ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 39 - B

"Gimme' a cuddle then!" Jackson practically rips the door off the range the second the car stops.

"Watch it." Hardin scowls.

Jackson ignores it, wrapping me in his arms and squeezing like he's not crushing me. Still, I couldn't help but grin and embrace him.

"Look at you, trouble is your middle name." Jackson sighs, shaking his head as he glances over the huge cast on my leg,

"I gave as good as I got." I tell him, leaning on him as I struggle my way out of the stupid car.

"I believe you." Jackson chuckles, giving me a playful nudge.

Balancing on the crutches, I flick my fallen hair out of my face. Inhaling the fresh air of home. As I'm taking in the stressless atmosphere of my home, I find myself turning to Hardin.

Except he's not with us.

My heart swells instantly, my eyes brimming with slight tears as I stare at the beautiful creature leading Apollo towards me. Confident, and relaxed as he smiles easily, bringing Apollo to a stop in front of me.

I reach out of my hand, feeling Apollo's huff of a breath on my skin as he takes in my scent. A smile forces it's way on my face, and I felt only emotional as Apollo whinnies happily, his tail swishing calmly, head bobbing up and down.

"I missed you too." I whisper softly, carefully stepping closer and stroking his broad neck, resting my head against him as I half hug the huge softie.

Sniffling quietly, I blink back my tears before raising my head and gazing into the silver greyish eyes that sparkle with warmth. It's a strange thing, all that time apart and he knows Apollo is the thing I miss most when I'm gone. Maybe that'll change now, I'm not sure.

"Why is it that the beast gets a warmer welcome than me?" Jackson complains, breaking my unblinking staring with Hardin.

I roll my eyes and kiss Apollo's snout, letting Hardin take him back into the stables. It's almost dark now, and as much as I want to get back to normal life, I can't.

"I really appreciate you doing this, it means a lot to me." I admit, giving Jackson a warm big hug.

"I just want you to be happy." Jackson murmurs, giving a gentle squeeze.

My heart melts a little. How did I get so lucky to have such an amazing person in my life?

"Love you." I whisper. No other words needed to be said, he knows how much this means to me, he knows that I've got him as much as he's got me.

"Love you too." He says warmly.

I pull away and resume balancing on the crutches, turning towards Hardin as he opens up the boot of the range and grabs my luggage.

"I'll get this, you should go inside and get your feet up." Hardin nods to my broken leg, his eyes pointed.

I just scowl, not particularly liking the idea of being told to just sit around. I like to sit as much as the next person, but if I know Hardin, which I do, then he's going to take my resting very serious.

Jackson sniggers behind me, following me into the house as I do as his lordship requests.

"I might have moved a few things." Jackson pipes up quickly, moments before I enter the house and look at my living room.

"I don't mind you having your little man corner, but if it starts to smell, or get messy, I will burn it to ash." I tell Jackson without care, carefully dropping myself onto the white leather couch.