To say Ari’s memory was fuzzy from the attack was an understatement. Most of it was just one big blur of pain and ice water. The doctors at Scripps Mercy Hospital told her it was because of the concussion she’d suffered. That wasn’t all either, she had a fractured cheek bone, and three broken ribs. It hurt like hell and she still had dizzy spells. When Dr. Hernandez came in earlier, he’d told her she’d most likely be released the next day if she didn’t show any other symptoms from the concussion.

Shira wasn’t as lucky. She was in the same room as Ari, but she would have to stay until the following week and then have weeks of rehab after the cast came off. When the dirtbag hit her with the bat, he’d broken her femur in three places, along with a concussion. Thankfully she didn’t have broken ribs, too.

They’d been asleep more than awake for the past two days due to the pain meds in their IVs. When they were awake, Ari didn’t know what to say to Shira, she felt responsible for her injuries.

Colin had come in that morning and explained that the trial had been postponed for a month due to her injuries and those of Chen Fui, the dirtbag she’d called the voice of doom. They were hoping he’d flip on the mole but no luck so far.

He explained the whole sordid mess to Shira too, while he sat next to her. If Ari didn’t know better, she’d swear he had a thing for her bestie. Who knew if Shira would want to go down that path. She was a strong woman, but Fui had put her through hell and it would take a long time for her to heal physically and mentally. Would Colin want to put in the time to help her through it?

She didn’t have that same worry with John. He’d spent every moment with her when he wasn’t at work. He’d even managed to get Mr. Darcy in to visit telling everyone he was her therapy dog. In a way, she supposed John was right. Mr. Darcy had saved her just as much as John. She’d be forever grateful to them both.

After Colin left, Shira shifted in her bed to face Ari. “I don’t blame you, you know. You need to get over yourself.”

“What?”

“Who do you think you’re kidding? I’ve been your bestie for how long? Do you actually think I don’t know when you feel guilty about something?”

“Well, no, I mean yes. I guess. Dammit. But it is my fault.”

“No, it’s not. It’s that asshole Chen’s fault, or whatever the fuck his name is. None of this is your fault. I love you, stupid. I don’t want your guilt driving a wedge in our friendship. And especially not when you’re going to have all these great stories about being in love with a SEAL.”

“Ugh, you’re terrible, you know?”

“Yup, and that’s why you love me.”

“You’re right. I do.” Suddenly the sun seemed to be shining brighter in their hospital room. Maybe it truly was a new beginning for her. Of course, she was still giving John shit for deceiving her in the beginning. She had nothing to forgive, he’d helped to keep her safe, how could she be pissed about that. But she wasn’t quite ready to let him know that yet.

***

John showed up the next day to spring her from the hospital. After a teary goodbye with Shira and promises to come the next day, Ari was happy to head home. Except she wasn’t going to her apartment which was still disaster central. After much begging and pleading she agreed to stay with John until her place was no longer a crime scene and she could redecorate.

Mrs. Laramie was waiting for them when the elevator opened. “Welcome home, dear. I’m so glad your young man kept you safe. And your Navy SEAL too,” she said with a wink and handed her a vase with fresh flowers.

Ari giggled, oh yeah John was going to take lots of ribbing from her friends too, he had no idea. But Mr. Darcy was the hero of her story, he’d even had his picture taken for the newspaper. Who knew he’d be so famous. Thankfully, he was still the same loving, Sir Fartsalot that she knew and loved.

“Thank you, Mrs. Laramie. It’s good to be back.”

“If you need anything let me know, I’ll bring some cookies over later.”

“Thank you.”

Mr. Darcy and John escorted her to his apartment. When he opened the door for her she was greeted with streamers, balloons and tons of flowers. He’d decorated the whole room for her homecoming and it brought tears to her eyes. He really was a keeper, she’d be stupid to turn him away.

“Oh my God. I can’t believe you did this for me.”

“Baby, when will you realize, I’d do anything to make you happy. I’m in love with you.”

Mr. Darcy ran around in a circle wagging his tail as if to let her know he helped, and she ran her fingers through the fuzz on his head, then turned and pulled John’s head down so she could kiss him.

“Wow, do you realize that’s the first time you kissed me?”

“It is not.”

“Yes, it is. The other times I kissed you first.”

“Well I guess I’m going to have to remedy that.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” She sat on the couch and pulled him down with her, and winced from the pain in her ribs.

“Dammit, be careful. Those are going to take a while to heal.”

“I know. But I need to talk to you.”

“Uh oh.”

“No, uh oh. I’ve had a lot of time to think, and you were right about a lot of things.”

John opened his mouth, but she put her finger over it. She knew what was coming and she wanted to get it all out before he interrupted her.

“All the stuff with Paul wasn’t my fault, and I wasn’t stupid, or reckless. I’d been played by a pro.” She stopped and thought for a minute before continuing. “I didn’t want a relationship because Paul had been my first long term boyfriend. I thought what he offered was real, but it never was. I see that even more clearly now. You’ve shown me what truly is. You’ve stood by me and saved my life, I don’t think a woman could ask for more.”

He opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. “Does this mean what I think it does?”

“Yes. You’ve proven that happily ever after’s can happen, and it doesn’t have to be a knight on a white horse, a Navy SEAL and a fuzzy dog are much better.”

John gently lifted her into his lap. She gazed into his gorgeous green eyes and sighed. Yup, this was happiness. Then his lips took hers in a scorching kiss that curled her toes and sent her heart racing. No, not happiness, it was love.