Page 127 of Finding Hayes
“I didn’t want to tie her down to a man who didn’t have a future. I’ve had the ring with me for six months now. And last night, I felt like something was changing. And when you feel it, you act on it,” Dad said.
I stared down at the ring and hugged Nadia before hugging my father. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get out of here and let us plan a wedding already, okay?” Dad said.
“Okay. Two weeks. And if for any reason you need to go home and want me here for a few days, just say the word. I’ll be working for myself, so I can set my own schedule.”
“Deal.” Nadia wrapped her arms around me and kissed my cheek. “Your father is lucky to have a daughter who fought hard for him to get into this program. A daughter who never gave up on him. You are the reason that he hasn’t thrown in the towel, Savvy.”
I couldn’t speak because I was overcome with emotion, so I just hugged her back.
“I’m so glad that he has you, Nadia. He’s a lucky man.”
The nurse walked into the room and interrupted us. “It’s time to get started for the day. You’ve got some food in your stomach, so let’s get things going. Dr. Dorsey wants to increase the amount of meds you’re getting again today, and we’ll see how you respond. Let’s head down to the treatment room.” She stepped out of the room, leaving the three of us alone.
“All right, baby girl. Get out of here. Grab your bags and head to the airport. Go home to your husband and start living this beautiful life you’re creating for yourself. Nothing makes me happier,” my father said.
I kissed his cheek as I rubbed my hand along his bald head. “I love you, Dad.”
“I know you do. And I love you, too.” He smiled and pointed at the door. “Go.”
I gave Nadia one more hug before heading out of his room and toward the bridge that led to the apartment.
Suddenly, I couldn’t get home quickly enough, and I was jogging.
I looked up at the other end to see a person come around the corner with a duffle bag thrown over his shoulder.
My eyes widened as I took him in. Tall. Broad shoulders. Beautiful green eyes. His overgrown scruff making it obvious he hadn’t shaved in days.
Hayes Woodson.
My husband.
He’d come for me.
Before I realized what I was doing, I was sprinting down the bridge. His lips turned up in the corners as he dropped his duffle bag, just before I threw myself against him on a whoosh.
He wrapped his arms around me, one on my lower back and one on the back of my head, like he just wanted to keep me right there.
We just stood there hugging for the longest time before I pulled back to look at him. “Hey, husband.”
“Hey, wife.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m done giving you time, Sav. I missed you, so I booked a ticket and decided to come find you myself.”
My eyes zoned in on his wrist to see the splint, and I ran my fingers gently along the fabric as I cringed that I’d just jumped on him. “Oh, my gosh. Did I hurt you?”
“Not from lunging into my arms. But not taking my calls, not telling me what’s going on—yeah, you hurt me, baby.” He quirked a brow, arms crossed over his chest.
I glanced around us, not seeing anyone in sight.
So I guess we were doing this right here.
“I booked a ticket home today. I was coming to talk to you. I was just going to get my bag and head to the airport.”
“Well, here I am, Sav. How about you just tell me what’s going on?” He cleared his throat. “Is this too much for you? The marriage? The life we’re building? Me? Is it too much?”
