Page 63 of Unmasked

“You're not on any contraceptive?” he clarified.

She shook her head again, unable to say it out loud. He was quiet for a minute, and she wanted to cry all over again. Part of her wanted to apologize, even though she didn't regret it. Not even a little bit.

“What do you want?” he finally asked.

She wanted… everything. “When we made love the first time, I stayed quiet because... because some deep part of me wanted it to happen, hoped it would.” She licked her lips, her courage growing as the words tumbled out. “I've always wanted a family with you.”

“You might just get your wish if we keep it up.” His lips quirked into a tiny smile. “And I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it.”

“Really?”

“Of course. After...” He let out a little sigh. “I never wanted anything serious with anyone but you. I know we lost our first baby, but... maybe this is our chance to finally get it right. Since the moment I met you, I knew you were mine. All I've ever wanted is you.”

“You have me,” she promised. And she meant it with her whole heart.

CHAPTER

FORTY

The hairs on the back of his neck prickled as Knox pulled into the parking lot of Blackwater Key General. He glanced up at the modern glass and brick building before sliding a look toward Everleigh. She sat in the passenger seat, while her mother was ensconced in the back, both of them eerily silent.

“Everleigh?”

She turned at the sound of her name, and he offered a soft smile. “You ready?”

“Sure.” She nodded, but there was no hiding the apprehension in her eyes.

In the three days since Beaumont had been admitted, he hadn’t seemed to make much progress. He knew it was weighing heavily on both Everleigh and Celia, and he didn’t know what to do. It was a touch-and-go situation, out of anyone’s control. Though they’d treated him to counteract the effects of the poison, there was apparently a good chance he’d sustained trauma to his internal organs. He hoped for their sakes that he’d pull through, but for now, they just had to be patient and continue to hope for the best.

He scanned the parking lot as he exited the car and held the door first for Celia, then Everleigh. They made their way into the hospital, but he wouldn’t be staying. When Celia entered Beaumont’s room, he grasped Everleigh’s elbow and pulled her to a stop.

“Can I talk to you for a sec?”

A pair of big blue eyes peered up at him, and he couldn’t help but pull her close. He wanted to be there for her, but there were other things he needed to deal with at the moment. “As much as I’d love to stay, I can’t. I told Cade I’d come by.”

“Did they find something?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged, wishing he had more answers. “He wasn’t able to tell me anything over the phone, only that he wanted me to come take a look at the footage they got from the country club.”

She bit her lip. “Should I come, too? Maybe I can help. If someone is on there…”

He ran one hand lightly up and down her spine as she trailed off. He didn’t know exactly what was on the video, and he didn’t want her to have to witness her father’s incident all over again. “I’ll see what he needs first. We can always go back later if need be.”

“Okay.” Relief flooded her eyes, and he brushed his lips over hers.

“I’ll be back in just a few hours.” He slid his hand into hers and squeezed, then gestured with his chin toward the man who stood sentry next to Beaumont’s hospital room. “I’ve got Zane here if you need anything. Just stay here ‘til I get back.”

“We will.”

She looked sad, almost defeated, and he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. She clung to him, her tiny body feeling frail as she leaned into him. He pressed a kiss to her head, then dipped lower to speak next to her ear. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured her. “I feel it.”

Her head tipped up and she locked gazes with him, tears sparkling in her eyes. “You think so?”

God, he hoped so. He would do anything to take away her hurt. He framed her face with his hands and kissed her lightly. “I believe that, yes. He’s a fighter, sweetheart. He won’t give up.”

A tear broke free and slid down her cheek. He gently swept it away and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I love you. Whatever happens, remember that.”

She nodded. “Love you too.”