Andrew went to work as Carys was lifted onto the stretcher. A neck brace caught his attention. And, of course, the blood. There was so much blood.
Rosie had joined Sharon, both giving statements. From this distance, he heard Sharon admit to the sheriff she’d been the one to attack Carys’s vehicle the other night, thinking she would scare her into running away from the car and leaving the baby. Sharon would then take her daughter and disappear. She’d made up the name Stephanie Cross, stitching together a new identity after learning she was pregnant. One that wouldn’t raise flags fora life that didn’t yet exist. If everyone believed Sharon was dead, no one would come looking for her after she grabbed her child and ran. The fiery crash had been a setup. Desperate, she’d taken advantage of a stranger’s misfortune and accelerated the plan. The woman perished at some point overnight. Sharon had come across the deceased person on a park bench, and then seized the opportunity. It had all happened so fast. The moves had been meant to ensure Rue’s safety. Sharon had also been the one to break into Carys’s place to poke around.
“Can you hurry?” he asked, hearing the impatience in his own voice.
He winced as Andrew put pressure on the wound.
“Sorry about that,” Andrew said, working his magic.
“It’s fine.” Blaize might have said the words, but if he lost Carys, nothing would ever be fine again. She needed to know how he felt.
Would he get the chance to tell her?
CARYS BLINKED HEReyes open. Her first thought? Blaize. Her second? Rue.
“Hey.” Blaize’s masculine voice sent ripples of awareness through her.
She exhaled. “You’re here?”
“Right here,” he said, squeezing her hand. It was then she realized he’d been holding it.
She was groggy and felt disconnected to her body until the warmth of his hand brought sensation back. “Where’s Rue?”
“She’s safe.” He was quiet for a moment, then said, “Kit told me about the medication she needed, so Raiden picked it up. Thank you for asking her, by the way.”
“I’m just happy that worked out.” She reached for water with her free hand, her mouth was as dry as dirt in a draught and her tongue felt like sandpaper.
A few sips of water helped. Moving hurt like hell.
“I can get whatever you want,” he said, studying her as she winced. “You don’t have to move.”
“Water’s good,” she said as she looked at him.Reallylooked at him. Dark circles cradled his eyes. Had he slept at all? “How long have I been out?”
“Thirty-seven hours and…” He checked his watch. “Forty-two minutes.”
“I lost a whole day?”
“You’ve been in and out since surgery.”
“Right.” She had a vague memory of needing to remove bullet fragments out of her upper thigh. “What about Sharon?”
“She turned herself in this morning. She’s been staying at the ranch, helping out. The sheriff said he would release her with an ankle bracelet until her court date since there was an abusive situation. We worked out a deal for her to keep an eye on Kit in exchange for room and board.”
“That’s a relief,” she said. “It seems like you’ll get the help you need while you focus on the ranch. That’s great.” Was this the end of the road for the two of them? Because her heart squeezed so hard she could barely breathe at the thought of losing him. “Everything is working out for the best.”
“Not everything.” He locked gazes with her and butterflies released in her stomach. “Carys, we’ve only known each other a short time, but it feels like so much longer. Like we met before in some alternate space and time and we’re reconnecting now.” He paused a beat. “I don’t want you to feel any pressure, but I’ve fallen hard for you. I have never felt this deeply or connected to anyone else. What we have is special to me, and I don’t want tolose you. I’m in love with you, Carys, heart and soul. And I would very much be honored if you would consider marrying me.”
Carys’s mouth dropped open.
“You don’t have to decide today or anytime soon,” he said when she couldn’t formulate words adequate to express her emotions. Had he misread her? Because she loved this man. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. No, I needed you to know how I feel and what my intentions are.” His thumb drew circles in her palm, and it was the most tender, most sensual act. “I can’t imagine spending another day without you, but I’ll wait until you’re ready. I’d wait an eternity for you.”
“You won’t have to, Blaize,” she said, finally able to find the words. “Because I’m head over heels in love with you. I think I was from the moment we met. It was like some deep-down part of me recognized you, and I’ve felt the pull ever since. The more I’m around you, the stronger the force. I love you, Blaize. And I want to do forever with you.”
A hot tear streaked down her cheek. He thumbed it away.
“But there’s one condition,” she said. “And then you have my full heart and soul.”
“Name it.”
