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A fter checking on my sister, I turned to see the love of my life drop to the ground.

“Connor!” I screamed and ran to him.

“Shit. He’s bleeding out!” I screamed, despair and agony threatening to push me over the edge.

But I couldn’t freak out now. He needed me. I had to be strong for him.

“I’m on it,” my sister said, forgetting her own fear as adrenaline kicked in.

Coral ran to his car and found a first aid kit in the glove compartment. I worked fast, stuffing the bullet holes with gauze, like we’d both been taught.

“He looks pale. Start the car, Coral.” I said, praying he’d be alright.

“It’s dead! I think the engine took a hit,” she said.

“Okay, help me get him to the van,” I instructed.

There was no time to pause or panic. Connor needed help, and I was the only one who could get it to him.

“I can’t drive this truck,” Coral told me as she helped me drag his enormous body over to the side door.

“I’ll drive it. Just make sure he doesn’t move too much,” I said, grunting as we worked to lift him inside together.

I couldn’t let him die. If he died, I would, too. It was as simple as that. And I was not dying today.

“Hold on for me, Connor. Don't you dare let go,” I said to him as I started the Grumman.

I looked at him once, and his eyes opened. I gasped, my whole body shuddering as Coral shut the sliding door.

His eyes were glazed, but I couldn’t look away. His mouth opened, and I froze.

“Love you, Darlin’. From day one, I’ve always loved you,” he murmured before passing back out.

I sobbed, then I got mad. Hearing him say he loved me that way, from deathly pale lips for the first time, well, it, shook me to my core

This wasn't how I wanted to hear him say it. Not for the first time.

“That was a shitty declaration, Connor, and I expect better when you wake up,” I said, stepping on the gas.

“Coral, call Pop,” I told her, tossing her the cell phone I’d had in my pocket that our kidnappers never found.

“Tell him everything.”