"I left her alone knowing someone could be after her."
"You had no way of knowing she wouldn't be safe at school. None of us did. A school building should be a safe space for students and teachers."
And yet, it wasn't. How often did we hear about school shootings? No one ever wanted to think it could happen to them.
"You can't be with her every second of every day. That's no way to live, and I know my best friend well enough that she wouldn't want that. Nor would she like knowing you were blaming yourself."
"She's right." The croak was nothing more than a whisper, but it was the sweetest sound in the world.
"Molly, baby! Oh God, you're awake." Tears filled my eyes and slowly trickled down my cheeks. I didn't care what that said about me as a man. I was just grateful she was okay.
"Why does it feel like I've been hit by a bus?"
Elle brought a straw to Molly's lips and let her sip on some water. Giving me a moment to compose myself before explaining what happened.
"You were stabbed in the stomach and had to go in for surgery. The doctor said nothing major was hit though."
"Ben?"
"In custody. You don't have to worry about him anymore."
And good riddance. He was lucky I was too focused on Molly to end his miserable life.
"You said you loved me."
"I'm going to give you two a few moments." I glanced up and nodded in appreciation. "I'm glad you're okay. I would be pissed if I lost you." Elle brushed her hand across Molly's forehead before stepping out of the room.
"You heard what I said?"
"I did. I was fading in and out of consciousness at the time, but I remember your words. Did you mean them?"
"Yes, I meant them. I love you so damn much. I'm not exactly sure when it happened, but the thought of you not in my life would gut me."
"I love you too."
Her words loosened the tight grip on my heart since I heard her scream. There had been a few moments where I thought I would never hear her say them. Hearing them after everything that happened was that much sweeter.
"I want to marry you again. Sober this time." I laughed. "I don't have a ring on me, but I'll get one. I don't want to wait to ask though. So what do you say. Will you marry me again?"
Molly shook her head.
"No?"
"I don't need to marry you again. I like our first wedding just fine even though we can't remember it. It makes it that much more special."
I wasn't sure I could agree with that, but if it's what she wanted, then I wouldn't argue. I would give her the world as long as she stayed with me.
"I'm still buying you an engagement ring. You deserve to wear one."
Molly smiled. "If you say so."
I did. This woman was mine, and I would make sure there was no mistaking everyone knew it.
CHAPTER THIRTY
MOLLY
Two Weeks Later
