Chapter 50

CHAPTER FIFTY

“You can go ahead now.” Dare jerked his head up at the sound of Charlene’s voice as she entered the waiting room, Garrett by her side.

He stood and flicked a look at Brynlee, who shot him a soft smile. “I’ll be quick.”

He nodded, and Brynlee disappeared from the room. Dare moved toward Charlene, his heart hammering in his chest. “How are they?”

“Kinley needed a couple dozen stitches, but… I’m hopeful she’ll be okay.” She offered a tight smile, worry for her daughter pulling at the corners of her eyes. “Right now she’s resting. We can only hope for the best.”

“And Ainsley?”

His fear must have shown in his face, because she offered a sympathetic smile. “She’s a tough one. She’ll bounce back.”

Dare exhaled. “She’s been through so much already. I hate that she was hurt.”

“She’s lucky you were there.” Charlene caught his arm and searched his eyes. “Honestly, Sheriff. Thank you for taking care of her.”

He pulled her into a tight hug. “She means everything to me.”

Mrs. Layne squeezed him once more before releasing him, and Garrett held out a hand. Dare shook it and was pulled into a one-armed hug. “Thank you.”

Dare shook his head. “I should be the ones thanking you. Ainsley is amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Charlene’s eyes misted over even as she graced him with a smile. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Dare strode down the hallway toward Ainsley’s room, anxious to see her. Soft feminine voices lilted on the air, and his chest constricted as he paused just outside the doorway.

He peeked around the frame, and Ainsley’s attentive gaze immediately locked on his. A small smile lifted her lips, reaching straight into his chest and wrapping around his heart. “Dare. You’re here.”

“Couldn’t keep me away.”

Brynlee smiled as he stepped into the room and moved closer to Ainsley’s side. “I’m going to go check on Kinley. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

With one last hug, Brynlee left the room. Dare turned his attention back to Ainsley, who peered up at him with those big blue eyes he adored so much. Unable to put into words how he was feeling, he wrapped one hand around the back of her neck, then kissed her long and slow.

At the feel of her skin beneath his, the tension he’d been carrying around finally began to lift. He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers. “You scared the hell out of me. I’m glad you’re okay.”

Her eyes closed briefly and nodded. “I’m okay. Bryn says that Kinley needed stitches. Have you seen her yet?”

“Not yet, but Cam is with her right now.”

“That’s good.”

Dare picked up her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “How are you feeling?”

She lifted one shoulder. “My head hurts. The nurse says I have a mild concussion.”

He propped a hip on the bed next to her and looped his free arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “I’m sorry, honey.”

“It’s not your fault.” She leaned her head on his chest, and he kissed the top of her head.

“I knew you would come for me. I…” She let out a ragged breath. “I was so scared when Joel showed up. He was so angry, completely irrational. And when that other man showed up...”

She broke off and swallowed hard. “He killed Joel. I... At first I thought he was there to help, but then…”

A shudder racked her body, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her as tightly as he dared. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I can’t imagine what you went through.”

She bit her lip. “The man. Wade. Is he…?”

Dare shook his head and took her hand, softly stroking the back with his thumb. “He’s gone, sweetheart. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

“I… killed him?” She sucked in a breath.

“No,” he lied. He’d shot Wade just moments after Ainsley had slid the knife up into his throat, but the only clear target he’d had was the man’s shoulder; hers had been the killing blow.

On the way back to the hospital he’d spoken with the medical examiner, who had confirmed what he already knew. But he would never tell her that. Killing someone was a hard thing to live with, and he was glad for her sake that it wouldn’t be a burden to her conscience.

Her eyes were still moist with tears and he stroked a finger over her cheek. She tipped her head up and he brushed his nose against hers before catching her lips in a gentle kiss.

“It doesn’t seem real.” She shuddered, and Dare slid his arms around her, holding her tight.

“I know, sweetheart.” He kissed her temple. “I wish I’d gotten there sooner.”

He studied her face for a moment. She looked calm and serene on the outside, but he knew she had to be a bundle of nerves inside. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m…” She blew out a harsh breath. “I’ll be okay. I’m so glad you showed up when you did. Thank you.”

Dare took her hand again and shook his head. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I should have been there for you. I?—”

He was interrupted by a familiar voice. “Mind if I come in?”

Ainsley glanced up at the doorway and a bright smile lit her face when she saw Marley standing there, a bright bouquet in hand. “Of course not. Come on in.”

Though Dare would much rather have had more time alone with Ainsley, he pushed to his feet and welcomed Marley with a hug. “Hey, sis.”

Troy was just a few steps behind, and Dare held out his hand for a quick shake. “Ainsley, this is Marley’s husband, Troy.”

“Nice to meet you.” Ainsley smiled. “The flowers are beautiful. Thank you.”

Dare extracted the flowers from Marley, then set them aside as Marley moved to her bedside. “How are you feeling?”

She glanced up at Dare as he laced his fingers through hers, a silent show of support. “I’m feeling better already.”

Marley smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

They visited for a few minutes before making their excuses and heading home with the promise to check back in tomorrow. Once they were gone, Dare turned back to Ainsley. “You should probably get some rest.”

“Not yet.” She reached for him, and he obliged, sliding onto the bed next to her. “Stay with me for a while?”

“Of course.”

He stretched out next to her and pulled her against him so her head rested on his chest. She was finally back where she belonged. He’d never let her go as long as he lived.