“How you feeling?” I ask, helping her off the last stair.
“I’m okay. I was so scared this was all a dream and I was still stuck in that stuffy cabin, but I’m actually here.” She smiles softly.And fuck.I missed that smile.
“Here, let’s go take care of those wrists and then I’ll get you some soup.”
Getting her all bandaged up and heating her up some soup, I sit next to her at the island. “So, are you feeling up for a visitor?”
“West, I was alone for an entire week. I would love nothing more than a visitor.”
I still. This is the first she’s spoken about the cabin since she gave her statement to Cade. I haven’t mentioned Nick at all. I wanted to wait till she was feeling better. I also haven’t told her about the fake documents we found in Garrett’s car or the red hair dye. I’m not sure when he planned to leave with her, but I thank the stars every day that we caught him in time.
“It’s Nick,” I tell her.
Her hand freezes halfway to her mouth, and she sets down the spoon. “Nick?”
“I hope it’s okay. But I called him for help when you were missing. He was actually the one to confirm Garrett’s identity.”
“He’s here?”
“He is.” I watch a bit of that light shine back in her eyes as I confirm that Nick is here in town.
“I haven’t seen him since I was twenty-two.” she says in shock.
“He’s excited to see you,” I tell her. But I don’t tell her I also offered him a job. I’ll let him be the one to tell her if he accepts the offer.
A half hour later, there’s a knock at the door.
“That’ll be him,” I say. “Why don’t you head to the living room and I’ll bring him in.”
“Thank you, West.”
I kiss her softly and then go answer the door.
“Nick.”
“Sheriff.”
“Please, just call me West,” I say, stepping back so he can come inside.
“How is she?”
“She’s doing okay. Better now that you’re here.”
I lead him to the living room, where we find Jade curled up on the couch with Pumpkin. The cat hasn’t left her side since she returned. Can’t blame the thing.
“Jade.” Nick smiles, walking over to her. “It’s so good to see you.”
Rising from the couch, Jade places Pumpkin down and runs into Nick’s arms. “I can’t believe you’re really here,” she says and laughs.Fucking laughs. It’s music to my goddamn ears. I didn’t think I’d ever hear that beautiful sound again.
“You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman,” Nick tells her, and she starts to cry. I fight the urge to go comfort her, and let them have their moment.
“How long are you here for?” she asks between tears.
His head swivels to me, and I know my offer is on his mind. I tip my head, letting him know he can tell her.
“Actually, I’m thinking about staying. West offered me a job.”
She pulls back from his arms and looks at me. “You did?” Her lip wobbles, and I smile, letting her know it’s true.
