Ezreal went to hold Sara’s hand to offer his support and tell his story. He’d have to be patient for her answer.
* * *
Sara heldup her wrists for the EMT to examine. She’d cut them while trying to free herself from the plastic cuffs. They hurt but not as much as her heart did. She needed to see her children were safe, to hold them.
And Ezreal. Her heart ached for him. He hadn’t given up on her in spite of how horribly she’d treated him. She’d be dead now if he hadn’t come for her. And he’d asked her to marry him.
When she’d dragged the children away from him, Janna had been furious. After they’d fled the park, Sara had never seen her daughter throw such a fit before. They must have made quite the picture as they’d hurried down the streets of Boone. That Sara had subjected her children to that was a sign of how distraught she’d been. Fortunately, one of the teachers from school had seen them and given them a ride to the house, otherwise they would have been dreadfully footsore.
How could Ezreal still want to be with her? She must seem like she had multiple personality disorder. But he’d come for her. Sara’s heart swelled even more. How she loved that man.
Another EMT was examining Ezreal, and he winced when the woman touched his ribs. He lifted his shirt and twisted around to expose bruising. A rush of anger washed through Sara. If she could get her hands on Landon right then, she’d be capable of breakinghisjaw. How dare he do that to Ezreal, the best man she’d ever known.
The best man she’d ever known. Yes. That was Ezreal. He loved her, wantedher. A calming peace settled on Sara, and she knew her answer.
“Yes,” she said loudly. When Ezreal looked at her, she said, “The answer is yes.”
That charming, dopey, happy expression took over his face, and he barely flinched when the EMT touched his side again.
“Excuse me,” Ezreal said to the EMT and shifted to the bench beside Sara. He took her face in his hands and kissed her. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He pulled her into an embrace, Sara started to reciprocate but kept her hands away to avoid hurting him. Dang he was hot without a shirt on.
“Mr. Wallach, I need to finish.” The EMT shook her head at them.
“Hey, I just got engaged. I needed a kiss.” He grinned at Sara and let the responder bandage him up.
* * *
Ezreal wasgrateful for the police car that followed them to his apartment. He doubted Sara’s ex-husband would have any idea to look for her there but appreciated the escort anyway.
Pulling into his garage, he tried to get out quickly so he could open her door. He moaned at the pain in his ribs. The meds hadn’t kicked in yet. She was athisside instead, her face full of worry.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Youdidn’t do this so don’t take responsibility,” Ezreal said. “Rafe said he put the kids to bed in my bunk room. I’ll bet they loved that.”
The door to his garage opened, and Rafe watched them, concerned. “What is this with us lately?”
“Way more drama than I care to live through again.” Ezreal raised their joined hands. “Sara says she’ll marry me.”
“Ezreal,” Sara hissed, her cheeks flushing.
“Congratulations.” Rafe came forward and kissed her on the cheek before giving Ezreal’s shoulder a pat. “We’ve been wondering how long it would take you. The guys are inside waiting for an update. I made food.” He turned and led the way into the apartment.
Sara seemed hesitant, but Ezreal encouraged her with gentle pressure on her back.
“I won’t talk to them about what happened with Landon,” she whispered. “I just can’t.”
“You don’t have to, so don’t worry about it. I’ll bring them up-to-date once you’ve gone to bed. There’s a great spa tub, so you have a nice relaxing soak if you want. I think you need a good night’s rest before you can face anymore of this. I don’t know how long before we’ll find out if they’ve caught your ex.”
“Thank you.” She turned and slipped gentle hands around his waist so that he hardly felt any pain.
Ezreal buried his face in her neck, grateful for the beating heart he felt. “I could have lost you tonight.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you.” Sara lifted her face and accepted his kiss.
