Page 119 of A Rancher's Vow

“I know you will.” Caleb kissed her forehead. He pointed a finger at Dustin. “Rest. Need you back at Silver Stone.”

“Prefer to be there than here,” Dustin assured him. He waved goodbye, the move taking more energy than expected.

The room grew quiet. Just the monitors with the faint noises and the low buzz of the overhead lights. Charity slipped back to his side, staring down at him as if memorizing for a test.

“Do I look like hell?” Dustin asked.

She nodded. “And yet I’ll take you beat-up and bruised any day over what you looked like when we found you.” Her voice broke. “I was so scared you were dead.”

He opened his arms. “Damn it, Tee. You can’t cry when I can’t make it better.”

She curled up against him, head resting on his chest, hands clutching his torso. With her body half in the bed, half off, Dustin held her as she wept quietly.

God, he hurt inside and out, listening to her cry.

“I’m still here.” Dustin soothed. “And I still remember that this morning you told me you loved me. Whatever bullshit we dealt with today, that’s the part I want to talk about. Loving you. Not just today, but tomorrow and the day after.” He kissed the top of her head, stroking the curls away from her face. “We’re going to go for horseback rides and swim in the lake. We’re going to turn the cottage into our home, with pictures of family and friends. We’re going to do all those things together.”

Charity hiccupped, her shaky breathing slowing. Growing steadier. She wiggled upright, wiping tears from her face. “Okay.”

Laughter tickled inside. Such a Charity statement. “What are you saying okay to?”

“All of it. Riding and swimming and decorating and time with friends.” She lifted his fingers to her lips and kissed them. “But most of all to loving you each and every day.”

Even stuck in a hospital bed, bumped and bruised, Dustin couldn’t have been happier. “Love you, Tee.”

“Love you, Dus,” she offered, a hint of a smile breaking through.

A softwoofrose from by her feet.

She glanced down, then at the door of his hospital room. “Since you’re already where you’re not supposed to be, I may as well go into full-trouble mode.”

A moment later, Patchwork Annie was on the bed, sniffing Dustin vigorously. He petted her then pointed to his feet. “Lay down.”

Annie turned, sighing contentedly as she settled beside his legs.

Dustin eyed the remaining room on the bed. It would be tight, but he could do it. He wiggled slightly to the left then patted the space he’d created. “Now your turn.”

He thought she’d protest, but Charity carefully lifted herself into place, curling up beside him. He stretched his arm over her, careful not to tangle the IV cord, and all the aches and pains faded.

“I love you,” he whispered again.

She stroked his fingers gently. “Okay.”

Dustin fell asleep still smiling.

Epilogue

August, Silver Stone ranch

Charity finished placing a potholder on the table next to a bright yellow present tied with pink ribbons. Harper’s horse-themed birthday party was being held at Silver Stone with all the family in attendance. The fact that excited Charity instead of scaring her meant everything.

It had taken a little time. Time for Dustin to recover from his attack, and time for Charity to fully embrace being a part of the Stone whirlwind. She still liked the one-on-one time the best because that's when she found out more. Like how Kelli had found her way to the ranch, and what Sasha hoped for the future.

But the Stones continued to prove they were a family she could count on, and that knowledge was priceless.

“Sorry I’m late. Caleb was driving.” Dustin rushed into the cottage and past Charity. “I just need to get changed. I can be ready to go in five minutes.”

“You can have thirty. Ivy called to say they’re running late. Carteraccidentallyfell into the mudpies Chloe and Harper were making.” Charity’s amusement flashed bright. “There are pre-birthday party baths happening right now.”