She sighed, but it was a contented sound. “You two are so in love. It’s beautiful to see. Even more beautiful to know he’s the kind of man who’s worthy of you.”
“I love him very much. Having him love me back is the best feeling.”
“I know it.” She patted my cheek, tearing up again. “I’ll always miss your dad and wish we had more time, but I cherish what we did have. You hold on to that love.Every second you and Dean have. Never take it for granted.”
“I won’t.” Dean and I were together, we were in love, and that wasn’t a lie anymore. This was one truth I couldn’t wait to share with the world.
While Mom went to check on Stephie, I sat in the living room and texted Dean, anxious for an update. We had to be careful not to say too much on our regular message thread, but I also had to know what was happening.
Me
Heading to Mom’s place soon?
Dean
Soon. Wrapping up. I love you.
Love you too
Tapping on my phone case, I had an idea. So I opened an encrypted app the Protectors used for missions and typed out a message for Trace.
Papa Bear - I have updates on Harris Medina and Crosshairs Security. I didn’t involve the Protectors before for a bunch of reasons, but I’d like to tell you everything that’s been going on if you’re willing to listen. And then we can decide what to tell Owen. I want to work with you on this if you’ll work with me.
I didn’t expect any response from Trace at this hour, but hopefully I’d hear back from him soon. I still hadn’t given up on joining the Protectors.
In fact, facing Ryan Garrett had only strengthened my resolve.
And now that Dean loved me back the way I’d always dreamed? He made me believe I could really have everything I wanted.
Dean turned up after sunrise, knocking softly on the front door. I rushed to open it, pulling him inside. He was cleaned up and wearing fresh clothes.
“Is Colby doing okay?” I whispered.
“Yeah. He’s holding up surprisingly well.”
He explained that Colby had driven them both out to Dean’s house, where they’d showered and changed, and then Colby had dropped Dean off here before heading home to his own place.
“He’s determined to drop by later to check on Stephie,” Dean said. “And to face your mom. He’s a good kid. Probably a keeper.”
“My baby sister deserves nothing less.”
“Is that our man Dean?” Mom called out, then bustled in from the living room, where she’d dozed off. “Thank goodness. I’ve been worried about you! Come here. You need a momma hug.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Thank you for making sure my girls got home safe. I’m so glad you’re part of this family.” She squeezed him tight enough that his eyes widened. “You’ve never mentioned a mother in your life, and I’ve never asked, but just know I love you like a son. You got that?”
Something intense flickered over Dean’s expression as he hugged her back. “Yes, Mrs. Marsh.”
“Regina,” she snapped.
“Yes, Regina.” He smiled, dimples flashing. “I, uh, I love you too.”
“You’d better.” She patted his cheek, and a blush crept up Dean’s neck. It was adorable. “Now, you both need to sleep. I’ve got the guest room set up for you. You’re staying, aren’t you? I need to know where you both are. Atleast for a day or two. I’m sure it’ll be good for your sister as well.”
“Of course we’ll stay.” I kissed her cheek. “That’s what I was planning on.”
As for sleep, though, I wasn’t sure I could relax enough for that. My nerves were all zapping like live wires.
