Page 123 of Dr. Stone

Titus smiled faintly. “He’s lucky it was you, man.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because if it had been me,” Titus said, lifting his espresso, “the man wouldn’t be able to walk again after I got done ensuring his mouth stayed shut.” He nodded, “Is everything okay with Andie?”

“Yeah. We’re all good,” I smiled at him.

Titus grinned, “Excellent. Now, promise you’ll take care of her this time before I make sure she’s perfectly taken care of.”

“Done. Now, you boys enjoy your business dealings,” I said, already turning away. “I’ve got a woman to get back to so I can keep my promise.”

“Good to see you, man. I suppose we probably won’t see you again until the wedding?” Colton chuckled.

“Probably not,” I smiled, and then left to get back to Andie.

When I returnedto the suite, I found her exactly where I expected her to be, looking like an angel as she leaned on the teak railing of the private deck. Her hair was loose and windswept, and she was wearing nothing but the button-down shirt I had worn the night before.

The Adriatic glittered beyond her, and the world grew quiet around us. She hadn’t heard me come in, and I didn’t say a word. I just stepped in behind her and wrapped myself around her like I’d always belonged there. She didn’t flinch or stiffen; she only exhaled like her lungs finally remembered how to breathe now that we were together again.

“You up early to check on the havoc Duke’s most likely causing everyone?” she asked, her voice humored.

“Duke’s a celebrity downstairs,” I muttered. “Three crew members and the chef were feeding him breakfast sausages like he’s the damn king of Croatia.” I gently placed my lips against her neck. “I’m only late getting back because I ran into Titus and his brothers on the way back.”

“Ah, how are the fabulous Hawk brothers this fine morning?” she asked in a cute voice.

“Two are great, and one of them is begrudgingly happy that you’re back in my arms,” I teased while she turned in my arms with a dazzling smile. “Oh, I also informed Hawk that he doesn’tneed to put a hit on your ex,” I chuckled. “He’s still a bit protective of you,” I kissed her nose, “but he is happy that man will not be a problem for you again.”

Now, I was lost in her eyes, the ones I’d dreamt about for months. The ones I memorized in silence while she was gone. The ones that broke my heart when she walked away to protect me.

I cradled her face gently, letting my thumb brush her cheek.

“You didn’t have to go through all of that for me,” she said.

“Why wouldn’t I? You did that for me,” I said quietly. “You left when you didn’t want to, and you carried all that fear and pain alone.”

Her eyes welled, but she didn’t look away.

“I thought it was the only way to protect you. I knew what he had on you, and I couldn’t be the reason they took it all from you because I had a psycho ex. I wouldn’t risk your license, the life you built, or the good man you are?—”

“You don’t protect a man like me by leaving him,” I said, my voice rough now. “You stand with him. You fight beside him. You love him anyway—and God help me, you did. Even when you left.”

She started to cry, but I shook my head, wiping her tears.

“You never let me down, Andie. Not once.”

“I let you believe I wouldn’t survive it. I let you think I couldn’t handle being yours in the mess of it. But I would’ve walked through hell for you. I did. And I’d do it again.”

I took her hands, placed one over my heart.

“I fix other people’s hearts for a living,” I whispered. “But you’re the only one who’s ever managed to fix mine.”

She laughed through a sob, and I kissed her, slow and deep, like I had all the time in the world because I did. Because from now on, we did. I rested my forehead against hers and said what I’d been waiting to say.

“From this day forward, I’m yours, gorgeous.” His thumb brushed my cheek. “I’ll protect your heart like I protect lives in my hands.” He kissed me, slow, certain. “I’ll love Brandon like he’s mine. And I’ll never walk away—never let you do it again, either.”

“Jace,” she whispered, trembling.

“You’re the love of my life, Andie Miller, and I will spend the rest of mine proving that every single day.” I kissed her forehead. “Everything changes now, just like I told you last night when I brought your cute ass into this room and proved it to you.”