Chapter 121: Declan

He held her elbow lightly as she slid into place in the booth and then he slid in on the other side, facing her.

Or more accurately, facing the top of her head. She seemed incredibly intent on studying the small dining room table between them. Somehow, he didn't think that she had suddenly sprouted a new interest in woodwork from the 1800s in the last three minutes.

"You're not a cripple," he said softly to the top of her head. He waited, but she didn't look up, so he finally continued. "You've been through a lot. I'm proud of you and all you've been able to do since the accident."

He dearly wanted to ask her for details about the accident, but held back. It was her story to tell. She could tell him when she felt comfortable, and until then, he'd give her the space she clearly seemed to need.