“In a way, I understand his reasoning. She didn’t cause the accident. A team on the ship determined the explosion didn’t do too much damage. If Bryce had been even three feet to the left, he probably would have walked away. But it was his proximity to the machine that caused his fall and the injuries.”
“So why are we hiding the fact that she purposely and falsely lured him there?”
“Nate thinks it could destroy her career. Maybe not so much a discharge, but the fact that her reputation will never recover.”
“Who cares?”
“Bryce will care. You know how compassionate he is.”
“He loathes her! And when he wakes up and sees what her actions put you and the family through, he’ll be fucking furious.”
“That’s what I’m counting on, but we’re leaving it up to him.”
“Humph, I’d like to eviscerate her.”
“Studying the adult vocabulary again?” I giggle at my own attempt at a joke.
“Yes, not only adult vocabulary but adult conversation. It’s time you talk to me straight.”
“What do you mean?” I turn to her.
“Devon, it’s been over a week. This is your first time leaving the hospital. It isn’t healthy. How much longer are you going to keep this up?”
“As long as it takes.”
“I understand your feelings, but you have to think about long term.”
“I do, Quinn. I think about long term every single day. Each scenario of my long term includes Bryce by my side.” My voice spikes as I fight the ever-present fear. No one says it, but the unspoken question of him waking plagues us all.
“I don’t want to make you upset, but while you’re busy worrying about him, I’m worrying about you.”
“Thank you.”
She parks in front of the jewelry store and turns to me. “One more thing and then we’ll drop it. If it ever gets to be too much, the pain, the pressure, the depression, you promise to talk to me. I’m here for you, and even though I can’t even imagine the anguish you’re experiencing, I love him too. But he’s not the only one everyone’s concerned about. Watching you suffer guts us all.”
“I promise to talk to you if it becomes overwhelming—or more overwhelming than it already is.”
She searches my face then nods.
“Okay, let’s do this. Between your crazy idea and what I told Bryce before we left, he’s bound to wake up soon.”
“What did you say to him?”
She winks. “He’ll tell you soon enough.”
Oh, shit. Even unconscious, Quinn finds a way to bust his balls. For once, I can’t wait to see how this turns out.
*****
From the very day you walked through my kitchen door with Nate, I’ve loved you. Growing up, all my dreams centered on you loving me back. The moment our lips touched when I was fifteen years old, I was ruined for anyone else. Even through the time when I cut you out of my life, my heart still beat for you. Moving on was never an option. I know that now.
Thank you for not taking no for an answer and giving me the fairytale every girl dreams of. Your love and support are my lifelines, and without them, I’d be nothing. That may sound pathetic, but now that I’ve experienced the depth of your devotion, there’s no going back. I can only hope that you feel the same passion and adoration from me.
My life is intertwined with yours, and I can’t fully breathe without you. All that matters is that we are together. I’d do anything in the world to see your beautiful blue eyes stare into mine right now. Physically and mentally, my heart craves your touch and the sound of your voice.
Bryce Randolph, you’re the bravest, strongest, and most loving man I’ve ever known, and I’ll be honored to be your wife. Please wake up and marry me.
&nbs