Page 28 of Cade

“He’s out for the next match but could potentially be back for the playoff tournament if he’s healed enough.”

Zane nods as a voice speaks up, “He’shere and can hear you both. In fact, you both are too fucking loud. Take it down a notch or three, please.” I reach over and lightly squeeze his hand—the one not on the side of his hurt collarbone.

I quietly apologize. “I’m sorry. We’ll keep it down. Let’s get you in the back seat and situated. I know I have a couple of blankets in the back.” Even in his state, Cade’s able to pick on me about my blankets.

“Of course she has blankets in the back seat. The rule of flat surfaces one sits on applies, so there’s got to be at least seventy-seven blankets, give or take seven.” He’s lucky he’s injured already. Man’s about to benefit from my blanket collection and yet he still picks on me about them. It’s not like he didn’t know about this when we got married or anything. He could’ve walked away, but he chose this life.

Zane helps me get Cade into the back. Tucker finds a spot between me and Zane since his normal spot is occupied by a moaning Cade. I know he’s hurting. The doctor said the good meds he gave him should take effect soon. Hopefully, it willmake the drive not so painful for him. Time to help my man since he’s always helping me.

CHAPTER TEN

There are times I look at you and think you’re doing great at life and doing a great job at raising Daisy. Then there are days where I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but I’m betting it’s hard to pronounce or because Pops or Dad dropped you on your head.

~Text from Hanna to Mayson~

Cade

We’ve been at Hanna’s parents’ house for three days, and I’m finally feeling human and don’t have a splitting headache. Now I know better than to go outside when the sun isn’t out just yet, but I can manage to get out of bed and interact with people just a bit.

Hanna’s been amazing. She brought me food and made me take my medication on the schedule the doctor told her. She also refused to give me my cell phone because the team doctor told her no phones or screens of any kind for the first couple of days. When I asked for it yesterday, she stood at the foot of the bed with her hands on her hips.

“You won’t go against the doctor’s orders, Cade Evanich. You’re still sometimes seeing double. I will not assist in helping you possibly cause long-term issues. Not on my watch. I love you, and this is for your own good.” She did let me apologize and kissme to make it all better. I’m not ashamed to say that her kisses and attention definitely helped.

I was able to take a shower and not get lightheaded, though my collarbone did hurt like a motherfucker when I tried to lift my arm on that side. I know I can’t play this weekend, but I’m gonna do everything I can to be in the playoff tournament.

I found some of my clothes, got myself dressed, and decided to go in search of my wife and some coffee. I walk out of the bedroom, and that’s when I realize that we’ve been staying in Hanna’s old room. Anna must’ve moved things around because I didn’t recognize it, though to be honest, I didn’t spend much time studying the walls and the furniture inside the room.

I walk down the hallway and hear voices, so I follow them to the kitchen, where the first one to greet me as I turn the corner is Tucker. I give him some head rubs with my right hand, not wanting to move my left arm much. Hanna gets up and comes over to me. She pushes her glasses up, and I can tell by her expression that she’s studying me.

“You okay enough to be up and out of bed?”

I lean down and give her a quick kiss. “Yeah, I am. My head’s not pounding, I’m not seeing double, and the light doesn’t make me want to hide away like a vampire.”

That earns me a smile and another kiss. Anna speaks up from the kitchen table. “Come on and have a seat. I’m gonna make you a good breakfast while you have your coffee. We have to get you all mended up.” I see both Jackson and Wyatt at the table, having coffee. Jackson nods and gestures for me to sit.

“Son, I find it best to do what she says when she sets her mind to something like this. Besides, if you don't, she's likely to tell your mom when she gets here this afternoon.” Valid point.

I sit, and Hanna brings over a cup of coffee for me before sitting next to me. I take a sip and am thankful that my wife’s family takes coffee as seriously as mine does. No weak coffee found around here.

Hanna helps her mom make breakfast, and in no time, a plate filled with eggs, sausage, homemade biscuits and gravy, and hash browns is set in front of me. I know most of this I shouldn’t be eating during the season, but I think the bigger threat to my health at this moment would be the reaction of the two women in this kitchen if I didn’t eat what they just served me. My dad didn’t raise a complete idiot.

**********

I managed to stay up a bit after breakfast, but around noon I gave up and went to take a nap. My head wasn’t unbearable, but it was throbbing just a bit.

I woke up about thirty minutes ago, got up, splashed some water on my face, and just came out to the sound of people at the table again, though this time I found Hanna, Anna, and Asher. The three of them have a bunch of bridal magazines spread out on the table, and it looks like Anna has a notepad in front of her.

I walk up, lean over my girl, and give her a kiss on her temple. “Making decisions about everything?” She looks up at me and sighs.

“Mom and I were making headway till Asher got here and started suggesting all sorts of things. I want something simple, homey, and natural.” Asher’s glaring at Hanna.

“I wasn’t suggesting Technicolor lights or anything. I just thought you could be unique. I mean, I’ve never seen a cheese fountain with potatoes as dippers or a make-your-own sundae bar. People love food, and both of those would be tasty as could be.” I don’t think he means to aggravate his sister this time. As a guy with a sister, I can see where he’s coming from with this.

“Let me guess, you wanted both of those for your wedding, and Logan put his foot down about it.” Asher turns his glare from Hanna to me. He crosses his arms.

“Maybe. But I still say they’re both delicious sounding.” I mean, he’s not wrong, but I can tell by the look on Hanna’s face that she’s not even remotely sold on it. I get an idea. It sounds good, but if it gets nixed, it sure ain’t a hill I’m gonna die on.

“What about a stuffed potato bar for the main course? We could have the normal toppings, but then also have pulled pork, brisket, or grilled chicken to top the potatoes as well?”