Page 53 of Gunner

He felt his amma and Lacey behind him, but this was about Milla. He’d always tried to treat her like the smart, intelligent woman he knew she was deep inside, locked in a body that no longer did what it was meant to.

“Hi, Milla.” He kept his voice soft as he reached her and took hold of her hand, bringing it to his face as he always had. Milla had severely impaired motor functions, and she struggled to do the most basic things like co-ordinating her hands. It had meant many a time he got hit in the face when she was trying to touch him and convey her greeting. Now he did it for her, and he knew she liked that.

“Guuunnner.” Her words were said with so much concentration, and tears filled his eyes every time she said his name. It was a lot of work for her, and that she did it showed her love for him.

“I missed you, sis. I’m sorry I haven’t been around much lately.”

“Thor.”

Gunner shook his head, not understanding as he dropped her hand but kept hold of it, wanting her to feel connected to him and him to her. Glancing at his amma, he noticed her and Lacey had linked arms and was watching them closely.

“She loves the superhero films and thinks you’re like Thor saving the world.” His amma’s voice was full of affection.

“Ah, I see.” He turned back to his sister and winked. “I’m no superhero, but would you like to meet a real-life supermodel?”

Milla rocked, and he could see the excitement on her face and chuckled. Turning, he held out his hand for Lacey who moved forward slowly and took it, letting him pull her close so he could place his other arm around her back.

“This is Lacey Cannon, and she was a model for Chanel and Dior but more important than that, she’s my girlfriend.”

Milla began to rock in her chair side to side, and he knew she was trying to communicate but her joy and excitement was hampering her, making it hard for her to control her actions. He was about to intervene when Lacey reached out and took Milla’s hand in her own the three of them forming a circle.

“I am so happy to meet you, Milla. Gunner talks about his wonderful big sister all the time.”

Gunner saw the happiness on his sister’s face and the smile Lacey gave him, and something shifted inside him. A chasm of despair being filled with the love of these incredible ladies who somehow despite his failings, loved him.

His amma had her hands clasped together, and he knew she was treasuring this time, and he should too. “Will you stay for dinner with us, Gunner?”

“Lacey?”

“Goodness, yes, we’d love that. Thank you.”

Dinner was a lively affair full of conversation and laughter which he couldn’t remember having in a very long time with his family. He’d learned that Waggs often visited to check on the care Milla was getting and on his grandmother and knew he owed his friend more than he’d realised. His guilt and sense of duty toward them had hindered his ability to enjoy his time with them. With Lacey beside him and her zest for life and her love for him filling the gaps, they became a family again.

As he kissed his sister and said goodbye with the promise to come again in a few weeks and genuinely meaning it this time instead of the empty promise it had been before to fulfil a duty, he saw his amma and Lacey talking, their heads close together before they hugged as if they’d known each other for years.

Once in the car he waved to his amma and turned to Lacey.

“Well?”

“Oh, Gunner, they’re wonderful, and they love you so much, especially Milla. I can’t believe how well she gets across what she wants to convey. She is truly amazing and watching you two together is the most profound thing. You have such a beautiful connection.”

He kissed her softly, knowing his family watched and didn’t care. He was happy, and he wanted the world to know it.