Page 144 of SEAL's Resolve

“You need to rest yourself.” His gaze shifted to Rafe. “Bring her tomorrow. I hope the doctor will give me an idea when I’ll be released by that time.”

“Yes, sir.”

Although Kristi didn’t want to admit the truth, she was exhausted. How did Rafe keep up this pace when he was on a mission? “I’ll call you later.”

“Love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you, too, Dad.” She walked out with Rafe after getting a promise from Jake to call if her father’s condition changed.

Rafe wrapped his arm around her as they walked to the elevator. “Jackson will take over for Jake in two hours. He’ll be on watch through the night.”

She sighed, relieved that the Fortress medics were staying with him. “Good.”

“Are you hungry?”

“No, but you must be.”

“I could eat.”

Kristi laughed. “Know any good restaurants around here?”

“One of the nurses recommended a family restaurant near the hospital. Want to give it a try?”

She nodded.

They sat at a table for two in the corner of McCoy’s dining room. After placing their orders, Rafe captured Kristi’s hand. “If you could do anything you wanted tomorrow, what would you do?”

“Drive to Otter Creek to get Oliver.”

He smiled. “I noticed a pet store on the way to McCoy’s. Do you want to stop to pick up his supplies on the way home?”

“I’d love to. Do you know what he needs?”

“Deke sent me a list of his recommendations early this morning.”

“That’s great. I’m so excited about Oliver. I’ve missed him. Do you think he’s forgotten me?”

Rafe chuckled. “Don’t worry. That boy adores you.” He squeezed her hand. “So do I.”

“I’m glad you came back into my life. If you could do anything that you wanted tomorrow, what would you do?”

“Find a justice of the peace and slide a wedding ring on your finger.”

She stared, her heart skipping a beat. “Are you serious?”

“Oh, yeah, baby. I’m dead serious. However, I won’t rush you. I know you want your father to be there, and you need time to be sure I’m really the man you want for a husband.” He leaned over and kissed her. “One day soon, I’ll ask you to marry me.”

“When you do, I’ll say yes.”

“Maybe I’ll rush you a little,” he murmured. “I want to come home to you every night.”

“We’re a matched pair, Rafe. I want the same thing. I don’t want a long engagement.”

The waitress approached with their orders. After they finished their meals, they drove to the pet store.

Kristi had a blast shopping for Oliver. When they loaded the purchases into the SUV, Oliver’s supplies filled the cargo area. “I guess we’ll have to wait until next week to go to Otter Creek.”

“Why? Deidre’s coming Monday to start work. Between her and Jill, they’ll help you catch up on tasks you delay for a day or two.”

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