HOME FINALLY
288 Vouchers
HOME – FINALLY
JOSH
I walked back inside the house, shutting the door behind me as I let out a long breath. My hands were still curled into fists at my sides, my body tense from the confrontation with Vivien. My mind was racing, going over every word she’d said, the way she‘ d looked at me, the way she’d kissed me–like she still had some kind of hold over me. But she didn’t. Not anymore.
I glanced up, and there was Jess, standing in the kitchen, arms crossed, eyebrows raised.
“Seriously?” she muttered, giving me that classic Jess look—the one that somehow managed to make me feel like a complete idiot.
I ran a hand down my face. “I don’t want to hear it.”
Jess scoffed. “Well, you’re gonna. She gives me psycho vibes, Josh. Better hope she accepts all this, because Laura does not need your love–life drama right now.” She leaned against the counter, shaking her head. “She needs calm, she needs peace, she needs love and support. Not your ex showing up making a scene on the doorstep.”
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I know that, Jess.”
She rolled her eyes. “Then make sure she stays out of the picture. Laura’s been through enough.”
I nodded because she was right. Of course, she was right.
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Jess glanced at her phone. “I’m heading out to pick up Asha. You got everything here?”
I nodded again, feeling the nerves kick in all over again. “Yeah.”
She smirked, shaking her head as she grabbed her keys. “You
ook like you’re about to throw up.”
“I feel like I’m about to throw up,” I muttered, rubbing my hands together.
Jess laughed as she headed for the door. “Suck it up, Dad.”
Then she was gone, and I was left standing in the quiet house, waiting for Laura.
Two hours later…
The sound of tires on the driveway made my heart slam against my ribs. I moved toward the front door, barely breathing as I stepped outside, my eyes immediately locking onto the car.
The nurse stepped out first, moving around to open the door on Laura’s side.
And then-
There she was.
Laura shifted in her seat, her movements still slow and careful, but she was awake, she was here. The nurse reached in to help, pulling the wheelchair closer, but Laura shook her head.
“No,” she said, her voice slow and a little slurred. “I… I want to walk. I’ve been sitting.”
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God.
My heart clenched at the determination in her voice.
The nurse hesitated but nodded, stepping back.
moved forward, reaching for her, my hands on her waist as I helped her stand. She was unsteady, her legs weak, but she lifted her chin, her lips pressed together in stubbornness.
I smiled. That’s my girl.
“Alright,” I said softly. “I got you.”
She leaned into me as we took slow, careful steps toward the house. My arm was wrapped around her waist, my other hand gripping hers as I helped her balance.
“Let me show you your new home,” I said, my voice thick.
Laura gave me a small smile, and I felt something tighten in my chest.
Fuck, I was so nervous. I had no idea why.
Inside, I guided her through the house, pointing things out, trying to gauge her reaction. It wasn’t California. It wasn’t the home we’d built together before.
But this was where our life was now.
She didn’t say much, just took it all in, and then we settled in the living room. The nurse was unpacking her luggage, organizing medical supplies–wound care for her throat and the area where the feeding tube had been.
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Laura had already put on a little weight, and that made me feel so much better.
I sat down next to her, watching as her eyes drifted across the room. And then she stilled.
I followed her gaze and felt my chest tighten.
The painting.
The one she gave me.
The football player on the field, standing in the rain.
Me.
A tear slipped down her cheek, but she was smiling.
“I’m back,” she whispered.
My throat ached as I reached for her hand, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You are, babe. And I love you so much.”
She turned to me, eyes searching. “Where’s Asha?”
I squeezed her hand. “Jess went to pick her up. They’ll be here soon.”
Laura nodded, exhaling softly before glancing toward the nurse, who was holding up a small bottle of medication.
“Time for antibiotics and cough syrup,” the nurse said. “We don’ t want you getting a lung infection from any aspiration that happens.”
Laura nodded, taking the medicine without complaint,
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I just sat there, unable to move more than a few feet away.
She must have noticed because she suddenly smirked.
“You’re hovering, babe.” Her voice was still soft, still weak, but the teasing lilt was there. “I’m fine. I promise.”
I huffed out a laugh, rubbing my hand over my jaw. “I’m just—”
“Worried?” she finished for me.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
Her smile softened. “I’ll be okay.”
I glanced at the clock. I had practice tonight–I needed to make up for the time I missed.
I leaned in, pressing a kiss to her head. “Jess will be back soon, okay?”
Laura just smiled, nodding.
And as I stood there, looking at her, I realized-
She was home.
Finally.
