Page 40

"I can't turn away, Dad. I think his mom was right. We were put on that bridge for this. Hell, my whole life might have been just preparation for tonight. All I know for sure is when our gazes met, I knew one thing. I am supposed to be his dad, and we have to make that happen."
Naomie's sniff revealed her emotional state after listening to him. So did her broken tone when she spoke. "Oh, Riggs. Honey, you know I'll move heaven and earth if that's what you need. But I have to ask. What about the SEALs? You've spent your adult life in service and thrive in a life of danger. You can't do that with a child, Riggs. It wouldn't be fair to him or you."
"I'm not going back." He announced, and for a split second, was stunned. Not so much that he said it, but that having said it, he realized it was what he wanted. "I'm coming home, Dad. Me and my son. Help me make that happen."
"You can count on it, son. You have my word."
"Thank you. I have to go. Can you come here?"
"We'll be there as soon as we can. We'll pack and leave within the hour and will see you first thing in the morning."
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me. I'm your father. I love you."
"I love you, too, Dad. See you in the morning."
Riggs looked up to see Georgie standing at the foot of the bed, smiling while tears streamed down her face. "What's wrong?" He didn't understand.
"Nothing at all," she said. "I've just never seen heroism like this in person. You really are the real deal—a genuine hero, heart and soul. You humble me.”
He didn't fight the welling of emotion her words evoked. He just held out his free hand. "Please."
She smiled and walked around the bed to take his hand. "Sit with us," he asked.
Georgie climbed onto the bed beside him and touched Robby's cheek. The baby smiled at her, and for some odd reason, his smile was the sign Riggs had been looking for. A sign that told him he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
He might have lost a foot, but he'd gained far more. He now knew what it meant to love without reservation, with no strings attached. That's what Robby had given him.
Ten hours ago, he'd hidden from his fears and frustrations, pretended that he was A-okay with the whole amputee, smart limb thing. That he'd learn how to be better than the old Riggs and go on being a SEAL. That his life wouldn't be hampered or have to change.
He'd tried to convince himself. Tried being the operative word. But deep beneath the stoic determination and refusal to surrender, there was a scared man, wondering how the heck he was going to figure out how he would manage that or if he'd be forced to live as a civilian.
Now, he was excited about the prospect. He knew how to cowboy; he'd learn how to be a rancher, father, and, if lucky, husband. And yeah, he'd do it with one real foot and one mechanical. But he'd do it like a champ.
And if he were very lucky, his little boy would grow up looking at him like he looked at his father. Like a hero.
Chapter Fourteen
Georgie took care not to jostle Riggs or the baby as she rose from the bed.
“Where’re you going?” Riggs asked.
“Home. I have to be back in a few hours.”
“Thank you for staying.”
She leaned over and kissed him. “It’s where I wanted to be. See you soon.”
Perhaps her exit was a bit rushed, but she needed some time. The last twenty-four hours had been eye-opening, to say the least. Not only did she see Riggs in a new light, but she also realized things about herself.
She set her thoughts free and let it all run through her mind on the drive home. When she arrived at her townhouse, she cursed at the sight of Josh’s car. He was the last person she wanted to see.
There didn’t seem to be any avenue of escape, so she got out of her car and headed for the front door.
“Georgie!” she heard his voice and then his footsteps behind her but didn’t pause or look back.
“Georgie, wait!”