There’d been a rescue mission planned, but he’d thrown caution to the winds and raced ahead without them. Andy had said he’d behaved like a man possessed. They’d tried to stop him. To make him see reason. There’d been a strategy to come in during the early morning when it would have been safer, but he’d ignored it and come in alone.
Part of me was horrified when I thought about how much danger he’d put himself in. Another part of me believed it was divine intervention, and I thanked God for it. If he hadn’t arrived when he had, Raoul would have… I couldn’t think about what Raoul would have done. It was clear what his intentions were. And what he’d said still stuck in my mind. I wouldn’t have been there the next day.
As I stared down at my waking Prince now, we shared a silent moment of understanding. His hand lifted higher, and he brushed his knuckles against my cheek. I caught his hand and held it against my face, squeezing my eyes tightly shut.
“You never left,” he said quietly. I opened my eyes and looked into his.
“Of course not,” I said back. “I promised. Right by your side…”
“Always and forever,” he added. I felt my throat tighten as I remembered how terrified I’d been as I’d watched them hoist him up and carry him from me. If it hadn’t been for Andy, they might have dealt with me throwing a screaming fit as they tried to separate us. But a quiet word had paved the way. I’d held my man’s hand while they staunched the bleeding, loaded him into the back of the car, and hit the road at speed. It was only later that I’d even asked what had happened to the rest of Razortip’s men.
The question had prompted a quietly satisfied reply of, “Eliminated.”
I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for them. Even Gloria. Perhaps her most of all – the woman had been a traitor to her gender. Even after we’d found out about the baby, she’d remained cruelly callous. I didn’t know why. I’d never done anything to the woman. To any of them. Perhaps she’d been sweet on Raoul and was jealous. Who cared now. They were criminals. The world was better off without them.
Prince was still staring at me silently. His eyes dipped and then met mine again. I took a breath and nodded. The smile that lit his face was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.
“We’re having a baby,” he whispered, as if in awe.
I nodded again. “Is…is that okay?” I whispered back.
“Oh, my God! So much better than okay,” he answered. The little sound I made was part laugh, part sob. I’d been so afraid – for my child, for what he would say when we spoke about it. It had been foolish. Of course, he would be delighted. Prince Walker was going to be the most amazing father. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind.
A soft sound behind us broke into the moment, and I glanced back at where Dr. Lindeque was waiting patiently.
“Mr. Walker,” he said with a smile. “You gave us quite a scare.”
“Just keeping you on your toes, Doc,” he responded. “I believe I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
The doctor shook his head. “Just seeing you awake is my reward. And back with your young lady.” He aimed a smile at me. “Miss Ramirez never left you for a moment.” Prince’s fingers tightened on mine. “We were concerned at one point. But she’s a very determined woman.”
“I know,” Prince said with a smile. “It’s one of the things I love about her.” I kissed his fingers. “One of many,” he added.
“I have no doubt,” Dr. Lindeque chuckled. “So it’s my goal to get you back on your feet and strong so you can get out of here. I’m sure Miss Ramirez is ready to sleep in her own bed again.” He gave me a firm look. I set my jaw. If he thought I’d be heading home now that my man was looking better, he had another thing coming.
“I couldn’t agree with you more, Doc,” Prince said. “I have to get out of here.”
“When you’re well, my love,” I said. “I don’t want you up until you’re absolutely ready.”
“I’m ready now.” He winked. I shook my head and gave a light laugh. “I have lost time to catch up on.”
“There’ll be plenty of time to catch up when you’re well,” I replied. There was no way I was taking any chances with his health. Not after I’d been through the fear of losing him once already.
“I’ll have a word with your surgeon,” Dr. Lindeque said. “We’ll put our heads together and give you a timeline for getting out of here.”
I tried to curb my enthusiasm. I could sleep in this hospital room for as long as it took. Although, as I felt those warm fingers tracing patterns on my wrist, I prayed that it would be sooner rather than later.
“Make it soon, Doc,” Prince said. His voice was growing stronger with every passing moment. So was his grip on my hand. He looked up at me now and tugged me closer toward him. “We have a wedding to plan. I’m going to marry this girl.”
