“As I recall, you all tucked tail and ran when the snow started to fall,” she’d said. “I think the right words are, ‘You’re welcome.’ This is why the Team exists—to save lives. If we had done this on your timetable, Kenzie would be dead.”
Law enforcement would want to talk to him and Kenzie when she was up to it.
Conrad waited with his fellow Team members for almost an hour before Dr. Warren reappeared, a grin on his face.
“Good news. We got the bullet, and she’s going to be fine. She’ll be sore for a while, but she should have no permanent damage.” The doctor rested a hand on Conrad’s shoulder. “She’s asking for you.”
“Can I bring the dogs? It will mean so much to her.”
Dr. Warren didn’t look thrilled with the idea. “That’s fine—but one at a time.”
Conrad followed Dr. Warren back to recovery, Gizmo at his heel.
“She’s in here.”
Conrad found her dozing and sat in the chair beside her bed, waiting for her to wake up. Gizmo whined and strained at his leash, excited to see her.
“Hold on, buddy.”
Kenzie’s eyes fluttered open. “Harrison?”
“I’m right here.” He got to his feet, holding tightly to Gizmo’s leash. “Someone else is here, too.”
Gizmo whimpered and would have jumped onto her bed if Conrad hadn’t restrained him. In the end, Conrad let him stand with his front paws next to her.
“Gizmo!” Kenzie’s face lit up. “I’m so happy to see you. How’s my sweet boy?”
Clearly out of his doggy mind to be reunited with her, Gizmo whined and licked her, his entire back end wagging.
“I’m so sorry, Gizmo.” Her eyes filled with tears. “You were very brave. You would have stayed with me until you died. I know you would have.”
“He loves you.” Conrad kissed her cheek. “So do I.”
Chapter 24
Kenzie was dischargedthe next afternoon and went home to recover. Every muscle in her body was sore from adrenaline and exertion, and her thigh hurt like hell. Although she was dressed warmly, she couldn’t seem tofeelwarm.
Harrison helped her up her front stairs, opening the door and standing back while she made her way inside on crutches. She stopped in the doorway and stared.
There were bouquets sitting on every visible surface—the kitchen counter, the table, window sills, her coffee table.
“Oh!” She looked up at Harrison. “Who sent these?”
He chuckled. “I think literally everyone. There are bouquets upstairs, too. I’m running out of places to put them.”
“That’s so sweet. My house looks like a flower shop.” It smelled like one, too, the soft scents of roses, lilies, and freesia infusing the air.
“People in this town love you.” He helped her get out of her coat and settled her on the sofa, her leg elevated, a warm fleece throw tucked in around her.
The bouquet on the coffee table was enormous with three dozen red roses in a lovely crystal vase.
“Who sent that? It’s beautiful.”
“That’s from me.” He sat beside her, took her hand. “I love you most of all.”
“That’s so sweet of you.”
He raised her hand to his lips. “Welcome home.”
