Page 104 of No Fear

“I know. Sophie sent Dr. Swanson’s report over to Sam. Tyler looked at it tonight. I know he’s not a specialist, but he said the same. There’s no visible damage. It does look good. I got hung up on it not being good enough for me to stay on the team. Couldn't think of anything beyond that.”

“And now?” she asked softly.

“I don't know what the future holds. But Sam reminded me that even if I can't be a sniper, there are other things I can do, and we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Whatever happens, I’ll get through it.” He kissed the back of her hand again. “Partly because of you. Thank you for being here.”

Her heart squeezed. She loved being here. Being with him. “I’m glad I’m here.”

“I don't want to lose you from my life again. I know being more than friends may not be possible now, even if you had changed your mind, but I am so damn grateful you are back in my life.”

She frowned. “What do you mean, may not be possible now?”

“Until my future is a little more certain, I would never burden you with this.”

“You think this changes things for me?” How could he think that? He was still Donnie.

“I have no idea what I will or won’t be able to do. I want you to have everything you want in your life. I don't want to be the man that holds you back. So, until I know the extent of this—”

“Do I not get a say in this?”

In frustration, she stood, pulling her hand away. “You left after Nate died because you said it was best for all of us. Here I thought we were finally getting past that and bam, the going gets tough and you’re running away from me again.”

“Charlie. No. I didn't mean it like that. I’m not running away. I... fuck. You deserve better than me. Than this.” He gestured to his eyes.

She knelt in front of him and cupped his face, looking into the eyes that couldn’t see her. He tensed.

“I’m not here out of pity. You are the same man I crushed on in high school. The same man that stood up to my bullies. The same man that never took advantage when I propositioned him ten years ago. The same man who followed me to Toronto to apologize for leaving. The same man that rocked my world in bed and made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.” She paused, placing a hand over his heart. “You have the same heart,” she whispered. “Whether your full sight returns or not, that’s never going to change.”

His hands covered hers.

“Charlie, it would be too much to ask, I—”

“Let’s get one thing straight.” She softened her voice. “I do not care about your sight. Of course, I want you to get it back in full, but if you don’t, it will not change how I feel about you.”

The three little words were on the tip of her tongue, but she held on to them for now.

“You said you didn't trust me and that we could only be friends.” he said quietly.

“I did.”

“And now?”

“You said you wanted to prove to me you could be trusted.”

“I did.”

“You have something special here, Donnie. Dinner tonight was wonderful. The ladies made me feel so welcome. Your team made me feel welcome. They all love and respect you. I’ve only ever had Maddie. And you. You were the only other person outside my family that noticed me.” Her voice wobbled.

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” The shock was plain on his face.

Was she? She hadn't planned on saying any of this tonight, but it felt right. She didn't give a damn about his sight. She wanted him. Needed him. Loved him. Being here, talking to his teammates, and their women. It had made her realize just how much she loved Donnie. How much she wanted to be with him, even if it scared the hell out of her.

“I think so.”

***

FUCK. HE HATED THAT he couldn’t see her face.

“You think so?” he said softly.