Chapter 52

 

 

 

Luke

 

 

I missed that glorious moment when Afton opened her eyes. I was outside, with her dad and my Pop.

Marti called my dad to the hospital because she knew I’d need him. I fell into his arms even though he’s half of a foot shorter than I am.

He knows the burdens of a man who can’t help the woman he loves.

He’s been through that wringer too many times. I never want to do it again.

Dane took my gear when he left with the promise that he’d bring me a change of clothes. I’ll get to that when I get to that.

For now, my standard issue pants and New York Fire Department T-shirt will have to suffice. I want Afton to see me as I am, relieved and grateful that I’m going to get my chance to tell her how I feel.

I only hope she feels the same way.

I approach the room they’ve transferred her to. The nurse told me to sit tight while they did that, even though I was trying to work my way past her.

She understands the depth of my need to see Afton. I saw it in her eyes and the way she grinned at me.

I round the corner that leads to the corridor of her room with my hands raking through my hair and my heart thundering in my chest.

Her mom pops out from a doorway, her face radiant with a smile.

She calls out to me as I approach. “Luke! There you are.”

I take her in my arms for a hug. I’ve known Afton’s parents for less than three hours, but they are family to me now.

“I told her you saved her,” she whispers. “She cried.”

I’m on the brink too, but I’m going to hold it together long enough to tell Afton that I love her. I can’t let another hour, minute, or second pass without her knowing that.

“How is she?”

“Worried about the little girl she carried out of the brownstone.” She shakes her head. “She wondered about the dog too. I told her they’re good; everyone is good.”

Everyone is alive and well. The damage to the structure can be repaired. Possessions can be repurchased, but the life she saved couldn’t have been replaced.

“She’s tired,” she warns me. “She may drift off, but I think she’ll be happy to see you.”

I nod. “I’m going in.”

Her hand reaches up to pat my cheek. “All any mother wants for their children is happiness and a love like this.”

I cover her hand with mine. “I’ll love her for the rest of my life.”

All I can hope for is that she’ll love me for the rest of mine.

 

***

 

Afton’s voice is soft and strained. “It’s you.”

“Damn right it is,” I say as I approach her bed. “I’m here.”

“Are you okay?”

I laugh at that. I fucking laugh because that’s who she is. She worries about everyone.

“I’m good,” I say, still chuckling. “I’m the one who is supposed to ask that question.”

A small smile sits on her lips. “You saved me.”

I take a seat on a stool next to the bed. Reaching for her hand, I cup it in mine before I bring it to my lips. “You saved me.”

Her head shakes just a touch. “You carried me out of that burning house.”

“You carried me out of the darkness,” I whisper. “You showed me what love is, Afton.”

Tears well in her eyes. “Luke.”

My name sounds like a symphony coming from her. An hour ago, I wondered if I’d ever hear it again. Now, I’ll never get tired of it.

I stroke a hand over her forehead. “I love you, Afton. I fucking love you with all of me.”

Her bottom lip trembles. “You do?”

I chuckle through a strangled sob. “So fucking much.”

“I love you, too,” she says in barely more than a whisper. “I have to tell you something, Luke. I overheard you and Brooklyn. I didn’t mean to.”

I silence her with a tender kiss to her mouth. “We’ll talk about all of that. I promise, but I need you to know that I’m going to adopt Auggie. I’ll share custody with Brooklyn, but I want a life with you.”

Her eyes search mine. “A life with me?”

“For as long as you’ll have me.” I kiss her again. “My schedule is wide open until forever.”

“Pencil me in for that and a day,” she whispers against my mouth.

I huff out a laugh. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Miss Neal.”

I close my eyes when I feel her hand brush against my cheek. “You’re crying, Luke.”

“Tears of joy,” I say under my breath. “This is the happiest day of my life so far.”

“So far?” She questions as she chases a tear from my cheek with her fingers.

“Wait until the day they release you from this place.” I perk a brow. “I have something special planned.”

“Tell me it involves you wearing an apron.”

I laugh again. This time it’s heartier. “Let me guess. You want me to wear the Eat My Meat apron just for you.”

“Only for me.” Her gaze catches mine. “Only for me.”