Page 103 of Then Came You
“The news report made it sound like a police car was involved in the accident too. That’s what had me so worried. I knew you were out there somewhere, and I was afraid it was you.”
He gave her a squeeze. “While I was waiting for the ambulance to arrive, I called Dax. I knew he was on duty tonight, and I asked him to get word to you. I didn’t know he’d stop by, though. I thought he might call or text.”
“When I saw the cruiser coming up the driveway, I prayed it was you. But then Dax stepped out, and…”
Her voice shook, and he cupped her face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I should have asked him to call instead. I was in such a hurry I didn’t think to tell him.”
“It’s okay. After I got over the initial shock, I was so relieved that—”
“You celebrated by eating ice cream in bed and letting the dogs sleep in here.”
She laughed, but then she turned serious again.
“I don’t know what I would have done if…”
“Gillian, listen to me. I’m not going anywhere. I love you, and I’m never leaving you unless you kick me out.”
She smiled at that. “Well, I don’t plan on kicking you out, so it looks like you’re stuck with me.”
“There’s no place that I’d rather be.” Then he melted into her touch once again.
Chapter 31
Three Weeks Later
If it weren’t for the pies sitting on her lap, Gillian wouldn’t have believed it was already Thanksgiving. Now she and Sam, the two dogs, and two pumpkin pies were driving down Rattalee Lake Road to Sam’s parents’ house.
“You okay?” he asked, glancing over at her.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Your knuckles are white.”
She looked down at her hands and relaxed her grip on the pie containers. “I was just making sure they wouldn’t fall.”
He chuckled. “It’s okay to be nervous. I’ll feel the same way when we go to your parents’ house later.”
“You? Nervous? I don’t believe it.”
“I was nervous about asking you out the first time.”
“I couldn’t tell.”
“I tried to hide it.”
“I’m not very good at hiding my emotions.”
He reached over and squeezed her arm. “They’re going to love you just like I do. Plus, my sister will be there, and she already loves you.”
She smiled at that. She and Kristina had become close in the short time they’d known each other. In fact, in a couple of weeks, they were hosting a girls’ night at Kristina’s place, and Gillian couldn’t wait.
“We finally get to meet her mystery man. Have you found out any more details about him?”
Sam frowned. “No, and it’s driving me nuts. All I know is his first name is Dave. She wouldn’t tell me anything else.”
Gillian laughed. “You’re so protective of her. It’s sweet.”
“It’s not sweet; it’s necessary. There are a lot of creeps out there, and my sister has dated her share of them.”
