him too.
I gently close his bedroom door as I leave. As I head down the hall towards the front door, I stop. I feel compelled to check on Indi before I go. Turning, I head back down the hall towards her room. I raise my hand to knock, but I pull back. If she’s asleep, I don’t want to wake her. She needs her rest.
Reaching for the handle I quietly open the door, trying not to make a noise. I’ll look in on her then leave. I smile when I see her lying on her bed, her back to me. What I wouldn’t give to be beside her right now. As I turn to leave, I hear a sniffle. Is she crying? I see her hand come up to wipe her face. Fuck, she is.
“Indi,” I say as I take a step towards her bed. She turns her head and looks at me over her shoulder. Her eyes are red and puffy. She looks so sad. It breaks my fucking heart. I don’t hesitate. Kicking off my shoes, I climb into the bed beside her. No words are spoken as I pull her towards me and wrap her in my arms. She slides her arm around my waist, crying softly into my chest. Tears rise to my eyes as I tighten my hold. The enormity of today and what lies ahead, finally hits home.
It makes me hate myself even more. Why couldn’t I have had my shit together all those years ago? We’ve waisted so much time. One thing is for sure. I’ll be beside her every step of the way from now on. I’ll cherish every second of our time together. However long that may be.
Losing her to this isn’t an option I ever want to face.
••••
I open my eyes to find sunshine flooding the room. At first I’m disorientated. I’m wrapped in warmth. My gaze moves down to find Indi sound asleep on my chest. It brings an instant smile to my face. Christ she’s beautiful. Her long dark lashes are splayed against her cheeks. Her sexy-as-fuck plump lips just itching to be kissed. Her leg is thrown over mine, pinning me to the bed. Her arm is still draped around my waist.
My morning wood is straining against my jeans. Having her wrapped around me isn’t helping matters. Fuck. What I wouldn’t give to be able to flip her over and have my way with her.
Lifting my head off the pillow slightly, I place a soft kiss on her forehead. A smile graces her face as she lets out a sexy little sigh and snuggles in closer. The leg that’s draped over me rises slightly. It’s now inches away from my cock, making it grow even harder. Shit. I need to adjust that fucker because it’s become painful, but I don’t want to wake her.
I’ve never spent the night with someone like this before. If I could stay here like this, wrapped up in her forever, I would. I lay here watching her until she finally stirs. “Morning, beautiful,” I say when I see her eyes open. She lifts her head off my chest as her eyes dart around the room before landing on mine.
“Carter.” The shock on her face makes me smile for some reason. “What time is it?” I turn my head to look at her bedside clock.
“8:00am.”
“Shit. Did you stay here all night?”
“It appears so. We must’ve fallen asleep.” She tries to sit up, but I tighten my grip. I’m not ready to let her go yet.
“Let me up,” she pleads.
“Nope. I’m not done holding you.” She sighs as her eyes meet mine again.
“That’s nice, but I’ve gotta pee.”
“Oh.” I chuckle as I let her go. “How are you feeling today?” I ask as she climbs over the top of me.
“Fine,” she says smiling. It doesn’t reach her eyes, so I know she’s lying.
Whilst she’s in the bathroom I adjust my cock, but don’t move from her bed. I’m gonna need to keep her busy today. I don’t want her moping around worrying about the MRI on Monday.
When she re-enters the room, I sit up. “I better get going before your dad finds me in your room. He does own a shotgun.” She giggles at my comment.
“He likes you, Carter. I think you’re safe. Besides, I’m not a kid anymore.”
“Finally, you admit it,” I say as I reach down and grab my shoes off the floor.
“Ha ha. Very funny.” Sliding my feet into my shoes, I stand. I take the few steps that separate us, snaking my arms around her waist. Thankfully she doesn’t seem to mind.
“Get ready. I’ll be back to get you in about an hour.”
“Where are we going?” she asks, the corners of her lips turning up.
“Out for the day. Do you mind if we take our parents with us? I think it will do them both good to get out of the house.”
“Of course not,” she answers, her smile widening.
“Wear something comfortable and warm.” She’s gonna need it where we’re going.
“Okay,” she says. Inching my face forward, I place my lips gently on hers. It’s just a simple peck, but I feel compelled to kiss her. I’m a patient man. I’m willing to wait as long as it takes. In the meantime though, I’m going to sneak in whatever I can. Anything that could possibly hurry her along.
I need her. Her diagnosis yesterday only intensifies my desire to have her, sooner rather than later. Situations like this make you realise life is short. You need to live everyday like it’s your last.
“Your dad had a lot to drink yesterday,” I tell her. “I had to put him to bed. He’s probably going to be feeling pretty shitty today, but try and talk him into coming with us. I don’t like the idea of him being alone.”
“You’re very sweet, Carter Reynolds,” she says reaching up and running her hand down the side of my face. “Who knew?” She’s smiling when she says the last bit, so I don’t take offence.
“What can I say? You bring out the best in me. You always have.” This time she cups my face in her hands and pulls my head down towards hers. When her mouth covers mine, I pull her body closer, groaning. Hot damn. Now this is the kind of kiss I’ve been pining for.
Fuck I’ve missed her lips. Missed these crazy-arse feelings she makes me feel. It’s electric. Her touches and kisses make me feel electrified. That’s the best way to describe it. It’s like a current that shoots through every inch of me. Sweet Jesus.
She makes me feel alive.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Indiana
My lips are still tingling even after Carter leaves. I’m grateful for everything he’s done for both me and my dad. He’s been so supportive. I’m not sure how I would’ve got through yesterday without him. As pissed as I was that he forced me to go to the doctor in the first place, I’m thankful for it now. It was the push I needed. He only had my best interests at heart. I can’t be mad at him for that.
It may just be the difference between living and dying. My mum waited years before getting her diagnosis. Thanks to Carter, I only waited weeks. I at least have a fighting chance of kicking this tumour’s arse. Sadly, my mum didn’t have that luxury.
It’s made me think a lot about everything she went through. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t upset me. I hate that she waited so long to see someone, despite my father’s pleas. If she hadn’t, there’s a good chance I may not have had to grow up without a mother. My dad may not have had to live without his soulmate.
My poor dad. I’m gonna fight this motherfucking tumour with everything I have. I refuse to let this be the end for me. I refuse to bring more heartache to him. This would destroy him, I know it. After mum passed, having me to care for was the only thing that gave him the will to carry on. To keep existing.
After I shower, I make my way into the kitchen to find him sitting at the table drinking coffee. Carter was right: he does look like death warmed up. “Morning, Daddy,” I say in a chirpy voice. Today I’m feeling optimistic. The tears I shed last night will be my final ones. I refuse to shed anymore. Positive thinking from this day forward. No matter what the MRI shows, I’m going to live every day to the fullest. I refuse to live like I’m dead while I’m still alive.