She leaned in close. Were there tears in her eyes? “You’re not just saying that because you’re laid up in hospital pumped full of morphine, are you?”
“I’ve wanted you for five years, Piper. Never thought I had a chance…” His eyelids flickered. He forced them open. She was looking at him as though he was her everything.
“You meanI’mthe right woman you found a while back?” Her voice was hushed.How does she know that?But it was a faint, insubstantial thought because it didn’t matter how she knew. It was the truth.
“It was always you.”
She gently pressed her forehead against his. “Hurry up and get well.” Her voice was husky. “I booked a weekend away together as a surprise Valentine’s Day present. We can go whenever you feel up to it.”
Sounded good. Oblivion beckoned. And then her words penetrated the foggy layers of his mind.
Valentine’s Day.
“Kittens.” His voice was hoarse.
“It’s okay. I fed the cat when I was at your flat.”
“I don’t have a cat.” Damn it was hard to think clearly, never mind speak. “Two kittens.”
“Okay.” She smoothed his brow, which felt great but didn’t help his thinking process. “Don’t worry about it now. I can check them every day.”
“No.” He made a monumental effort to reconnect his brain and tongue. “Not mine. I got them for you. For V Day.”
Her hand stilled on his forehead. “You got me two kittens?” There was a strange waver in her voice.
“Stupid idea. Should’ve got the pink handcuffs.”What was he saying?
“It’s the best idea.” There was no mistaking the tears in her eyes now. “I’ve always wanted cats. I can’t believe you picked the most perfect gift ever. Thank you.”
“Not diamonds…” the world faded, but that was okay because Piper was here and she was all he needed.
“I never wanted diamonds.”
“Only ever wanted you…” Had he said that out loud? He was so high on drugs he didn’t even care.
She kissed him, soft and gentle on the lips. “I love you.”
For just long enough the world swirled back into focus. Piper’s face filled his vision, and she had always filled his heart. He’d spend the rest of his life showing her how much she meant to him. “I love you more.”
