“According to the doctors, yes.” He rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand. “At least physically.”
“That’s a start. You both can work on the emotional once she recovers.”
“Assuming she forgives me for not telling her about the wristband.”
Jennie’s hand tightened on his. “She forgives you.”
David gently cupped her cheek, careful of her injuries. “I’m the one who’s sorry for overstepping.”
She leaned into his touch. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. You were only trying to help.”
Brandon cleared his throat, reminding David he and Jennie weren’t alone. “I’m going to…um…yeah, I’ll check in later.” His partner strode out of the room.
He returned his gaze to Jennie. “You really forgive me?”
She smiled, then cringed from the pain. “I do.”
David closed his eyes and thanked God he hadn’t messed up a future with this woman.
***
Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Sleep had done Jennie a world of good. Her aches and pains had dulled. But maybe that had something to do with the medicine flowing through her IV. More than that, her heart had settled since she and David had apologized to each other and had agreed on a fresh start between them.
“You look like you’re feeling better.” David sauntered in and took the seat he’d occupied since she’d woken up in her hospital room.
“I am. Still sore and don’t plan to move fast, but I’m happy to be alive.” The nurse helped raise her bed earlier that morning, making it easier to have a conversation. “Speaking of looking better, you’re moving easier.”
“A hot shower does wonders.” He clasped her hand in his. “Now that we’re both a little more coherent, I want to finish our discussion.”
“Which one?” She knew exactly what he meant, but she wanted—no, needed—to hear it again.
“I want to date you. Treat you the way you deserve.” David exhaled. “I’ll mess up again. I can guarantee that. We both have healing that needs to happen, but I want to do it together.”
Tears pooled in her eyes. No demands. Only a partnership. “My past will rear its ugly head, but I’m willing to fight for a relationship with you.”
A smile graced his handsome face.
“I do have a request.”
“And what’s that?”
“A kiss to seal the deal.”
He stood and leaned in. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t. I promise.”
His lips tentatively touched hers, gentle, testing at first. He deepened the kiss, making all her dreams come true. A man who respected her. Cared for her and her daughter. All without fear—only love.
Epilogue
Four months later
David huddled deeper into his fleece jacket on Jennie’s back porch swing with the ocean waves crashing below. The temperatures hovered in the upper fifties, but God had painted a beautiful sunset, and he planned to enjoy it with the love of his life.
The door swung shut behind Jennie, and she handed him a mug of hot chocolate.
