So wonderful. He didn’t want to leave the warm glow of her, but she stood and went to the bathroom. In a few minutes she returned and snuggled back into his arms.
“I think I’m going to be late for my lesson this morning.” She chuckled into his chest.
“Baby, you’re so past late you’re not even in the same city.” He checked his watch on the nightstand. Seven thirty. “And so am I.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to Chad.”
“Are you crazy? I’m not having my girl make excuses for me. I have to get to work.”
“But I wanted to talk—”
“I wish I could, Angie, but I have to go. You want to come by here tonight? Tom’s working again, I think. I’ll cook you dinner.”
Her sparkling green eyes lit up. “You’d cook for me?”
“Sure, I’m a great cook. What do you like?”
“Anything but goat cheese.”
He laughed. “I think I can handle that.” He kissed her lips. “Stay as long as you like. Tom’s probably already up and gone. I’ll see you back here at six, okay?”
“Okay.” She yawned and closed her eyes.
If only he could stay here and look at her all day. Life would be darn good indeed.
* * *
His girl.
&nb
sp; He’d called her his girl.
Angie smiled and wrapped Rafe’s covers more snuggly around her. Maybe he could love her.
Her cell phone jolted her back to reality. Her mother. God. How had she almost forgotten what had led her here last night?
“Hi, Mom.”
“Angie, you need to get back to the hospital. Things aren’t looking good.”
Her heart dropped to her belly. “I’m on my way.”
Should she shower? No. She gathered her clothes, got into them, and raced out the door of Rafe’s apartment. She violated the speed limit all the way to Denver. An hour later, she entered the hospital.
Harper and Catie were already there.
“Mama’s in with him now,” Catie said.
“What happened?”
“His heart’s giving out. He’s on machines right now.” Harper raked his fingers through his tousled brown hair. “He has a medical power of attorney. He doesn’t want to live like this.”
Tears welled in the corners of Angie’s eyes. “When can we see him?”
Their mother walked out, wiping her eyes. “He wants to see all of you separately. You first, Angie.”
“Me first? Why?”