Addy cleaned up the mess and tossed the disposable suture materials into the trash. “I’ll help you get that other boot and those jeans off soon as Cody brings the crutches.”

“Thank you, Addy.” She managed a smile. “Seems like I say that at least a dozen times a day.”

“You are welcome a dozen times a day,” Addy said, and nodded.

Cody brought the crutches out, leaned them against the table, picked her up for the second time, and set her feet on the floor. “Ever used these before?”

Stevie shook her head. “But I guess I’m about to learn.” She crooked her leg back at the knee and started across the room.

“Doin’ good,” Cody encouraged.

“My work is done here, so I’m going back to the house to check on Pearl and the twins,” Addy said. “Call me if you need anything at all, and I’ll have Mia bring supper to y’all tonight so you don’t have to get out again once you get back from Raymond’s place.”

“We’ve still got leftovers in the fridge,” Cody said.

“But I heard something about beans and fried potatoes, didn’t I?” Stevie asked. “Family meals are a bit of a treasure when you live alone. I seldom ever get beans, and I love fried potatoes.”

“I’ll send Mia down here with enough for both of you. I understand about family meals. When Mia and I lived alone, making dinner for two was a chore. There’s no way to just make a little pot of beans.” Addy followed her into the bedroom and closed the door.

Stevie unfastened her jeans but had to have help getting them off. No more skinny jeans—at least not for ten days. “I’d better wear those cargo pants with the elastic waistband,” she said.

“These?” Addy pulled them out of the closet and held them up.

“Yep,” Stevie said, and nodded. “I haven’t worn them in years, but I’m glad I saved them.”

Addy helped her into them and said, “Just holler when you get ready for a shower. Either Mia or I will come help you. And before you say thank you, this is what sisters and nieces are for, even if they’re pseudo-kinfolks.”

“I’ll repay you someday.” Stevie pulled up the wide-legged pants.

“You already have,” Addy said.

Stevie cocked her head to one side. “How do you figure that?”

“You’re making Cody come alive again. Something happened just before he came home that bothers him, but he won’t talk about it. You are helping him deal with whatever it is. Jesse said that he’s even heard him whistling a time or two since he rescued y’all from Max’s place.” Addy waved over her shoulder and left the room without closing the door that time.

*  *  *