Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78603 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78603 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
My mother sighs, relief and exhaustion weighing her shoulders. “I can’t believe all this… it’s finally over.” Her gaze drifts to me, and she gives a watery smile. “You should rest, sweetie. Let the doctors make sure your wrist is going to heal right.”
I nod, sinking back against the pillows. “I will, Mom. Thank you.” Then I hesitate. “Are you… did you want to stay?”
She glances at Boone, then back at me, understanding lighting her eyes. “I think I’ll just step outside and talk to the nurse about the discharge papers,” she says. “Let you two have a moment.”
I bite my lip, a fresh wave of gratitude washing over me for my mother’s thoughtfulness. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
She smiles, patting my leg gently. “I love you too, honey.” With that, she slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Now it’s just me and Boone again, the quiet hum of hospital machinery filling the space. He pulls the chair closer to my bedside, resting one hand on the rail. “So,” he says, letting out a shaky breath, “here we are.”
“Here we are,” I echo, my heart twisting. Despite the bandages and bruises, I feel lighter than I have in weeks. “I can’t believe you’re really moving here.”
He grins, warmth flooding his features. “I was hoping to take you out on a proper date, you know. Maybe show up at your shop unannounced with flowers, something romantic.” He gestures vaguely. “But fate had other ideas.”
I let out a short laugh, reaching over to thread my fingers through his. My wrist twinges, but I ignore it. “You saved my life. That’s pretty romantic in its own way.”
He brushes his thumb over my knuckles, his gaze gentle. “I promise I’m done with the big rescues, though. I’d like to just… live normally. With you, if you’ll have me.”
Emotion wells in my chest. “Boone, that’s all I’ve wanted since this whole thing started. I mean, ever since you showed up, telling me to close my shop and stay with you in that cabin, I’ve felt safe around you. I trust you with my life.”
His expression softens. “I won’t let you down. I’m here for good. Dean’s expansion deal is real—he’ll have me hiring a new team, which is half of the guys who helped rescue you tonight. We’ll set up an office downtown. I’ll still get to protect people, but… I’ll also get to have a real life with you.” He glances away, suddenly shy. “If that’s what you want.”
My throat grows tight as I watch him fumble. This big, strong ex-military man who’s saved me from multiple threats now, looking so earnest and a bit unsure. “Of course that’s what I want,” I manage, my voice thick. “I— I want you, Boone.”
He exhales, relief washing over his face, and I lean forward, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. It’s short, but sweet, and I taste the salt of my own tears. He cups the side of my face, stroking his thumb along my cheek in a gesture that feels like home.
When we pull apart, a knock sounds at the door. A nurse peeks in, offering a polite smile. “Hi there, just need to check that wrist for a moment, make sure everything’s all good, then we’ll get you out of here.”
Boone stands, giving me room as the nurse comes over. She gently unwraps the bandage, prodding the area with delicate hands. I wince, but she assures me it’s just a sprain, nothing broken. “We’ll give you a brace to wear for a week or so,” she says. “Ice it, take anti-inflammatories, and rest as much as you can.”
I nod, thanking her through a wince. Boone watches intently, like he’s memorizing every instruction. Once she’s done, she leaves the room, promising to grab my discharge papers.
Boone clears his throat, the hint of a smile on his face. “You’re going to be okay.”
I let out a shuddering breath. “Yeah,” I say softly, finally starting to believe it myself. “I am. Everything’s going to be okay now.”
A moment later, my mother reenters, a packet of paperwork in hand. “They said you can leave in a little bit. We just have to finalize these forms.” She sets them on the small rolling table. “You’ll be home tonight. We can order some takeout, maybe watch one of those cheesy reality shows you like.”
I arch an amused eyebrow. “Mom, you hate those shows.”
She laughs, leaning in to squeeze my shoulder. “I’ll do anything to see you smile right now.”
Boone, standing at my other side, dips his head. “I might join you if that’s okay.”
My mother’s eyes sparkle knowingly. “Oh, I’d be insulted if you didn’t.”
Heat warms my cheeks. I mumble something like “Thank you,” and inside I’m touched by her acceptance. After the nightmare of Charles and Earl, I think we all just want a quiet, safe place to land.