“Hello, look what just happened with the Peterson name. The town wrote Denny out of its history. He was innocent in all this. And yeah, now he’s an asshole, but he wasn’t always. He lost his family, his home, and as much as it galls me to say, the man he loved. And on top of that, he finds out his lineage is as fucked-up as can be? I’m surprised he didn’t choke on the chip on his shoulder long before now.”
“Okay, that’s a lot to unpack. First off, I get what you’re saying about Denny. If he’d come back and fucked up with anyone else, maybe I’d be more forgiving. But the second he messed with you; it was game over. As for the rest of what you said…” I lean in and kiss her, ignoring Kellen making gagging noises across the room.
“You wanna marry me? Have babies with me?”
“Have you seen your face? You have to admit, we’d make cute kids,” she whispers, searching my eyes to get a read on me.
“That we would, but I wouldn’t care if kids weren’t an option. All I need is you.”
“You have me.”
“And you’ll become Mrs. Bannerman?”
She grimaces, making me grin.
“I did not think that through, but yes. It’s important. Don’t let them tear down everything your ancestors spent years building.”
“I’m with your girl on this one,” Wade throws out, drawing her attention once more.
“So what happens now?”
“There’s an APB out on Denny. Until he’s caught, I don’t want you going anywhere alone.”
“Oh, you can count on that, even if I have to cuff her to my bed. Come to think of it, that’s not a bad idea.”
She elbows me, but I’m not joking.
“I’ll get my guys out looking for him, too.” Blake folds his arms.
“Fine, but you call me in if you find him. Don’t forget he’ll be armed.”
“We know what we’re doing, Wade.”
Wade scrubs a hand down his face. “Well, at least that makes one of us.”
“Hate to say this mate, but you better get used to it. Word on the street is you’ll be getting the chief’s position.” Kellen smirks.
“I’m not getting it because I deserve it. I’m getting it because nobody else is suitable to take it. They’re either too close to retirement, too young, or just not qualified. I feel like I’m fucking cheating.”
“You were the only one out of the whole police force I trusted. You’re a good cop and an even better man. I went with Stephenson because you told me it was safe. If you hadn’t, I’d have stayed right where I was. If I could pick anyone to be chief, it would be you, because you are everything this town needs, and I dare you to fight me on it,” Sorrow growls.
I bury my face against her shoulder and chuckle. Blake grins, and Kellen outright roars with laughter, but Wade just looks stunned.
“Are you listening to me, mister?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Now I’m going to nap because I’m tired, and when I wake up, one of you three better have figured out a way to bust me out of here because I want to go home.”
“On it.” Kellen walks over to the door and pulls it open, only to find a doctor standing on the other side.
“Alright, Miss Wells, let’s see about getting you out of this place.”
I look at Kellen. “Wow, you’re good.”
“So the ladies tell me.”
“No, they don’t. That’s so cringe.”
