Healing Over Time

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Thirty-six weeks after Lee's death.


Alex looked up from where she was cleaning out syringes. Kayce took his hat off as he stepped into her workspace inside the barn. She stopped cleaning and sat down her tools.

"You're home early," Alex noted.

"I stopped by on my way to the res," Kayce said.

"You're going out there?" Alex asked. "Because of the pipeline?"

"No, to get Tate," Kayce said. "With tomorrow, I'd like him to be here."

"Oh, yeah..." Alex nodded. "That makes sense."

"I also know you'd like him to be here and that would be healthy for you," Kayce stepped over and stood next to her.

Alex gave him a small smile as she stood up too.

"Why did you stop here, though, on your way out there?" Alex asked. Unfortunately, I don't have time to go with you. I need to finish up some things here."

"Because," Kayce sighed. "I talked to Monica about it."

"Does she not like it?" Alex asked. It's like an extra thirty-six hours for Tate to be here, and even she can't argue that this place has more protection than the reservation."

"It's not that," Kayce said. "But the hearing is early tomorrow."

Alex narrowed her eyes. Now she knew what was about to be asked of her.

"I won't unless you say it's okay," Kayce told her.

"You know I can't say no," Alex frowned.

"You can," Kayce looked at her.

"And what would that do, Kayce?" Alex crossed her arms. "Besides make me look like the bitch, make it more difficult for you and Tate, and make Monica look like the better person!"

"She's not the better person," Kayce said.

Alex shook her head and took a deep breath. Kayce was eyeing her.

"She drives her own car," Alex said. "And she stays in the guest room downstairs, away from us."

"Okay," Kayce nodded.

"And if she says one stupid remark to me..." Alex raised her eyebrow.

"You'll what?" Kayce tried to joke.

"I'll take it out on you," Alex sat back down and grabbed her tools.

"In bed?"

Alex looked back up at Kayce. His smirk was large.

"Trying to be cute won't get you anywhere," Alex warned him.

"No, but it riles you up," He chuckled.

"Go get your son," Alex muttered, returning to her cleaning.

She felt Kayce place his hands on her arms before he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Alex looked up to watch him leave the stall.

**

"You're gonna tear a strip through that rug if you pace anymore."

Alex stopped walking and looked over at John. He was standing at the entrance to the living room. Kayce should be back with Tate...and Monica...any minute now.

"Sorry," Alex sighed.

"She still bothers you, doesn't she?" John walked over to Alex.

"Yeah," Alex nodded. "And I don't need a lecture on things about women from you."