Page 70 of Keel

He nodded. “Yes. I went in to see her while you were in surgery. She’s doing great. A little tired, but good. Her son is coming to get her. She’ll be staying with him for a while.”

Relief hit hard, and tears filled her eyes. “Thank goodness. I was worried about her.”

“Her home is a complete loss, but you saved her. She told everyone who would listen how you rushed in under a wet blanket and saved her from the fire. Oh, and someone found Mr. Wiggles. He’s safe.”

“I’ll miss her and her cat, but I’m glad they are both okay.”

“So am I. The doctor said you’ll be able to leave in the morning. I’m taking off work on Monday and Tuesday, so I’ll be around. Both Garnet and Ansley have agreed to help you once I’m back at work.”

She was thankful Keel would be around for a few days. She needed his support, and she wanted to spend time with him. “While I was being held by that jerk in the trunk of his car, I decided that giving to women’s shelters is the perfect use of my money. I really want to help people escaping abuse.”

“That’s wonderful. You’re a good person, Frankie.”

She pulled his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles. “You’re a good man.”

His gaze was intense as he stared into her eyes. “We’re going to make this permanent sooner rather than later.”

Her spine started to tingle as anticipation filled her. Was she making too much of his statement? “Exactly what do you mean by permanent?”

“I want to know what kind of ring you want, because I never want to lose you. I care so much about you, Frankie. I love you, and I want you to know how much.”

She pressed the button on the bed’s remote, so she was sitting up. “I love you, too. And yes, I want to spend my life with you.”

“So you’ll marry me.”

His words felt like tinkling bells on Christmas morning. Laughter bubbled up, making her feel fizzy inside. “Yes. I want to marry you.”

“You’ve made me the happiest person alive. I love you so much.”

His lips found hers in a gentle kiss that rocked her world. She couldn’t wait to get out of here and be alone with Keel. She was sore, and sex probably should wait, but she wanted to be held by her man and tell him how much she loved him.

Keel was thankful they’d saved Frankie. He was also glad those two idiots were gone, and he hadn’t really played a part in their deaths. They wouldn’t be asked questions, and there were no suspicions tossed their way.

He’d thought he never wanted another relationship, but with Frankie, everything came easy. It was like they were made to be together. She just fit in his life so well that he couldn’t see a path forward without her.

When they pulled into his driveway, Frankie reached across the seat, squeezing his hand. “I’m glad I live here with you.”

“Same. I mean, if you want to move out, you can. It’s up to you. But I want you here.”

Her smile brought warmth. She squeezed his hand again, and that warmth spread through him. He was glad he’d met this incredible woman, because she brought so much to his life.

“Thank you. That means the world to me. You really are a great man to love.”

He chuckled, then popped open the door to his car. “Don’t get out yet. I’ll carry you in.”

Her smile grew wider. “Thank you.”

When he picked her up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, making him feel like he’d won the lottery. “Are you ready for good things to come your way?”

Frankie met his gaze. “Babe, you’re the best thing that could have ever happened to me.”

“I feel the exact same way.”

He loved his job, and his life was good, but Frankie made it great. She healed his heart, though he didn’t think it could be healed. Now he could love fully, without the baggage of the past.

This relationship with Frankie was what he’d been looking for, though he hadn’t known he needed it. He would spend his life making sure Frankie knew how loved and cherished she was. She completed him, and he would work hard to complete her. All he wanted was to make her life better, because she made his life so much better. That was what love was about, and he would never forget it.