“Ranger! What are you doing here?” I asked.
He grinned. “I used to play pool with the county sheriff. Nice man. He owed me a favor, so I cashed it in and made sure the men who harmed you knew exactly who they’d messed with. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.”
“Well, you didn’t have to do that, but thank you,” I said.
“It was my pleasure. And just so you know, that one you whacked in the balls, he had to have his sack stitched up. Nice shot, Jacquelyn.”
I covered my face with my hands as my cheeks flushed. “I can’t believe I did that.”
“Damn proud of you, Mom,” Jacob said.
“As am I,” Ronan added.
I held my hand up and wiggled my finger in my son’s direction. “By the way, I said yes.”
Keegan’s eyes widened in surprise while Jacob smiled and Gabby squealed.
“Congratulations!” Ranger said and shook Ronan’s hand. Keegan snapped out of her shock and came over to hug us both, followed by Gabby, and finally, Jacob.
“Congratulations, Mom. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“I am happy, Jacob. Very happy.”
“You know what would make me even happier?”
“What’s that?”
“If you’d find out when I can go home. I don’t have time to be in the hospital, and quite frankly, I think the floor would be more comfortable than this bed.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Jacob said right as a doctor entered the room.
“Mrs. Marks, I’m Dr. Merin. We’re glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?”
I smiled kindly and answered honestly. “My neck is a bit sore, and I feel physically drained, but I’m certain I would feel much better in my own home.”
Dr. Merin smiled, knowingly. “Let me have a look at your wound and check a few other things. If we do let you go home, will you have someone staying with you?”
I gestured to the crowd in my room. “Every person in this room will be spending the night with me tonight; it’s up to you whether it’s here or at my house.”
She laughed lightly and continued to exam me. “Well, in that case, I think we can probably let you go home, but it will be with strict orders to take it easy for the next few days, and make sure you’re following a proper diet.”
“Yes, of course,” I agreed and waited until she had left the room to panic. “I can’t take it easy! Someone has to run Tinsel Town, and we’re down two men, again!”
“Calm yourself, woman,” Ranger said. “You want her to come back in here and make you stay?” I quickly shook my head. “Didn’t think so. Now, listen. Me, Shaker, and Keegan can handle running the show while you’re recuperating. And before you say anything, we’ll swap Santa’s chair out for a love seat, so you two can sit together and both be in the picture. I’m sure our little Gabby wouldn’t mind dressing up as an elf and helping hand out tickets.”
“Do I have to make my ears pointy?” Gabby asked seriously, causing all of us to laugh.
“No, sweetie,” I assured her.
“Then, it’s settled,” Ranger said and leaned back in his chair. “Wake me when it’s time to hit the road.”
It didn’t take long for them to get my paperwork together and send me home. Ronan helped me into my bed and I sighed in relief as I sank into the plush mattress. When I looked up, Ronan was heading toward the door. “Where are you going?”
“Downstairs to the apartment. I didn’t think it would be—”
I cut him off. “Get over here and get in this bed! For goodness sake, we’re adults and just got engaged. I was shot tonight, and I want my man to hold me in his arms and make me feel safe. Right now,” I said and punctuated my demand by slapping my hand on the bed.
Ronan grinned and pulled his shirt over his head as he prowled toward me. “You’re pretty sexy when you’re dishing out orders.”
