“I can walk just fine.” Okay, so it wasn’t always comfortable, especially with the compression sleeve on his calf. But hecouldwalk.
He climbed out, made it to the door before Vicki did, and opened it for her. “I told you I can walk just fine.”
“Show off.”
They walked inside, heads turning their way.
“He’s here!”
“Hawke is here.”
“He looks good.”
“Eric Hawke!” Bear sat at a table near the door, dinner and a tall glass of milk on the table in front of him.
“Hey, Bear.” Eric was happy to see him whole and alive.
Part of the proceeds from tonight would go toward rebuilding Bear’s cabin. Joe had hired an attorney to fight for Bear’s ownership of the land. The proceedings hadn’t gotten far before a former county employee had admitted to burying the deed so the county could claim the land.
Rain met Eric and Vicki, gave them each a hug. “God, it’s good to see you again, Eric. The Team saved places for you at the usual table.”
They made their way to the back corner near the climbing wall, but it was slow going. Everyone seemed to be here tonight. Chip and Charles. Herb, the pharmacist. Zach McBride, Marc Hunter, Julian Darcangelo, and their wives. They were hanging with Julia Marcs, Joaquin Ramirez and his wife Mia, who was holding their two-week-old baby boy.
“He’s so cute! Can I hold him?” Vicki asked. “What did you name him?”
“Érik—after your husband.” Mia laid the bundle in Vicki’s arms. “Érik Matías Ramirez.”
“I’m touched, really.” Eric gave Ramirez a hug. The two had stayed in touch, and Eric considered him a true friend. “Congratulations, man. How do you like being a father?”
Ramirez’s face lit up. “It’s the best.”
Lt. Gov. Reece Sheridan was with them, too. “This is my wife, Kara.”
Kara shook Eric’s and Vicki’s hands. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Brandon was there with Libby, the two of them sitting with John Wright and his wife, Susan. “Chief.”
Eric hugged Silver and shook John’s hand. “You two look like shit.”
Where they’d had blisters on his face, they now had red patches just like Eric.
Silver grinned. “You, too, man.”
The Wests had a table to themselves—Jack, Janet, Nate, and Megan. They stood as he and Vicki drew near, shook his hand. They had done so much this past month to help Vicki and make the burden of Eric’s recovery easier on her.
Vicki kissed Jack and Nate on the cheek. “I don’t know how to thank you all.”
“You just did,” Jack said. “You’re welcome. We were happy to help.”
“You’re looking better,” Nate said.
“You were right. It gets easier.”
Rose kissed Eric on the cheek.
Bob Jewel socked him on the shoulder. “The Inn has survivedtwofires now, thanks to you. I’ve got a bottle of scotch for you.”
“If he doesn’t drink it first,” Kendra joked.