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Lena climbed into Chad’s truck, sliding across the bench and leaving the window for Hero. Chad claimed the driver’s seat and turned on the truck. Headlights illuminated the helicopter sitting in the middle of the clearing. A physical reminder of what had led them down this path—­the common belief that dreams were worth fighting for, even if they seemed silly or small, like surviving the day, or finding a job.
“Chad.” She needed to say this now, before they drove away from this place. “I read your note. Before all of this started. And I realized that by walking away I’d marched headfirst into failure. Even if I struggle every day to get back to a normal life, I don’t want it to stop me from loving you. I don’t want to let the fear win. You deserve more—­”
“More than a woman who saves my life?” He took her hand, interlacing their fingers as he turned to face her. “Lena, I think you’re the only person out there who would shoot a nut job with a hunting rifle for me.”
She glanced down at their joined hands as pride swelled. Maybe she couldn’t accept a medal in a cramped, crowded conference room, but when he needed her, she could step up. And it didn’t matter that she fallen apart afterward, her dog pinning her to the ground, because she’d saved him.
“I made a mistake too,” Chad continued. “I’ve spent my whole adult life hiding from heartache, scared I’m going to end up like my dad, watching the door slam behind the woman I love, that I never stopped to think that finding the right woman is worth the risk. Seeing you out there today, knowing a madman might turn his gun on you . . . Shit, I think today proved that I’m not a guy who rushes in and saves the day. If anyone is lacking here, it’s me.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. “I don’t need the strongest man, or the one who is the best shot. I don’t need you to save me from crazy, stupid, stoned idiots. I need the man who makes me laugh, whose wicked words leave me craving his touch—­”
“I can be your hero at night, Lena. That I can do.” He ran the back of his hand over her cheek. “But—­”
“No ‘buts,’ ” she ordered. “Listen to me, Chad. I need the man who believes in me. I have a long road ahead of me littered with nightmares, and horrible rushes of anxiety that I can’t control. I want the man who believes those things don’t hold me back, even when I can’t believe it myself.”
She rested her forehead against his. “You’re my hero, Chad, and not only at night. Just by being you.”
Alone in the quiet truck, Hero’s breathing the only sound, she let her words sink in before adding the ones she’d been waiting to say to him.
“I love you.” She brushed her lips over his. “Chad Summers, I love you just the way you are.”
He kissed her back, claiming her mouth. Melting into him, she savored the intimate touch. She let out a soft moan, protesting as he stole his lips away from hers. His mouth hovering close to hers, as he said the words she’d been waiting to hear.
“I love you too, beautiful.”
Epilogue
Five months later . . .
BRODY WEAVED THROUGH the parked cars and pickups searching for the one with the windows fogged up, and the golden retriever standing guard by the passenger side door. Behind him, the party was in full swing celebrating Georgia and Eric. In forty-­eight hours, the head of Moore Timber and his girl would walk down the aisle. Brody had no doubt that every detail would be flawless, just like the coed bachelorette/bachelor party his little sister had spent the past six months or so planning. And he would be there to witness the big event—­if he made it back in time.
Hero barked and Brody followed the sound to the Chad’s truck. Raising his hand, he knocked on the window. “Chad,” he called.
Brody heard scrambling. The horn honked. He closed his eyes, shaking his head. Standing here, waiting for his little brother to stop whatever he’d been doing in the truck—­and Brody had a pretty good idea even if it had been too damn long since he’d met a woman he could take to bed—­he felt old.
The driver’s side opened and Chad slipped out, careful to close the door behind him. His little brother’s flannel shirt was unbuttoned, but at least Chad had his pants on.
“You’re missing the party,” Brody said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Chad raised an eyebrow. “You came out here to drag me back?”
“No,” Brody said with a heavy sign. “I need to go. A call came in. A group of hikers are lost on Mount Hood.”
Chad shook his head. “You don’t need to take every call. They have search and rescue volunteers in Portland. Take some downtime. You just got back from a rescue.”
“They need more hands on this one. Some of the hikers are kids. They need all the help they can get.”
“You’ll be back for the wedding?”
“Yeah, I should. I’m picking up the new doctor, the woman from New York that you interviewed last week, on Saturday morning. But I should be back for the wedding.”
“Good.” Chad grinned. “Maybe you’ll meet someone. I can ask Lena if there are any single ladies on the guest list.”
“Don’t even think about setting me up.” Brody backed away. “I told Eric I had to take off, but do me a favor before the rehearsal dinner tomorrow and check on Josh.”
“Done. And Brody?”