Beneath the Stetson(57)
“I see.” It was a tiny comfort to know that she had been able to provide some help, after all. But it wasn’t enough. The larger question loomed. Was Cade safe? Dear God, let it be so.
Nate yawned, and she glanced at the clock on the wall. “Please go home if you can,” she said. “I’m feeling much better, and the night staff nurses are wonderful. I’d appreciate it if you would keep me updated.”
He stood and stretched. “Of course.”
“Thank you for all you’ve done.”
He gave her a lopsided smile. “Gil is my friend. And you’re a very nice woman. It’s what we do here in Royal.”
After he left, she pondered his words. It was true. She had seen it time and again since she had been assigned here. The community was tight-knit. And they would go out of their way for one of their own. What must it be like to have that kind of security? That depth of loyalty?
Her friends back in Dallas were all great people. But they were spread out across the city. Bailey didn’t live with the kind of neighborly closeness that thrived here in Royal.
She was lucky that for the moment they were including her in the circle. It was a warm feeling. And one she wouldn’t mind replicating.
The nurse came in to check her vital signs and also to give her a pain pill. Bailey had insisted on reducing the dosage. She didn’t like being so drugged, and the throbbing in her head had subsided somewhat, at least enough that she could sleep. She punched her pillow into a more comfortable shape and tucked her hand under her cheek. When she turned out the light, she felt entirely alone.
Seventeen
Gil loitered at the end of the hallway until he was sure his presence would go unnoticed. Bailey’s room was dark. He slipped inside and quietly pulled a chair close to the bed. Gently, he touched her head.
Stroking her hair lightly so as not to wake her, he whispered the words he had wanted to say long before now. “I love you, Bailey.”
Though he had barely made a sound, she moved restlessly in the bed and opened her eyes. “Gil? How did you get in here?”
A tiny light on the panel above the bed was the only illumination in the room, but it was enough for him to see the wariness in her expression.
He shrugged, unrepentant. “I sneaked in when no one was looking.” He took her hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better. I think they’re going to release me in the morning.”
“Why did you shut me out, sweetheart?
She withdrew visibly. “I want you to go.” Her voice quivered.
“Please, honey. Tell me the truth.”
Her big eyes were tragic. “I can’t bear to see the look on your face. I know you blame me. And you have every right.”
If he had ever felt more like scum in his life, he couldn’t remember it. Shame made him drop his head, his forehead resting on her arm. She was so brave and so strong, and he had hurt her by not reassuring her from the outset that he didn’t hold her responsible.
“Oh, Bailey. I don’t deserve you. What a jackass I am, my love. I’ve been angry at the world and scared out of my mind and weaving on my feet with fatigue. But I should have realized you would feel this way. You’re so very conscientious. I don’t blame you. I would never blame you. I know you would protect Cade with your life.”
She stroked his hair, a tentative, tender caress that was evidence of her generous spirit. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”
He sat up and stared at her sternly. “The kidnapping could have happened if he had been with me. Now stop worrying.”
“I won’t stop worrying until we have some good news.”
“Is it good news to hear that I love you?”
She paled. “You’re delirious.”
“Not in the slightest. Tired, yes. And frightened for you and my son, yes. But completely in my right mind. I was all set to propose when things went south.”
She stared at him, mute.
“I didn’t think it would be such a shock,” he said. “Surely you knew we were headed in this direction.”
She shook her head. “No. I thought we were breaking up.”
He grinned despite his exhaustion. “Well, think again. I want you in my life. I need you and Cade needs you.”
“I don’t think I can talk about this yet. It feels wrong.”
He sobered. “I understand. But don’t make me stay away from you. I can’t bear that on top of everything else.”
Her bottom lip quivered as she reached out to grip his hand with hers. “He’s coming back to us. We have to believe that.”
Gil’s cell phone vibrated in his pocket, startling him. He answered it, his heart in his throat. Two minutes later, he hung up, his eyes damp. Inhaling a harsh breath, he leaned over and kissed Bailey...hard. “Nate’s team has found Cade,” he said, his voice gruff.