Page 125 of You Saw the Best In Me

I beam with pride as I listen because she did this to get better. I asked, but she opened up so much that the doctor had a plan for her.

She did this for herself more than anything, and I couldn’t love her any more than I do at this moment.

Doctor Halls has diagnosed her with severe anxiety and PTSD. It makes sense, given what she’s been through.

She has a list of tools to help when she feels a panic attack coming on and prescriptions that will help now and in the long run.

It’s also recommended that she seek a therapist, but Karina pushes back.

“I don’t want to speak with someone new. You already know me. Can’t we have sessions over the phone or video calls?” she begs, and the doctor concedes.

“I’d love to be your doctor moving forward, but I have a tight schedule. I run a practice as well as consulting for the hospital. At first, my schedule will be hectic, but once I can lock us in for a certain day and time, it’ll be more routine. Are you willing to work with me for the next few weeks, taking sessions whenever I have an opening?” she asks, and Karina immediately agrees.

‘I want you, Doc. Nobody else,” she laughs, and my heart swells.

My girl is slowly coming back to the surface.

“Alright then, it’s settled. You’re free to be discharged in the morning. Maverick, can I have a word outside?” the doctor turns her attention to me, and I’m slightly surprised.

I follow her into the hall and close the door behind me.

“I highly recommend taking Karina home by plane. During our session, she nearly panicked when I mentioned being in a car. It’s a trigger for her,” she says, and I nod.

“She expressed that to me. Now that we know she’ll be discharged tomorrow, I’ll book a flight the minute she’s asleep,” I say, shaking her hand.

“Karina is lucky to have you, Maverick. Keep being good to her,” she smiles and turns on her heel.

“Doc?” I call out, and she stops in her tracks.

“Thank you. You’re the only person who took a chance on her here. I’ll never be able to thank you enough,” I say, and she nods before walking away.

Finally, I can take my woman home. We’ll be in our bed tomorrow, and everything else will sort itself out.

Juliette and Willow have been incredible with Harper; I can’t wait to see her.

Adam and Hunter are still in town and planning to leave in the morning, so I called them and asked if they minded taking my truck back since we needed to fly.

They immediately agreed, having witnessed Karina’s panic attack the night we arrived. They stayed to ensure we were okay and picked up the pizza I brought her this afternoon.

My bosses have been extremely helpful; at this point, I need to start calling them my friends.

It’s hard for me, but I’ll try it, just like I did with Karina.

I walk back into her room, and the smile on her face can be seen for miles.

“Are you feeling better after talking with Doctor Halls?” I ask, and she nods.

“I really like her. Thank you for being my rock,” she says, and I climb back into bed with her.

“If you only knew how crazy I went to get you the care you deserved,” I kiss her cheek and wrap my arms around her.

“That’s why you’re my family now. No matter what, Maverick Carter. You’re stuck with me,” she smirks, and I can’t help but take comfort in that.

“I think I was always meant to be yours, Karina Grace,” I say, believing in the power of our soul connection.

I won’t use her last name until it matches mine. It represents a life she’s leaving behind. A life that once included her mother and an ex who viciously stalked and kidnapped her.

From now on, she won’t be reminded of those fuck-faces if I have anything to do with it.