Page 143 of Through the Storm

Ben

For real though, I appreciate you guys. Thanks for looking out for her. And for not being assholes about the whole thing.

Logan

Of course.

KATY

Ben helps me shower like it’s the most normal thing in the world. He doesn’t rush me; he’s beyond patient and so, so careful. And it doesn’t feel awkward at all.

He keeps one hand on my back the entire time, steady and warm, like he’s afraid gravity might suddenly betray me. When my knees wobble, he notices before I do.

“Easy,” he murmurs, already adjusting his grip. “I’ve got you.”

The water is warm, steam curling around us, and when I close my eyes, the tension in my chest finally loosens. He washes my hair slowly, methodically, fingers gentle against my scalp.

I don’t feel exposed. I feel safe with him.

After, he wraps me in a towel and helps me sit, crouching to dry my legs, my feet, like this is just part of his job.

“Sorry,” I say automatically.

He frowns. “For what?”

I swallow. “For… needing help.”

He meets my eyes in the mirror. “Katy, you had a baby yesterday.Mybaby. If anything, I should be apologizing to you.”

“Very true,” I say cheekily.

That earns me a soft smile.

Once I’m dressed and settled back into bed, he straightens the pillows, tucks the blanket around my waist, and steps back to assess me.

“You good for more people?” he asks.

I consider it. My body aches. My emotions feel loose and unpredictable.

“I’m still tired,” I admit. “But yeah, I want to see them.”

His face lights up with what I think is pride. He seems ready to show off his mini-me to the world.

“Okay,” he says. “I’ll manage the chaos. And I’ll kick them out the second you look overwhelmed.”

“Thank you.”

He presses a quick kiss to my forehead, then turns toward the door, already shifting into protector mode. I feel taken care of.

Grandma Patty is first. “Hi, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Just a little tired.”

“Well, I hope you’re hungry too. I brought you some takeout. Let me hold this little cutie while you two eat something better than hospital food.”

“Thanks, Grandma.”

I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I took the first bite. Poor Ben must have been starving too. He inhales his food in about thirty seconds. I realize he probably hasn’t eaten since he got here.