Page 23 of Rescuing His Forever

She nods. “Do you th-think you c-could help me p-put my door back on its hinges when you drop me off at my apartment?” My girl is trying to be brave as she stutters through her words, which I respect. I don’t like what she’s saying, however.

“No, beautiful. I’m not taking you to your apartment. My motel isn’t much, but home is wherever you are. Wherever we’re together.”

Roxy blinks up at me, her tender heart on display. I vow right here and now to protect it until my dying breath.

“You s-s-still want... me?”

I hold out my hand, helping my Roxy stand. Scooping her into my arms, I carry her a safe distance away while we wait for the cops to show up, take our statements, and deal with the degenerate tied up and bleeding on the ground.

Half an hour later, we’ve been through the interview process with several police officers. I request we return to the station tomorrow to finish any last details. They agree when they see Roxy trembling beneath the blanket they gave her.

“Come on, Roxy,” I whisper. “Let’s get you cleaned up and in bed.”

She nods and slumps into me as if the weight of her existence is too much. I get it. Fuck, do I get it. I pick my girl up, carrying her bridal style to my truck, parked in a shaded, discrete spot.

We’re back at the motel within five minutes, and I already have Roxy sitting on the sink counter in the bathroom while I gently wipe off the dirt and grime from her face. Roxy hasn’t said much since getting into the truck, but that’s okay. I’m just happy she’s here with me.

“I shouldn’t have gone,” she finally says, her voice soft and full of regret.

“You shouldn’t have gone alone,” I correct. “But I understand why you did. If legit, that would have been a huge step forward in your career and saving ocean life.”

“I didn’t think you’d let me go. I didn’t want to disappoint you, but...” She trails off, shrugging her shoulders.

“But?” I prompt as I continue giving my Roxy a sponge bath of sorts while cleaning up the minor cuts and scrapes on her arms. I hate that she went through any of this, but at least she’s not hurt any worse.

“But I don’t know how much longer you’ll be here,” she admits softly. “Everyone leaves, eventually.”

“Baby,” I murmur as I finish cleaning up my girl. “I’m not sure where to start. First, I wouldn’t have stopped you from going. I would have insisted that I come along for obvious reasons.”

Roxy nods, then hangs her head in shame. Fuck, that’s not what I meant, but I have to push forward.

“The ocean is important to you, so it’s important to me. Protecting plant and animal life in the sea is your passion, and I want to support you in everything you do. Including taking on large corporations. It’s my honor to keep you safe and to watch you grow.”

Roxy sniffles, and I catch the first tear on my thumb, wiping it away and then picking up Roxy and carrying her to the couch. When we get settled with her on my lap, I make sure to cup the back of her neck and turn her face toward mine. I need to know she hears me.

“And second,” I continue, “I’m not leaving. I’m not abandoning you now my job is technically done.”

Roxy stills in my arms, her eyes round with disbelief. It kills me to know she’s been doubting us the whole time, but I know it’s because of her past and being left behind by her mother. That’s okay. I have faith enough for both of us, and I’ll show her every damn day that I’ll fight for her. For us.

“Really?”

“Really,” I confirm. “I’m not sure what the details look like right now, but I’m up for retirement. Remember when I told you my Commanding Officer forced me to take leave?” She nods. “His alternative was permanent retirement. At the time, I couldn’t imagine a life without the SEALs. But now...” I lean forward, resting my forehead on Roxy’s. “Now, I can’t imagine life without waking up next to you every morning. Roxy, I love you.”

She lets out a small gasp, and I wait with bated breath for her response.

Chapter 10

Roxy

“You... love me?” I ask, not sure I heard him correctly.

“So much. More than I thought possible,” he answers immediately. “Your conviction, strength, talent, and passion are all undeniable,” Keaton continues. “And your sassy little mouth might get you in trouble, but it’s the kind of trouble I’m growing to love.”

I can’t help the smile spreading across my lips. He loves me. Keaton loves me.

“I love you, too,” I tell him truthfully. “I thought I was the crazy one for falling for you so fast. I was worried I was being clingy.”

“Never,” he says, wrapping me up in his arms. “Cling away,” he encourages, making me giggle. “God, I love that sound. I love you. Everything about you.”

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