Page 25 of Sworn to Defend
“I closed my eyes and fell off my bike,” Collin said, referring to the one time he’d needed to go to the emergency room to find out if he’d fractured his arm.
“Okay, so that’s what we’re doing to your shoes. Giving them an X-ray. They’ll pop out right at the end there.”
Once the security officer was finished explaining, Hannah walked through, followed by Hunter.
“I’m sorry for rushing you, ma’am. He didn’t look like he had a disability.”
“There are lots of disabilities you can’t see.” If she had a dollar for every time someone told her that Collin looked a normal kid, she’d have quite the nest egg. But really, what was normal anyway and why did it matter? Collin was a fun, outgoing thirteen-year-old. He had an infectious laugh, was a wonderful son and friend. In short, he was perfect—no changes needed. The only change needed was in the world around them. For people to realize that having a disability didn’t make someone’s life less. Didn’t make it sad or something to pity. Didn’t mean they experienced hopes, dreams, desires, risks, and rewards any differently. Didn’t mean they shouldn’t be in places of power, making important decisions for all people, not just those who were neurotypical.
She was relieved when she saw the smile on Collin’s face as the bin with their shoes rolled down the conveyer belt. “Thanks for having our backs.” She smiled at Hunter, and helped grab their belongings.
“Thank you for letting me.” He pulled her into a quick side hug and kissed the top of her head. “What do you think the chances are that there’ll be a place to get a pizza in this airport?”
Collin simply beamed, then laughed. He wrapped his arms around Hunter’s waist and squeezed hard. Hunter let out an oomph, but returned the bear hug. The emotions that played over his face had pain lodged in her throat. The kind that only happened when you witnessed something truly beautiful. Something soul-soothing. Her son and this kind, strong man had a bond so special it all but sparkled. When Collin let go, he stood up and tapped Hunter’s cheeks. “I love you, Hunter Branch Green.” He leaned forward and clapped his hands while Hunter’s body stilled. Her own breath caught, and her lungs burned with her son’s sweet words. “Person that sees a pizza first has to pay!” Collin sang out and put one arm, then the other, through the straps of his orange backpack.
Hunter regained his composure and grinned. “That’s not exactly a fair bet, bud. If you’re set on winning or maybe think you’re going to win, you could say last person to see pizza has to buy.”
Collin’s brows scrunched. “But I want to buy it. I want to open a pizza store, make money, and buy you and Mom more pizza.”
“I’d visit your restaurant every day of the week, man. And, Collin?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you, too.”
The burn behind her lids matched the one scoring her heart. “Gotta run into the bathroom.” Like a big chicken that was about to bawl its eyes out, she turned on her heel and darted into the closest restroom. At least these were good tears. Happy tears. After she’d had a good cry, she rejoined Collin and Hunter. They grabbed dinner before making their way to the gate to wait for their flight. Collin was playing with his tablet, and she was soaking in the feel of Hunter’s hand around hers. The touch was defusing the kernels of apprehension popping in her belly. Her phone vibrated inside her pocket, where she’d stashed it after going through the security checkpoint. She stretched back so she could remove it from her front pocket, and her pulse quickened at the text message alert on the screen.
“It’s Vivi.” She held the phone up to her face to unlock the device and read the message.
Vivienne
Hanni—you’re right. I’m making a big mistake.
“Hunter.” She felt winded after reading the message, and turned the cell phone so he could read it.
“Your radar was spot on.” He was dragging his own phone out of his back pocket. “I’m going to give Silver and Iron an update. You okay with that?”
“Of course.” Her fingers were already clicking across the keyboard.
You know what you want and what is best for you. We decided to come down a day early. Our flight boards in 15.
Three dots popped up immediately as relief rushed through her. Something had felt off about the entire engagement and rushed marriage.
Vivienne
I want you to know I’m sorry for everything. I should’ve done something before when you left. It’s never been the same here.
Hannah shook her head in confusion and clutched the phone.
You have nothing to apologize for. You were just a kid.
“Now boarding Flight 231 to Southlake, Texas.”
Our flight is boarding. I’ll call you when we land.
Even though she was glad Vivienne was finally waking up to all the choices being made for her, ones that she might not necessarily want, her stomach rolled with apprehension. Her mom and Regina wanted this wedding to happen and they weren’t going to be happy with Vivi’s change of heart, but it wasn’t like they could force her down the aisle. Still, her sister getting cold feet and canceling the whole giant affair was going to fuel the gossip mills for years and her family did not like being the source of negative publicity. A chill raced down her back. The last time something scandalous had happened in the Day family, Russell had died. Suddenly, she wanted to drag Collin and Hunter out of the airport and stash them somewhere safe, but it was already too late. The wheels were in motion. If anyone could help Vivienne get out of the gilded Day family web it was the man at her side and his friends.
Chapter Fourteen