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He tried hard but it just took too much out of him. Then he felt her lips over his and, suddenly, everything was much easier.
“There you are,” Jade said, her face inches from his. “Welcome back.”
“I was gone?” he asked, confused.
“You got shot. Don’t you remember?” she said with a strained smile.
“I remember.” He thought for a moment and then everything came flooding back.
How she had put herself between the two men and the teen. How she had demanded the men release her as if she had all the power in the world.
She was a stronger woman than he could have ever hoped for. Someone who, despite her terrible past, could love so strongly. She protected those close to her, lifted up those relationships above anything else.
She wasn’t the woman of his dreams. She’d far surpassed the image he’d built his entire life.
“Marry me,” he said, meaning it with all his heart.
“Well, now I know he’s delirious.” His father’s voice came from somewhere in the room.
“Dad?” he asked, looking around. His father and several other people sat or stood across the room. Jade’s parents were there. Her father held a little girl around three in his arms.
“Just how long was I out?” he asked Jade.
She smiled at him. “Long enough for you to miss a very emotional reunion,” she said, reaching out her hand.
When Amber stepped closer, he was surprised at how similar they were. Still, there were enough differences, besides the hair, that he could easily tell them apart.
“Wow.” He smiled. “I’m seeing two of you.” They laughed. “I think I can only handle one.” He took Jade’s hand in his.
“That’s good, because the other one is spoken for,” a man said stepping forward. He’d seen Brock on the phone calls. The man was smiling down at him and holding onto Amber.
“Brock?” He moved to shake the man’s hand but came up short when wires and tubes stopped him.
Brock smiled. “We’ll have a proper greeting later.” Then he chuckled. “It looks like they have a lot more in common than anyone could have imagined. They both ended up saving themselves.” Brock leaned a little closer. “Only I didn’t get myself shot.”
Wyatt chuckled. “Okay, I know I said I remembered. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have a few holes.”
Brock took Amber’s hand. “We’re going to head back to the resort for the night.”
“Night?” Wyatt asked.
“You just lost one day,” Jade said with a smile. “It was last night. My family and your dad got here a few hours ago.”
“Son.” His father stepped forward. “We can chat tomorrow.” He leaned down and put a kiss on Wyatt’s forehead. “For what it’s worth, you have my blessing.” He motioned to Jade, then winked.
Wyatt remembered the hasty proposal he’d practically shouted at Jade and winced.
“See you tomorrow,” he said to the group.
When they were finally alone, Jade sat on the edge of his bed. He reached up with his free hand and cupped her face.
“You look tired,” he said, after seeing the dark circles under her eyes.
She closed her eyes and laid her face in his hands. “I’m happy now.”
“How bad?” he asked, glancing down at his leg. It was wrapped in gauze from his mid-thigh to just below his knee.
“Three hours in surgery. The bullet missed your main artery but hit a few muscles along the way.” She sighed. “Still, the doctor seems to think you’ll walk fine after some PT and rest.”
