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She was tempted to hide under the covers from embarrassment, but then he ran a hand over her hair and kissed her again. Just a simple brush of his lips, but the monitor’s beeping increased again.
“If you two keep that up,” Eli said. “A nurse is gonna come running in here thinking Hannah’s having some kind of attack.”
Ryker shot his best bud a glare, but there was no heat behind it and a smile played on his lips. “You’re gonna be the one who needs a nurse if you don’t cut out the commentary.”
Eli snorted. “I can still take you down even after surgery.”
“No one is taking anyone down.” Zoe strolled into the room with Charlotte on her hip. She caught Hannah’s gaze and then rolled her eyes. “I thought this kind of behavior would stop when they became adults, but nope. They’re like toddlers some days.”
Hannah chuckled and then held her side as the stitches pulled. “Don’t make any jokes. It still hurts to laugh.”
She lifted hands to show she wanted Charlotte. The little girl wore a unicorn T-shirt and matching pants. Her dark hair was tucked into a bow at the top of her head. When Zoe obliged and settled the baby on the bed, Hannah cuddled her close. She smothered Charlotte’s face with kisses. “I missed you so much.”
Charlotte giggled. The sound reached in and wrapped itself around Hannah’s heart. She kissed the baby again, causing another peel of laughter. Her niece looked happy and healthy. Well loved. Hannah lifted her gaze to meet Zoe’s. “Thank you so much for taking such good care of her.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Zoe patted her hand and then smiled brightly at Charlotte. “This little girl is a bright ray of sunshine. I’ve enjoyed having her with me.”
“The doctor says if everything goes well, I should be released in a couple of days.” Despite Zoe’s kind words, Hannah couldn’t help but feel guilty for the burden she’d placed on the Montgomery family. She didn’t want to take advantage of their generosity. “Charlotte and I—”
“Will stay on the ranch until you fully recover.” Zoe arched a brow, as if daring Hannah to argue. “You’re going to let me cook for you and help with Charlotte and do anything else you need.” She hooked an arm around her husband’s waist. “Jack and I have already discussed it. We’re in agreement.”
“Now, my love, you’re being pushy again.” Jack smiled down at Zoe lovingly. “Hannah should make her own decision about the matter.”
“It’s easier if you just give in,” Eli injected. “Otherwise, Zoe will show up at your door every day with food and stay for hours taking care of Charlotte.” He grinned. “We’ll be patients together. Zoe already offered me a spare bedroom on the ground floor. We’ll amuse each other with movies and board games.”
Hannah groaned. “That sounds like a reason to avoid staying on the ranch.”
Everyone laughed. She winked at Eli to take the sting out of her words, and he stuck a tongue out in response. The move made her laugh, and she winced as pain sliced her wounds. Hannah leaned her head against the pillow. Exhaustion swept over her like a tidal wave. Her energy levels were still low after surgery.
Zoe noticed and swept Charlotte into her arms. “I think it’s time to let you rest, Hannah. We’ll come back and see you later.”
“Come on.” Jack retrieved Eli’s walker and helped him into a standing position. “I’ll race you down the hallway.”
“You’re on, old man.” Eli grinned.
Their good-natured teasing continued as they left the room.
Hannah took Ryker’s hand. “Your family is wonderful.”
He perched on the edge of her bed. “They are.” He rubbed a thumb over her knuckles. “Mom is serious about her offer. The decision is yours, of course, but I don’t think you’ll be allowed to lift Charlotte even after you’re released from the hospital given your injuries. It makes sense for you to stay on the ranch until you recover fully.”
“You have a point. I just hate to be a burden.”
Ryker met her gaze. “You’re never a burden. Besides, what else is family for? We’re supposed to take care of each other.”
“Except I’m not a Montgomery.”
He opened his mouth to reply, but a knock at the door cut him off. Ryker rose from the bed just as Claire and Gavin entered. The couple were dressed in their respective uniforms. Claire’s hair was slicked back and tucked under a cowboy hat, her duty belt loaded down with her holster, cuffs, and pepper spray. The sheriff’s badge pinned to her chest shone in the fluorescent lighting. Gavin looked every inch of the Texas Ranger in his button-down shirt, cowboy boots, and tan hat. Matching his-and-her wedding bands encircled their left fingers.
Hannah’s chest tightened. Claire and Gavin had been working on the investigation over the last few days since the incident in the woods. From the grim looks on their faces, this wasn’t a social visit.
“Hey, guys.” Ryker shook Gavin’s hand before doing the same with Claire. Then he crossed back to Hannah’s bedside and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Gavin’s gaze softened. “How are you feeling, Hannah?”
“Better, thanks. The doctors say I should be able to bust out of here in a few days.”
“Glad to hear it.”
