"I… I don't know. I'm emotional right now," I called back to Hunter, wiping my face.

"I'll be at the table if you get hungry. I'll wait for you."

I could hear Hunter walk away and I sighed softly, scratching Bear, "what do I do?" I whispered to the pup and he jumped down, walking to the door and bopping the handle with his nose, "I hate that you can communicate. I also hate that you're right."

Carefully, I climbed off of the bed and made my way to the dining room, putting minimal weight on my leg. Hunter was at the table, resting his forehead on his arms and I sat down across from him.

"Hi," I whispered.

"Hi," he sniffled, his head still down.

"Are… are you crying?"

"A bit."

"Why?"

"Are you… mad at me?"

"Huh? No, of course not. I'm just feeling guilty. I keep interrupting your life, your family's life. I'm… I'm starting to think I'm just in the way. Of everyone."

"But you're not," he sat up and wiped his eyes, "You're absolutely not in the way. Just the few days you've been here have made things so much nicer for me."

"Hunter. I bled on the floor. I keep sleeping because I'm in so much pain I can't stay awake. I can't help you right now, you're spending so much money on me and I can't repay it. I feel so indebted to you, so guilty. I just… want to be able to help and I can't and it's making me feel dependent on you and I fucking hate that. I hate depending on others. There's a difference between supporting each other and just… me taking advantage of your kindness."

"Are ya takin’ advantage of me or do ya actually want to be here?"

"I…" Turning my head, I looked out at the ranch. The cows were roaming, eating grass now and then. I could see Fawn and Ridge running, Teddy behind them. The sound of the chickens clucking filled the air, "I want to be here."

"Then you're not takin’ advantage of me. You're home. That's all. I know you're adjustin’, it's been barely any time. But… for me, I need ya to understand that I don't feel as if you're takin' advantage of me. I'm supportin' you because," he took a shaky breath, turning to look out the window, "I care about you. That's all. Ya make things warm around here. Even just seein' you smile at me the other mornin' out the window. It was nice to know that you were here. Not just someone bein’ here. You, Gray."

"But I don't understand why."

"I don't really either," he shrugged, "but I want to keep seein' that gentle, sleepy smile. I know things are hard and confusin' right now. But you'll get better soon. Then we can really start adjutin' to livin' together. So no more guilt. I'm just tryin' to be here for ya… and you won't let me."

"I just… I don't know how. I've never had that before."

"We can learn together," he finally smiled at me, "I've never had someone around before. I'm adjustin' too. Ya learn to ask, let yourself be a little weak and admit when you need help, and I'll learn to be more open with you. That's all. We can figure it out together. But… I don't like not talkin' about things. I'm honest to a fault. All I ask is honesty from you too."

"In the… spirit of honesty. I need you to help me find something I can do while I'm healing. I'm gonna start getting bored."

"Hm… oh. I actually do know something. Eat first, then I'll show ya."

We ate dinner in a semi-awkward silence, the conversation from earlier not forgotten, both of us still struggling and once we were done, Hunter cleaned up as I made my way to the couch.

He went into his room and came out with an envelope, a few baskets filled with clothes, a notebook, a pen, and a laptop. Taking a seat next to me, he dropped the baskets and set everything else on the table.

"We have a gender reveal that needs to be planned. Or rather. You do," he smiled, "also. If ya really want somethin' to do outside of that. I need to donate anythin' that's smaller than an extra large shirt, extra tall pant. I've been holdin' onto clothes since I was a teenager and just forgot to get rid of them. But it can wait. The gender reveal is more important."

"Oh… I forgot about that," I smiled, "I can do that. But I need to know what Hazel and Robin have in mind."

"The only thing I've been told is Winnie the Pooh. We've got a month."

"That'll be simple."

"Good. Now," he handed me the envelope, "can I trust ya not to share what's in that?"

"I can keep a secret," I nodded.

"Okay. I trust you. Go ahead and open it."

Opening the envelope, I smiled when I realized it was the gender before my eyes grew wide.

"Does Hazel know?"

"Nope. She's gonna be mad."

"How can she not know she's having twins!" I stared at him surprised.

"She's in such good shape that she wasn't showin' until now. One little boy, one little girl. I'm making a crib big enough for both. They're gonna want to be together. I feel for her and Robin though. I can't imagine takin' care of 2 babies. But… I did say I'd babysit so…"

"I'll help," I patted his leg softly.

"I'd sure hope so," he smiled and leaned back, "how do ya even plan for somethin' like that?"

"What I'll do is… hm…" grabbing the notebook, I started writing down ideas before settling on one, "got it."

"Really?"

"Two cakes then. One with pink, one with dark blue. We basically have them pick one, cut it, let everyone get excited, then you put the next one out. Let them try to work it out. If not, I'll make a small sign that says "and babies make 4." It'll be cute. I'm creative. I'll start figuring out the decorations, that won't be too hard. I'm sure I can find something to order from a party site. I also need to get new knitting needles and… white, pink, purple, dark blue, light blue, and lime green yarn."

"You tell me what you need, give me brands, and I'll go into town and pick it up. There's a huge craft store in Livingston. I'll show ya at some point. But my Dad told me you're banned from leaving the house for 3 days and I'm not gonna argue that. I agree. I can't… handle seein' ya like that anymore. It really hurts me."

"Why?"

"I have no idea," he laughed softly, "I just know I don't like it."

"I promise not to get hurt anymore. Possibly. At least not pop any more stitches."

"Good. Well… what do ya want to do now?"

"Hm… I have no idea," I sighed, tilting my head back and closing my eyes, relaxing into the couch.

Suddenly, Hunter began running his fingers through my hair and I fully relaxed, a shiver shooting through me at the gentleness of his touch. His hands were rough, calloused, but they felt fantastic as he played with my hair.

"That feels nice," I whispered softly.

"I'm glad. I like your haircut… I wanted to tell ya earlier but when you look at me… I find it hard to say things. Your eyes… sorry. It's inappropriate."

"Tell me when we have more time to bond."

"Deal."

We stayed on the couch for a long time, Hunter gently playing with my hair as I relaxed, feeling comfortable for the first time in years. He let out a soft hum and I could feel the couch shift as he moved closer to me. 

"Whatcha doin?" I laughed softly.

"You're cold. I can feel it on your skin. I run incredibly hot. I don't want to leave to get a blanket, so I thought I'd move closer to offer warmth. I can move away though if you're uncomfortable."

"You can be close to me. I don't mind it."

"Good," taking a shaky breath, Hunter wrapped an arm around my shoulder and I laid my head against his chest, his warmth spreading through me, "is that better?"

"Absolutely," I yawned softly.

"Tired?"

"Mhm. Pain meds."

"If you fall asleep, I'll tuck ya in here on the couch. Ya need to catch up on sleep."

"I don't wanna," I pouted as my eyes fluttered closed, "wanna talk to you…"

I lost the battle for consciousness and drifted off to sleep, pressed close to Hunter as he played with my hair.

"Goodnight," was the last thing I heard Hunter whisper before I fully fell asleep.

I was woken by the sound of gentle snoring and when I finally opened my eyes, I realized I was cuddled into Hunter's side as he slept on the couch, his head tilted back, curls splayed wildly behind him.

Oh.

I should move.

But…

I want to be close to you.

Dammit Gray, do the right thing!

With a sigh, I gently shook him, "Hunter? Hey. Wake up."

He slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times before sitting up in an instant, his entire face red, "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"We both did. It's okay. It's only," looking over my shoulder, I gasped, "uh… what time do you get up?"

"4. Why?"

"It's 5 in the morning. We slept here all night."

"Oh fuck. I have so much to do! No breakfast. I'm gonna get dressed and rush out there. I'm behind. I promise to eat lunch."

Hunter jumped up and ran to his room and I giggled softly, wrapping the blanket that had laid on the back of the couch, forgotten, around myself.

After grabbing his walkie-talkie and Moose, Hunter rushed out of the house with a wave.

I moved to the kitchen carefully, started coffee, and sat as it brewed, Bear sitting at my feet.

Once my coffee was done, I carefully pulled my shoes and a jacket on, grabbed a blanket, and took Bear into the back to run as I watched Hunter.

He was riding Ridge around the cow pasture, Moose helping him herd them to a certain part. He looked commanding on the back of the horse, his height on full display. He would take his hat off once in a while to push his hair from his face, his focus fully on the animals, never noticing I was watching.

How can a man so rugged be beautiful?

Hunter let out a sharp whistle and Moose started to run, clearing the pasture in a matter of seconds. He started to bark and Hunter rode over, hopping off of Ridge and grabbing something from his pocket.

"Hey. Are you still inside?" Hunter's voice came from the walkie-talkie.

"No, I've been watching you. What's up?"

"I need ya to go back in then. There's… somethin' out here I don't think ya need to be seein'."

"What is it?"

"Dead rabbit. We got coyotes that roam outside the fence and sometimes they manage to kill somethin' and leave it out here."

"Dead animals don't bother me. I'm used to seeing them from being on my Granddad’s farm. I've had to… end chickens before."

"Alright. I ain't gonna bring it up there, I just wasn't sure how you'd react."

"I appreciate you. Don't forget to come eat soon okay? You didn't get breakfast."

"I promise."

I watched as Hunter took care of the rabbit, a flash of sadness on his face and he went to the barn, coming out a few minutes later.

After watching him for a while longer, I headed back inside to start planning for the gender reveal.

I'd been working for a while when I looked over my shoulder and saw that it was noon. Grabbing the walkie-talkie, I took a small breath, "Hunter. It's been 7 hours. Please come inside and eat something."

"Really? I didn't notice. Alright. Be right there."

Smiling, I set the walkie-talkie down and went back to the website I was looking at. After adding a few more decorations to my cart, Hunter finally joined me in the house, kicking off his boots and taking off his hat and jacket, hanging them by the door.

"You really shouldn't make me worry. I can't go out and haul you in right now," I called, fully focused on the computer.

"You're tiny," he laughed softly in my ear, "I doubt ya could really pull me in by force."

"I can try," Turning my head, I stuck my tongue out, "You're filthy. Go wash up and eat."

"So bossy. I need that. Have ya eaten?" Hunter smiled at me from the kitchen sink.

"Waited for you. I'm used to eating only a meal maybe two a day. I don't get hungry really. Just eat for nutrition, not enjoyment."

"We gotta fix that," he came over and gently poked my nose, "what have ya been doin'?"

"Ordering supplies. Well no, adding them to the cart. I can't order them without money."

"Take my card from my wallet after lunch and order it."

"You'd… let me do that?" I stared at him in shock as he went to the fridge.

"Yeah?" He looked at me confused, "I trust you. What do ya want to eat? A salad or sandwich?"

"S… sandwich," I stuttered, moving to the dining table, "you confuse me."

"Because I trust ya?"

"Yes."

"Well. You've proven to me you're trustworthy. That you're not gonna run suddenly. Ya want to be here and it makes me happy. I'm choosin' to put my faith in ya, Gray. I don't think you'll steal from me. So, after eating this," he pointed to the sandwich he'd made for me, "take my card and order what ya need."

"You're… so sweet, Hunter."

"I… huh?" His face flared, making me giggle.

"You're sweet. Kind. Gentle."

"Only to you."

"I'll take it," shrugging, I smiled as he joined me at the table, "thank you. I'll start making food as soon as I can stand steady."

"Don't rush. Please? Properly heal."

"I promise."

We ate lunch, Hunter talking and smiling, open and honest as always, sharing stories of growing up on the farm and fun childhood memories.

"I gotta go back for a few hours," he cleaned things up quickly, "call me in at 5 if I'm not back."

"You got it."

"Change the bandages out too. Ya need to clean around your stitches. Let them breathe for a little while."

"Fine, fine. Go on. I'll be okay."

"I know," he ran his fingers through my hair, lingering on the tip of my ear before getting ready, "be careful."

"I will be."

I watched him leave, wishing he would come back in and play with my hair and after shaking my head, I went to the living room, grabbed my new phone, and decided to text Hazel finally.

-G: Zee? It's Gray

-Z: Hi little brother!

-G: Are you older than me too?

-Z: Mhm! I'll be 24 in October. You turn 22 in August. I saw your chart. What's up?

-G: I'm just sitting around. Planning the party for you. Watching Hunter as he works.

-Z: Hard to keep your eyes off of him huh? 👀

-G: SHUT UP!

-G: Yes. Why is he so pretty! 😪

-Z: I don't think a single person on this planet would call Hunter pretty.

-G: But he is… or at least his heart is. He's so gentle with me.

-Z: Aw cute. I knew he would be. He's gentle. Loving. He may struggle to say things, but all his actions show he cares.

-G: I don't want him to think I'm taking advantage of his kindness, but I can't do anything right now.

-Z: You're there. That's all he has ever wanted. Someone who WANTS to be around. Hunter has never dated. Never been close to anyone. You're the first person he's let live in his house. That has to mean something.

-G: But what?

-Z: I don't know 🤷‍♀️

-G: Thank you for adding more confusion.

-Z: You're welcome! Heading to my baby appointment now so I'll text ya later. See you Saturday!

-G: See you then.

Tossing the phone on the table, I went back to ordering supplies for the party before groaning and tilting my head back.

What the hell does she mean?

I'll figure it out.

I can do this.