Page 80 of Mountain Impact

“I was so scared, Drake.”

“I told you everything was going to be fine.”

“That’s what people say when they think they’re going to die.”

He considered that for a moment. “Is it? Well, I’m not going to die.”

He licked his lips. They looked painfully dry.

“Would you like an ice cube, to suck on?” she asked. The nurse had left some on a small table.

He nodded gratefully.

“Is Blanchard …”

“He’s dead,” she said. “His brothers came over to identify the body. They were … distraught.”

“He fooled us. He fooled everyone.” Drake settled back down on the bed. “You look tired, Isolde. You should go home and get some rest.”

She opened her mouth, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “I’m staying,” she said. “Unless you don’t want me to stay, of course. If you’d prefer for me to call―”

His hand squeezed hers gently. “Stay, please. I’ll sleep better knowing you’re here, and safe.”

“We’re both safe, Drake,” she said.

And I love you.

But she didn’t say that last part out loud.

Drake was asleep a couple minutes later.

Isolde found an extra blanket in the closet and settled into the armchair. Her eyes had barely closed when she woke up again. At first she didn’t hear anything, so she didn’t know why she was awake. Then she heard Drake’s unsteady breathing. She turned towards him, looking for his hand.

“Drake? Are you okay? Are you in pain?”

Tears filled his gray eyes―in the dim hospital lighting, they looked tortured.

“Thank God you’re safe. It was just a nightmare,” he said, as much to convince himself as her.

“I’m fine,” she said. “Thanks to you.”

She’d never forget the way he’d stepped in front of her―gotten shot to protect her, and then managed to get her to safety.

“So … when do I get to hear it?”

“Hear it?” she repeated, confused.

“You said I’d have to live to hear you say it.”

“You remember that?”

“I remember every instant we spend together, Isolde.”

“I … I love you, Drake,” she said quietly, baring her soul to him.

This time he was the one who took her hand in his and squeezed gently.

“I love you too, Isolde. More than life itself.”