"Because we were on active duty, asshole.And we all had each other’s backs—it was no big deal to check on whoever had taken a knock to the head every couple of hours when we were all right there in the same shithole or cave or wherever we were.This is different.There are nurses who can…" He turned back to Emmett."Do you really want to put that kind of stress on the girls?"
Emmett scowled at him, and Trip cringed."Sorry.That was a low blow.I didn't mean it."
"I know you didn’t, but you're right—it was low.You know better than that."
"Sorry, bud."
"All good.But I'm going home, no matter what," said Emmett.His head was pounding, every muscle in his body ached, the hole in his shoulder throbbed, and all of that paled in comparison to the pain from his cracked ribs.
Trip's shoulders sagged."Okay, you're going home.I know that when you decide to be stubborn, there's no point in arguing, so I won't argue.But I have a condition."
"What's that?"
"You can go home on the condition that you have someone there with you."
Blane took a step forward."He'll have someone there with him; I'll be there."
Emmett's gaze slid toward Harper.She'd been about to speak too, and he thought, or at least hoped, that he knew what she'd been about to say.
Blane folded his arms again and stepped back.
Trip raised his eyebrows."So, is that it?Are we settled?You're going home, and Blane's going with you?"
Emmett shook his head slowly.
"What then?"asked Trip."You gonna see sense and stay here?"
"No."He looked from Blane to Harper, and back again."I appreciate the offer, bud.I really do.But Harper's a way better cook than you are."
Blane nodded sharply."That's fine by me."He turned to Harper."You'll take my number.If you need backup, I'm fifteen minutes away."
Emmett exchanged a small smile with Trip when Harper stepped forward to touch Blane's arm.
"Thanks, I'd appreciate that," she told him."But what do you think, should we both go?"
Blane's gaze darted toward Emmett, before returning to Harper."Not necessary.If you need me, call me—I’ll be there in less than ten minutes.We can figure out the details when we get there anyway."
Emmett smiled—he knew what was coming.
"As soon as Trip says we can go, I’m driving us to Emmett’s place," Blane continued.
"But…" Harper began.
"I’ll have your truck there waiting for you by morning," Blane interrupted.
Trip gave her a wry smile."Try arguing with him if you want—you won’t have any more success than I did.And besides, you—" he told Emmett "—aren’t going anywhere until Deacon’s been to see you anyway."
Chapter Thirteen
It was late by the time Blane pulled off the road into Emmett's driveway, and as they approached the house, Harper inhaled sharply when she saw all the vehicles parked outside.
"What's up?"Emmett asked from the back seat, where he was propped up against a pile of pillows that Blane had "liberated" from his hospital room to make him comfortable.
"The gang's already here," said Blane.
Harper glanced over at him from her spot in the passenger seat."You don't sound surprised."
He shot her a quick glance."You must be more of a newcomer than I realized if you are surprised."
