Searching for Winslet (Fallport Rescue Operations #5)

Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“You have to be the worst patient known to man.” Winslet set a tray of food on the bed and climbed in. “You’re so demanding.”

Jett laughed. “You’re the one who told me not to get out of bed. I think I can manage to make my own sandwich.” He lifted the BLT from the plate and took a hearty bite. It had been a week since he’d been shot.

In those seven days a lot had happened.

Her father had been shot and killed when he tried to escape during transport.

That had been sad and horrific, driving the point home as to what he’d done.

Her mother was currently living with Tammy and wanted to put the family home up for sale.

That was understandable.

But through it all, Tammy, Winslet, and their mom had grown closer. They talked every day. It was tough sometimes. Painful. So much hurt from so many years of misunderstandings and words that could never be taken back. However, they were committed to their healing process.

They had even decided to go to counseling together.

Winslet owed it to her family not to do what she did best.

Run.

She’d done that when Harvey cheated on her and she felt the weight of her family’s transgression come down on her shoulders. It was as if she couldn’t come back because of the rumors swirling around about her grandparents.

Her father.

Her ex-fiancé.

But that hadn’t been the case.

It was the shame she felt of being betrayed. The worry of being judged for something she hadn’t done. For something that she didn’t control.

All she’d wanted to do was pretend it didn’t happen, and she thought leaving was her only choice.

She knew better this time.

She snuggled in next to him, stealing a couple of his potato chips. “I don’t think I’ve ever said—thank you.”

“For what?” He jerked his head.

“For everything. For being there for me. Taking a bullet for me.” She took the sandwich out of his hand, set it on the plate, and pushed it to the side. “For loving me.”

“All things that you don’t need to thank me for.” He lifted her chin with his thumb. “But I wouldn’t mind hearing something else.”

“I’ve said it already.” She smiled.

“Maybe, but I was half sleeping and drugged. I’m wide awake and not on a single painkiller.” He waggled his brows. “So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to break my heart? Or tell me what I know you feel in your heart?”

“You’re an impossible man.” She kissed his forehead. Then his temple. Then his sweet lips. “I love you. It’s crazy. But I’m head over heels, madly, deeply in love with you.” She covered his mouth. “But I don’t want you to quit your job. If you were still in the military, I wouldn’t ask you to leave.”

“I don’t have to give up being a park ranger. I can do that somewhere else. I’m also a certified EMT. I have skills that can be utilized anywhere. You’re not asking me to give up my job. We’re simply talking about where I’m going to put what I do to use.” He lowered his chin. “Just like I’m not going to ask you to give up your passions. You have a career to?—”

“Oh my God. Be quiet for just one second.” She let out a big puff of air. “I’m going to accept the professorship at the university here. I don’t want to leave my mom and sister. And for the record, I’m not doing that out of obligation. I’m doing it because the three of us need each other if we’re going to come out of this shit show that my father created on the other side. I also have Emory and Oliver to consider. Again, not making this decision solely because of them.” Winslet had never felt so good about a decision in her entire life. For the first time, she knew she was exactly where she needed to be. “I was lost when I first came back to Fallport. I was floundering in self-pity. Maybe even a little self-hatred. Then you found me. But you didn’t save me. You just showed me a path out. And you loved me. Isn’t that what being partners is all about?”

“Come here.” He curled his fingers behind her neck and pressed his mouth against hers in a passionate kiss. “I love you. Now can I finish my lunch? I’m starving.”

“Only if I can eat half your chips.” She placed the plate back on his lap. “Oh, and don’t get mad, but my sister is feeling a little crowded with my mom over there all the time. But my mom will not go back to the family home, and I don’t blame her for that. So, I told her she could come to my apartment anytime she wanted.” She tilted her head, plopping a chip between her lips.

“That’s reasonable.” He winked. “Does that mean you’re never leaving my bed? Because I’d be really lonely if you did. I mean, I can’t do anything with this arm in a sling. I can’t even fasten my own jeans.”

“You’re pathetic. Five minutes ago… Yeah. It means you’re stuck with me.” She sighed. “I love you, Jett McCoy.”

“Right back at you, Winslet Payne.”