Jake arrivedlike a force of nature, armed with discharge papers and determination. He'd clearly gone home to shower and change, but the bandages on his hands were still visible—evidence of what he'd risked to save her.
"The apartment isn't ready yet," he said without preamble, already scanning the paperwork. "Smoke damage. My crew's handling it, but it'll take a few days."
Hannah watched him from her perch on the hospital bed, something warm unfurling in her chest. He was in full protective mode—focused, efficient, taking charge of everything so she wouldn't have to.
Any other time, she would have bristled at someone trying to manage her life. Would have insisted on handling things herself. Would have maintained that fierce independence that had gotten her through the past few months.
But not today.
Today, she wanted to let him take care of her.
"You'll stay with me," Jake continued, signing another form. His tone left no room for argument. "Bedroom's already set up, but if you're not comfortable with that, I can?—"
"Jake." She waited until he looked at her. "I want to stay with you."
The pen stilled in his hand. Something flickered across his face—hope warring with uncertainty. "Yeah?"
Hannah nodded. "Yeah."
He exhaled slowly, like he'd been holding his breath. Then he was moving again, checking boxes, initialing pages. "We'll need to stop by the pharmacy for your prescriptions. And I got you some clothes since yours still smell like smoke. Sarah dropped off a few things too?—"
"Sarah?" Hannah's voice caught.
Jake's expression softened. "She's been worried. Called the station three times checking on you."
"Oh." The word came out small.
"Hey." Jake set down the papers, crossing to stand in front of her. His bandaged hand came up to cup her face, thumb brushing her cheek. "You're not alone anymore. Okay?"
Hannah leaned into his touch, letting herself feel it—the gentle strength of his fingers, the warmth of his palm, the way her body still knew him like coming home.
"I know," she whispered.
Because she did know. Finally, completely.
Jake's eyes searched her face. "You're sure about staying with me? Because I can arrange?—"
"Jake?"
"Yeah?"
"Take me home."
His breath caught. Then a smile broke across his face—that real, rare smile that had always been just for her. "Yes, ma'am."
He went back to the paperwork, but his movements were lighter now. More certain. Hannah watched him command the room—directing nurses, confirming instructions, making sure everything was perfect.
And for the first time in months, she let herself just... be.
No walls.
No resistance.
No need to prove she could handle everything alone.
Because she didn't want to be Strong, Independent Hannah right now.
She just wanted to be Jake's.
