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“I know. That’s why I’m saying we should go to the hospital—”
“But,” his eyes narrow, “you’re more important.”
My pulse quickens. “Brogan…”
“My priority is with you first. It’s you always.”
My heart jumps in my chest.
“I want you. I want a marriage with you and I don’t want you to ever think that I’ll put anyone before you. That includes Steph and my mom.”
I wince. “Do you have to say it like that?”
“Yes. Because I need you to understand.”
“It’s okay that Steph’s more important. You knew her before me. She’s—“
“What?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug, “you said she was the only good thing in your life.”
“So are you.”
I bite down on my bottom lip.
He sighs. “That heart of yours. You’re so damn considerate. Even if I love that about you…” He pauses. “You’re always there for other people. You’re always putting others first. You went out of your way to marry a total stranger.”
“Technically, that wasn’t very selfless—”
“But I’m not here to use you. I’m going to love you. You. All of you. All the time. You come first. That means I’ll drop everything when you call. That means, no one else can take your place. If your entire family turns their backs on you, I won’t.”
My lips tremble. “Really?”
“I don’t do anything halfway.” He glances over. “Now that I have you, I’m never giving you a reason to leave me. You should know that upfront.”
“Fine. I accept your warning.” I fold my arms over my chest. “But we’re still going to see Steph.”
He opens his mouth.
I cut him off. “It’s not because I’m trying to be considerate. I want to give her a message.”
“What message?”
I interlace our fingers. “That she doesn’t have to worry. I’ll take good care of Uncle Brogan’s heart.”
Brogan brings my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. There’s a secret little smile on his face.
I rub my thumb over the back of his hands, acknowledging the scars from his past life, the evidence of his pain, his failures, and his insecurities.
My heart is full.
I drop my lips to his scars.
Brogan glances over, a questioning look in his eyes.
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
