Page 79 of Open Net

“We’re doing it.” I laughed and gazed into Olli’s eyes.

He smiled down at me. “I’m sorry it took me so long.”

I shook my head. “It means more now.”

He pulled me closer, pressing us together, but Victor wasn’t having that.

“Posture! Hand on his shoulder!”

We stepped back from each other and resumed the proper positions.

This felt so right. Being back in his arms. Just me and him. I’d missed this so much. Weeks without him was my personal torture. I wanted this ordeal to be over. I wanted us again.

I had to remain strong. I had to stick to what I’d told him. For him to finish therapy and continue working with Dr. Elliot and then he could return home. I couldn’t give in just because being in his arms felt like home.

Still, I felt better now than I had in weeks. The hole in my heart was filled. The fog, the darkness, the pain faded. He was what I needed to feel better.

Yes, I knew I needed to feel better on my own. I needed to be confident in myself and my abilities as a mother. I was working on that. The support group was helping but being with Olli was the last piece.

I wasn’t meant to do this all on my own. I had Olli in my life for a reason. I had my mom, the pride, and the support group to help me. I wasn’t alone.

I ignored Victor’s directions and rested my head against Olli’s chest. I felt him kiss the top of my head as I sighed into him.

The nerves and apprehension disappeared with the slow music. This was my person. My Olli.

I never would have guessed what tonight had in store, but it was exactly what we needed.

20

Olli

That date gave me all the hope and strength I needed to push through. I put every ounce I had into my physical therapy sessions. I pushed myself to my limit everyday then headed to my sessions with Dr. Elliot.

“You seem like you’re in a good place, Olli,” she said with an encouraging smile.

I smiled back grateful the doctor could see it. “I feel like I am. I’ve been practicing the technique you taught me. Every time I get frustrated or have a setback, I ask myself what is the very worst thing that could happen because of it. Each time it’s not that big of a deal. I might have to wait a few extra days or focus on a different opportunity.”

She nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. How are things with Emma?”

“I think they’re good.”

“You think?”

I shrugged. “I’ve been giving her space. I still go over every day to see Jackson, but I don’t push her to talk. She made her expectations clear.”

Dr. Elliot watched me for a moment. “You’re not growing impatient with her or your situation?”

“Not really. Definitely not the way I was last month. I know what I have to do to fix things so I’m working on that.”

“You’ve come a long way, Olli. Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks. Have you guys talked about plans?”

I shook my head. I hadn’t even thought about it. “I’ll probably go over for dinner. Chloe Murray has hosted a dinner for everyone that stays in town, so maybe we’ll go to that.”

She hesitated, and I got the sense there was something she wasn’t telling me.

“Do you not think that’s a good idea?” Was it too soon for a big holiday? I couldn’t bear the thought of missing Jackson’s first Thanksgiving. We dressed him up in a little pumpkin outfit for Halloween, but it was just for pictures. It wasn’t that big of a deal, but this was different. Thanksgiving was a time to spend with family. Did she think we should have space on that day?

“Oh no. I was just curious if you two had talked.”