Page 217 of Severed Heart

“Tyler,” she demands, refusing to back down until I bring my gaze to hers. I slow and still when I see the expression on her face ... a peaceful resolve and acceptance I’ve been dreading.

“Don’t baby, don’t. Please don’t,” I rasp out. “Keep fighting with me, please.”

She digs her heels into my back, refusing me, stilling me while running her hands along my shoulders and down my arms in a soothing motion.

“You brought me back to life,” she murmurs, her voice full of awe as she gazes up at me like I’m the only thing that matters.

“Please don’t stop fighting,” I cry openly as she shakes her head and gives me a blinding smile.

“It’s okay, it’s okay now, Soldier, don’t you see?”

I shake my head, hearing the agitation and anger in my voice. “See what?”

“We won. We’ve already won,” she declares victoriously.

“No, I don’t see,” I bite out bitterly. “And I never will. This will never fucking be okay.”

“Have faith, my soldier. You will.” She lifts and places the gentlest of kisses on my lips. “One day, you will see.”

After freeing me, I work us both until we’re a heaving mess, our hearts pounding in unison with our cries until we’re utterly taxed. After a shower of murmured words and tender kisses I order her to dress.

“For what?” she asks, her eyes half-closed from exhaustion.

“And meet me at the Ranger in ten minutes,” I add without answering.

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Fine, Soldier. Would you like fries with that order?” she mumbles sarcastically, and I gape at her.

“Perfect execution, baby, well done,” I compliment with a grin.

“Tyler, I’m tired,” she whines. “Do we have to leave?”

“Yes. Nine minutes left now, General Whiney,” I chuckle. “Get moving.”

Climbing into her Rangertwenty minutes later, she turns and glimpses the haul I loaded in the back seat. “We’re camping tonight?”

“Possibly,” I mutter, “and just so we’re clear, you’re a nightmare when it comes to presents and surprises.” I turn the Ranger over to start it as her voice carries over it.

“I love you, best friend,” she drawls out as I turn to see her gazing back at me, a peaceful twinkle in her eyes. “And if I have to kick buckets, then I’m so glad it’s with you.”

I bite my lip and shake my head just as she shouts, making us both jump. “Bucket, it’s ‘kick the bucket!’” she corrects herself.

“This is... a pretty morbid start,” I sigh, “and not how I want this portion of our night to go.”

“So what,” she states. “Neither of us wants to talk about it, so let’s get it all out now and be done with it. I never meant for you to find me like that. I sent Zach away for the night and didn’t expect you home so early. But I wasn’t expecting to redecorate the kitchen,” she whispers mournfully. “Fuck it, I’m glad because it’s out there now. I’m sad, you’re sad, we’re both mad, so let’s just say what we feel and truly be done.” Her eyes widen with an idea. “But we’re going to say it really fast.”

“Why fast?” I ask.

“So that we reveal our most brash, most honest thoughts.”

“Fine,” I concede, “but the minute this Ranger stops, so does the conversation, deal?”

“Deal,” she says. I give the Ranger some gas as she speaks up first after a few seconds of the ride. “I’m scared it will hurt, and I don’t want to be in pain thewhole time.”

“I’m scared you’ll be in pain too, so I’m going to make sure that’s not an issue,” I counter just as quickly while steering us onto the path.