“You’re a very lucky girl,” he said, taking the clipboard and adding his signature. “The puncture will leave a small scar, I’m afraid, but other than that, you’ve made a fast recovery.”

The doctor smiled and shook Kaine’s hand. They exchanged a few quiet words and the doctor smiled back at me again. He was young, his eyes brown and gentle. “I think I’m sending you home in good hands.”

Kaine put his hands out for me, pulling me against the broad, safe warmth of his chest. He’d never left my side and he’d insisted they keep me here, days longer than was really necessary.

“I’m just fine, you know.” I’d said the words a dozen times. “I could have gone home the next morning. And it’s been three long days…”

He took my face in his hands and I sighed deeply. His thumbs grazed the corners of my mouth as he pulled my face up to his. Slowly… achingly slowly, he leaned in, breathing me… tasting me… touching me… The riot of emotions inside me was dizzying. He crushed me against him, and I felt safer than I’d ever felt in my life.

“I love you, Grace,” his voice was warm and deep in my ear. “I never even imagined a love like this before…”

He kissed me hard then, with love and desire in equal measure. I’d waited my whole life to feel like this, and I was lost in the depths of it. I kissed him back, pressing my body into his, molding my flesh to his.

“I love you, Kaine. More than you could ever know.” We were bound, wrapped together like a single soul. And I couldn’t bear it any longer. Not one minute more. Having anything at all between my body and his…

“Take me home, Kaine.”

“Oh, I intend to, sweetheart,” he whispered against my lips, his voice rich with promise. “There’s just one last thing I need to take care of before we leave.”

* * *

It was the first time I’d been alone since Kaine had brought me to the emergency room. There were some details to wrap up, he’d said, before we could go home. Becca would be bringing me clothes to change into soon, and then he was taking me back home with him until things were sorted out about Marks’ death… and Cole’s.

He was confident there was more than enough evidence to clear my mother’s name. Apparently Brian had convinced Marks to leave a signed statement with him regarding his own involvement with Claire’s death. There were still a lot of unknowns, but I knew Kaine would sort them out. It was probably what he was doing now.

I climbed out of bed and stretched comfortably. I’d only needed two stitches, the wound had been so small. I screwed around to look in the bathroom mirror. The surgeon had removed the piece of wood that had punctured my back, right between the ribs and had closed it neatly. Kaine had been so terrified that my lung had been injured, but I was fine. It had taken three days and several doctors to convince him I was as good as new. The only reminder would be the scar on my back. I smiled, feeling the rightness of it.

“Well, aren’t you the pretty picture of health,” Becca said brightly, as she knocked gently on the open door. “All ready to come home today?”

“Oh, Becca,” I said reaching my hands out to her. “How can I thank you?” She’d been to the hospital every day, bringing Kaine fresh clothes and making sure he remembered to eat.

“Just come home and take good care of Mr. Kaine, sweetie,” she said easily. She patted my hands. “I’ve never seen him so terrified before, as when he thought you were so hurt. He needs you, Gracie. More than even he knows…”

She walked to the bed, putting down the overnight bag she carried. She looked at me, her eyes sparkling. “I brought your clothes,” she said. “Mrs. Sparr pitched in… so did that young lady, Dalia. They said to tell you that your friend Sage picked it all out.” She patted my cheek and I felt myself blush with pleasure. “I’m going on a little vacation to visit my son for a few weeks,” she said. “But I expect you two will manage just fine without me.”

We hugged and said our goodbyes. Before she disappeared through the doorway, she looked back. “Just don’t open the bag until you talk to Mr. Kaine first, okay honey? He said he wanted to be here… to zip you up.”

She flashed me one last smile and was gone. I sat on the bed, curious, knowing I’d miss Becca around the house, but excited at the idea of being alone with Kaine. I felt my blood race in my veins at the thought.

“What I wouldn’t give… to know the thoughts that put that look in your eyes.” Kaine was leaning against the doorway, arms folded, looking at me like he already knew. We shared a smile that left no doubt.

“Are you almost ready?” He came into the room and filled it, his energy palpable. He brushed my hair back and teased my lip with his thumb. “Didn’t Bec bring your clothes?”

I nodded to the bag on the bed behind me. “She did… But she told me not to dress without you.”

He kissed me slowly and I felt that familiar rush of heat inside. “That would be a first for us… my dressing you for a change…” He bit my bottom lip and I sucked in a short breath. “I’ll help you into your clothes…” His hands found my bare ass, exposed by the hospital gown. “And once we’re home, I’m going to help you back out of them…”

I tangled my hands in his hair as he kissed me. I was breathless when he started to slide down my body, holding my hips in his hands, trailing his mouth down… over the gown. He kissed me through the fabric, his lips warm and breath hot. He was on his knees in front of me, holding me around the thighs.

“Kaine,” I gasped, “the door’s open… I can’t… not here…!” I heard his laugh, soft and throaty, and my heart turned over in my chest. “Wait…”

“That’s just it, Grace,” he said, his voice suddenly serious. I looked down at him as his eyes twinkled up at me. “I’m all done waiting… I want you now… here… today.”

I saw him reach into his shirt pocket and had to hold onto his shoulders to steady myself. The diamond spoke for itself, flashing brilliant flecks of color and light. He slipped the ring on my finger without asking… without waiting for my answer. He knew already and so did I.

“Marry me,” he ordered gently, smiling into my eyes.