“Out of control, yeah,” snapped Korbin. “She tried to kill your mother and then you.” He finally released me, allowing me the opportunity to breathe, and turned to go to the fridge for a beer. He got me one, too, and opened them, handing me a bottle. I took a long drink, savoring the sensation of bubbles on my tongue. “I care that that woman came into my house and threatened to kill my fiancée. That’s what I care about, Peyton.”
“The police have her now, Korbin. It’s okay. We’re fine.”
He sighed and shook his head again, but a moment later, he sat down on one of the island barstools, and I sat next to him.
“I just don’t know what I’d do without you,” he said softly, reaching for my hand. “I wouldn’t survive if I lost you, Peyton. And I feel like I almost did.”
“You already lost me once and survived it,” I reminded him, and Korbin scowled.
“It’s not the same thing. If you had died—”
“—But I didn’t.”
He sighed, and I could feel him relenting just slightly. It had probably scared him more than it had frightened me, but he was finally relaxing. That’s all I needed from him.
“Hey,” I said, trailing my fingers up and down his chest. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he asked, and a slight shiver of pleasure seemed to pass through him.
“For caring so much.” I brushed my lips against his ear, teasing him, and Korbin set his beer bottle down on the counter, turning his undivided attention on me. “For loving me.”
Korbin closed his eyes as I pressed my forehead against his, breathing him in. I was okay, and he was, too, and hopefully, my mother would be as well. The truth was, I was shaken over having a gun held to my head, but I wanted to be brave for Korbin.
“Listen,” he said, taking my hand to lead me to the couch. We both sat down, scooting into each other, and Korbin’s hand lingered on my thigh. “I want you to start planning our wedding,” he said, leaning in to touch my cheek. His thumb gently caressed my skin, and I melted into him, feeling more secure and safe than I’d ever felt with anyone.
“Our wedding?” I repeated. “What makes you bring that up now?”
“The fact is, Peyton, I want to marry you,” Korbin said, taking my hands' hostage between his own. “And I don’t want to keep waiting. I’m sure of this. I’ve never been surer of anything in my entire life.”
“Wow,” I teased, leaning back slightly to look at him. “I never thought Korbin Butler would openly admit surrendering.”
“It’s not surrender,” he said. “It’s love. And I want you to be my wife. So, start planning our wedding. However, you want it. I think I even know someone who would love—if you gave her the honor—to help you plan. If you want the help, that is. You’re under no obligation
“Paisley?” I asked with a giggle, and Korbin nodded.
“Paisley.”
“I guess it would be mean to deny her.”
“She could take it.”
“Tell her yes,” I said, leaning forward on the couch to keep Korbin’s hands intertwined with mine. “Tell her I would love the help in planning our wedding, Mr. Butler.” As Korbin leaned in to kiss me, my cell phone rang, and I pulled back for a moment to check the screen.
“It’s the hospital,” Korbin said, recognizing the number on the screen. “Answer it.”
A ball of fear formed once more in my stomach as I raised the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“Peyton? It’s Aaron Shaffer.”
“Hi, doc,” I said, and the confidence in my voice cracked a little. “Is this about my mom? Is she all right?”
“Susan is awake,” he said, and a breath of relief so intense it nearly choked me traveled through my body. “She’s groggy and tired, but she’s awake. Give it an hour or so, and she should be able to speak more. But I just wanted to let you know.”
“Thank you,” I said with a breath of relief, supporting my head in my hands as a sob caught in my throat. “Thank you so much.”
Chapter39
Korbin
