Just then, someone knocked on the door, and then Dayton stuck his head around the corner. “Someone’s here to see you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Forest?”
Dayton smiled. “The one and only. You ready for him?”
“Please.” The word came out as barely more than a whisper, but it held all the longing and hope I felt.
Creek and Bean exchanged a look, then Creek stood. “We’ll give you two some privacy. But, Nash… Don’t fuck this up, okay? He needs you. More than he’s willing to admit.”
I met his gaze steadily. “I won’t. I promise.”
They left, and a few moments later, Forest stepped into the room, looking pale and drawn, his eyes red-rimmed from crying. But god, he was still the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen.
He was using his cane, and his hand trembled slightly as he gripped it. My heart clenched at the sight. I wanted to leap out of this bed, wrap him in my arms, hold him tight, and never let go. But I could barely move without pain shooting through every nerve ending.
“Hey,” I said softly, my voice still hoarse.
“Hey, yourself.” He moved closer, his steps hesitant. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a truck.” I tried for a wry smile, but it probably came out as more of a grimace. “Guess that’s pretty accurate though.”
He took a few steps into the room, his movements stiff and hesitant, like he was fighting off dizziness. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, drinking in the sight of him like a man lost in the desert who had finally found water. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I wasn’t sure if…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I didn’t know if you’d want to see me.”
“Of course I do. I always want to see you, Forest.”
He made his way over to the bed, lowering himself carefully into the chair Creek had just vacated. His hand found mine, our fingers intertwining like it was the most natural thing in the world. “I was so scared,” he whispered. “When they called and said you’d been in an accident… God, Nash, I thought…”
“I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I’m just… I’m so glad you’re alive.”
It hit me then, how very real the possibility was that I could’ve died without ever telling him how I felt. Tears welled in my eyes again, blurring my vision. Jesus, why was I so goddamned weepy? Was that because of the meds?
Not that it mattered. I didn’t care if Forest saw me cry. Not even a little bit.
“Me too. Seeing that truck coming at us… Forest, I thought that was it. I thought I was going to die without ever telling you how I feel about you.”
His eyes widened, his lips parting slightly. “What…? What do you mean?”
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding against my battered ribs. This was it. The moment of truth. No more hiding, no more pretending. I had to lay it all on the line, consequences be damned. “I’m in love with you, Forest. Completely, utterly, head-over-heels in love with you.”
He stared at me, shock written all over his face. For a long, painful moment, he didn’t say anything. My heart raced, pounding against my battered ribs. Had I just ruined everything?
“You…? You love me?” he finally whispered, his voice trembling.
I nodded, fighting back tears. “I do. God, Forest, I love you so much it hurts. When I made those vows to you, I meant every word. I want to be your husband, your partner, your everything. For real. Forever.”
A single tear slipped down his cheek. “I… Nash, I don’t know what to say.”
Fear gripped my heart. Was he going to reject me? Tell me he didn’t feel the same way? “I know this probably isn’t the best time to be dropping this on you,” I added, desperation filling me.“You’ve got so much going on, so much to deal with. But I can’t keep it in anymore. I need you to know how I feel. How much you mean to me.”
He was still for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. I couldn’t read his expression, couldn’t tell what he was thinking. The fear that I’d just ruined everything between us grew, threatening to choke me.
But then he squeezed my hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “Nash…” His voice was soft, barely more than a whisper. “I love you too. I’m in love with you. I have been for a while now.”
My heart stopped, then started racing double-time. Had I heard him right? “You do? You are?”
