“Baby, you already have in so many ways shown me. I plan on earning your love and trust in every way I can for the rest of my life. Yes, I promise to take you. For now it must be put on the back burner. Stephanie’s well-being is more important.”
“And yours, don’t forget.” She placed her hand on his chest. “We still have to get your treatment started.”
He kissed her. “First things first.”
Kyle walked in carrying three cups of coffee.
Aaron saw Stephanie stir. “Gya, I think she’s waking up.”
She rushed to the hospital bed. “Mom, I’m here.”
Stephanie smiled. “Guess I’m here, too, honey.”
“We’re so glad you are.” Kyle stood on the other side of the bed. “You came through the surgery as good as new.”
“I don’t feel like new, but I am glad to be here.” Stephanie grabbed Gya’s hand. “And more than that, I’m glad you’re safe, sweetheart.”
“You’re a hero, Mom. You saved my life.”
“And you saved mine, Gya.” Stephanie looked back and forth at Kyle and him. “You and your two bodyguards are also heroes. But they are much more than just your bodyguards now, aren’t they? More than heroes, too. You love them and they love you.”
“Yes, Mom. I love them with all my heart.”
Kyle nodded. “And I love her with all my heart, too.”
“Stephanie, I love your daughter. She means everything to me.” Aaron put his arm around Gya.
Stephanie smiled. “Absolutely true. You boys better take good care of my Gya.”
“We will.” Kyle squeezed the woman’s hand. “What do you remember about the shooting?”
“I remember it all. Calvin and Sharon shoved their way into my hotel room. He beat me up. He killed Sharon and then pointed the gun at my sweet Gya.” Stephanie’s voice shook. “I love you so much, honey.”
“I love you, too.” Gya wiped her eyes. “You jumped in front of me and took my bullet.”
“I had no choice. You’re my daughter in every way but biology. My maternal instinct kicked in. What I don’t understand is how Calvin and Sharon found out where Gya was?”
“Mom, it was Eddie.”
“Our pilot?”
Gya nodded. “He really thought Calvin was paparazzi. Calvin gave him a grand to squeal.”
“Asshole.”
“Yes, but when he heard what happened he came forward. He felt really guilty.”
“I don’t give a damn if Eddie said a million Hail Marys, the man nearly got us killed. I hope you fired him.”
“He already resigned.”
Doctor Alex Champion entered the room, followed by Maude, who was carrying roses. Kyle moved next to Gya, making room for the new arrivals.
“Good to see my patient is awake. How are you feeling, Ms. Parker?”
“I’ve been better, but not too bad.”
Maude placed the roses on the nightstand.