Page 146 of Shadowing You

“I’m going to talk to the administrator about getting them both leave. I figure they’ll be less likely to lose their jobs if I explain what’s going on. Speaking of, where does your job stand?”

“Dr. Donahue’s giving me until the beginning of next week to get back. He’s understanding, but they’re short-staffed and need me on the floor.”

Mei Lin leaned away to look at him. “You didn’t tell me that. You’re leaving?” What day was it? She’d lost track. How many days did she have before…?

“Of course not.” Ethan squeezed her hand. “I told you, sweetheart. I’m not leaving you again.” To the phone, he said, “It’ll be fine. I’ll find another job.”

“Maybe I can help,” Gavin said.

“I don’t need my daddy to call my boss. Sheesh.”

Gavin laughed. “That’s the first time you’ve called me daddy since you were nine years old. I’m going to pretend you didn’t say it with all that sarcasm. Anyway, I’m not going as your father. I’m going as an intelligence official—and I’ll be with an official…official from the State Department. She’ll explain why it wouldn’t be safe for you to return to your job until Lu Feng is captured—she’ll throw around a lot of words like national defense and favor to your nation. And she’ll tell them why it wouldn’t be safe for Mr. and Mrs. Chen to stay—for their safety and that of the patients and employees.”

“If that other person is going, then why do you need to be there?”

“Believe it or not, some people actually respect me. I’ve been told I have ‘gravitas.’” He said that as if he found it odd.

Mei Lin had no idea what that word meant. She guessed it was good based on Ethan’s amused grin.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re very impressive,” Ethan said.

“Anyway, maybe I can impress upon them that you’re a hero and your job should be waiting for you when you get back.”

“I’m not a hero.”

Gavin ignored that. “Mei Lin?”

“Yes?”

“Callan couldn’t call but he wanted me to give you an update. He’s in Boston. They found her.” A note of seriousness filled Gavin’s voice. “Your friend, Ài Le. If all goes well, they’ll bring her in tonight.”

Mei Lin’s throat closed. Thank You, Father. You are so good. “I cannot—” She swallowed and forced words out. “That is wonderful news.”

“It’s a start,” Gavin said. “Hopefully, she’ll give Callan enough information to get Lu’s accounts closed.”

Ethan squeezed her hand. To the phone, he said, “Thanks, Gavin. We’re both so grateful.”

She nodded, still fighting the overwhelming emotions.

“Sure. Sleep well. Talk soon.” Gavin ended the call.

For a moment, Mei Lin couldn’t move. It was all so much—Lu Feng closing in, but maybe moving into a trap. Her visa. Ài Le.

Slowly, her fear and uncertainty lifted. She was where she was meant to be, and God was with her. He’d always been with her, of course. It’d just been harder to believe when she’d been in that horrible prison. But He’d been there, and working.

He’d brought her back to Ethan, and He’d brought Ethan and his amazing family to her.

She stood, plopped down in her husband’s lap, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him.

He went still. Then his arms came around her waist and he returned her kiss, warm and certain and oh, so lovely.

Too soon, he eased away. “Mei Lin.” His voice was rough. “Not that I’m complaining, but if we’re only dating, you can’t… This is a little too much.”

Heat warmed her cheeks. She drew away to look at him. Her fingers slid to his neck, where she felt the quick beat of his pulse. “I do not wish to date you. We are married. I wish to be married.”

His mouth opened, then snapped shut as if he’d thought better of whatever he’d been about to say.

In one swift move, he stood, lifting her off the couch and holding her close to his chest.