Page 19 of Rescuing the Writer

We didn’t say anything as we held each other, our heart rates slowing and the sweat on my body evaporating.

“Did you mean it?” he finally whispered.

I didn’t need to ask what “it” referred to. “I’ve never meant anything more.”

“I’m a walking mess, Waylon. How can you possibly be interested in this? In me?”

I took his hand and kissed it. “Because I love taking care of you. It’s what I do. Who I am. You need me, Melbourne.”

He swallowed. “That’s why I’m so scared.”

“I know. But I would never hurt you.”

A deep sigh. Then, “No, you wouldn’t. Okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“Okay, I’ll stay.”

EPILOGUE

MELBOURNE

Six Months Later

The weather outside was frightful, with a snowstorm blowing, and I’d been anxiously waiting for Waylon to come home for the last two hours. I didn’t like him being outside in this, but as my darling boyfriend reminded me when he left, “Duty calls.” If that didn’t describe Waylon in two words…

With a deep sigh, I refocused on my manuscript. The self-editing phase was the stage of writing I hated most. When I’d read my own words so many times that they seemed bland and the story had lost all appeal to me. I just wanted to get the damn thing done and over with, but alas, my editor wouldn’t accept a version I hadn’t gone through first myself.

But it was so much easier when Waylon was home. Everything was easier when I was with him. He reminded me to take my meds on time, to set a timer for regular breaks when I was writing, to actually eat three meals a day and get at least seven hours of sleep—who knew what a difference that could make?—and even to get some exercise in. Which I did, grumbling about it the whole time, but I couldn’t deny how much better I felt compared to six months ago.

Six months already. My life had changed in so many ways since meeting my Waylon. Sometimes, I had to pinch myself to remember I wasn’t dreaming, that this was real. When he’d asked me to stay, I’d been terrified. How could a man that competent and put together want a walking disaster like me?

But he had, and it hadn’t taken long to realize I was in love with him…and that he loved me right back. I’d never met anyone with a heart as big as his. His love came with endless patience and care, with an understanding of all my quirks, and with the occasional stern talking-to when needed.

It also came with lots and lots of sex. My darling deputy had the horny stamina of a teenager, and I loved nothing more than volunteering as his tribute. Did it mean that I was upset about the two-to-one orgasm ratio between him and me? Not at all. When he came, my pleasure was emotional, and that was worth ten orgasms for me. That was love for ya.

The faint rumble of a car came closer, and I perked up. Was that…? I hurried to the window, and yes, there he was. My Waylon. He backed his patrol car into the driveway, and by the time he’d gotten out, I was at the front door, waiting for him.

His whole face lit up when he spotted me, a sight I’d never grow tired of. He wore his love on his sleeve, making me feel precious and cherished. He was a walking miracle, my man. Mushy and corny? Oh yeah, but see if I cared.

He hurried inside, and I had my mouth on him before he’d even closed the door. “Careful, I’m covered in snow,” he said, laughing.

I put my hand on his cheek, and it was icy. “You’re cold.”

“You’re telling me. I was outside in the storm for an hour.”

“Why?”

He took off his jacket and handed it to me, and I neatly hung it on the coat rack. Then his gun belt came off, and I knew better than to disturb that routine. Waylon was dead serious about gun safety, and I respected him for it. His hands shook a little as he punched the code in, and as soon as he’d locked the safe, I took them between my hands. “Darling, you’re frozen. What happened?”

“I delivered a baby.”

“What?” I knelt to unlace his boots. His feet were clumps of ice.

“A couple got stranded on their way to the hospital when their car slid off the road. By the time I arrived, her contractions were less than a minute apart. I called Doc Everett, but she couldn’t wait that long. So I helped deliver the baby, and when Doc came, he only had to cut the umbilical cord. Mom and baby are fine.”

My hero. “They were lucky to have you.”

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