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“No thanks.” She didn’t want to be a cop, but for the first time in years, she felt as if she truly belonged to the Finnegan family. That maybe she wasn’t just the youngest, oops baby. Going through all of this gave her a new appreciation for her siblings’ respective careers.
“Well, now that you can’t be an EMT, you can take your time off to think about what you really want to do,” Rhy said. “We know you don’t like your current job.”
“What do you mean?” She frowned. Had she really been that transparent? She’d thought she’d done a good job of hiding her aversion to blood.
“Come on, sis,” Rhy said gently. “It was obvious you didn’t like your career.”
“Maybe she was tentative before mostly because she hated the sight of blood,” Joe said. “But you need to know she handled the scene of the shooting like a real pro. She darted into the line of fire to get a young boy to the rig, then she took her first aid from one victim to the other providing care along the way. She did a great job triaging too. And she saved my life.”
Joe’s compliment warmed her heart. Although she’d wished he hadn’t let her secret out.
“Who goes into the EMT program if they can’t stand the sight of blood?” Rhy threw up his hands. “You should have told me.”
“I’m over it.” She waved a hand. “That was one benefit to being at the Christmas parade.”
“Ah, Elly.” Rhy sighed. “You don’t have to prove yourself to us. We only want you to be happy.”
“I know.” Her eyes misted with tears. “Thanks, Rhy. That means a lot.”
Joe cleared his throat. “I should go.”
“No, wait.” Elly didn’t want him to leave. Thankfully, Rhy turned to join the rest of the siblings who were still congregated in the hallway outside her room. Hiding a wince, she sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the gurney.
“What are you doing?” Joe looked alarmed.
“Standing. The doctor only mentioned a lifting restriction. I can stand and walk, Joe.” She tamped back a surge of frustration. Moving closer, she slipped her arm around his waist. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” Joe gave her a hug. “I’m glad I was able to catch Ashton off guard long enough to take him down.”
“That was great, but I was referring to having you here. Supporting me.” She longed to kiss him. “Will you come to the homestead on Christmas Day?” She looked up at him. “We’re having a Callahan and Finnegan family reunion.”
“Sounds like a day best spent with family,” Joe murmured. He hugged her, then took a step back. “I have to go. Your family will take you home.”
“But...” It was no use. Joe slipped out the door, leaving her alone.
* * *
Forcinghimself to leave Elly wasn’t easy. But most of the Finnegan clan was there and were more than capable of looking after her.
Joe had been surprised at how easily Rhy had let him off the hook over Elly’s injuries. He’d fully expected to get hammered by his boss, but the eldest Finnegan had taken the events in stride. No doubt, finding Elly awake, alert, and able to communicate had helped.
He’d barely stepped outside when his phone rang. Expecting to hear from someone on the team, he was surprised to recognize Rhy’s number. “What’s up? Did you need something?”
“Stay put, I’m coming.” Rhy ended the call but jogged out of the emergency department less than a minute later.
Was this the moment Rhy would rake him over the coals? He straightened his shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m still worried about Elly,” Rhy said. “You’ve been with her the most over these past few days. Do you think she’s suffering from PTSD?”
He hesitated, then decided lying to his boss wasn’t smart. “Yes, she’s had some nightmares. The way anyone would. I really think this is something you should discuss with Elly.”
Rhy’s brown eyes narrowed. “I’m asking you.”
“Look, I get she’s the youngest and that you’ve spent the past eleven years protecting her,” Joe said. “But Elly is a beautiful, smart, strong, and capable woman. She’s not a kid.”
“Sounds like you admire her.”
“I love her.” He hadn’t meant to blurt out the truth like that.
