Page 140 of SEAL's Resolve

“What I said to you. I was wrong.”

Rafe gave a slight nod.

“You saved Kristi. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for that. She will always be my first priority.”

Stewart studied him although he fought to stay awake. “Should I ask your intentions toward my daughter?”

“We’ll talk when you’re better.” He touched his hand to Kristi’s lower back. “We’ll let you rest and check on you later, Mr. Stewart.”

“Take Kristi home.”

“Dad, we’ll stay in the waiting room.”

“No need. I’ll sleep anyway.” Another slight smile. “Heavy pain medicine. Rest, sweetheart.” Stewart roused enough to stare at Rafe. “Protect her.”

“With my life.”

“I love you, Dad,” Kristi said, her voice thick.

“Love you, honey.” Stewart’s eyes closed again.

“We should go,” Rafe murmured. He didn’t know if Kristi would agree to leave the hospital. If not, he’d find a blanket and pillow for her.

Jackson stood as they entered the waiting room. “Was he awake?”

“For a few minutes,” Kristi said. “He wants Rafe to take me home.”

“Your father’s in good hands, Kristi. The best thing you can do for him is take care of yourself.” Jackson laid a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll stay with him.”

“You’ll call if he asks for me or if there’s a change?”

“Count on it.” He glanced at Rafe. “Cal brought your SUV. He’ll drive you to Kristi’s and have the watch until you’re ready to take over.”

“Eli and Jon?”

“Still at the cabin and will be for a while. Maddox is on watch with me.” He handed both of them a bottle of water. “Drink those on the way home.”

With a nod of thanks, Rafe wrapped his arm around Kristi. “Stay or go?”

She leaned against his side. “I want to stay, but Dad won’t know if I’m here or not.” She looked into his eyes. “You need to rest, and you won’t do that here.”

Thank God. Although he wouldn’t admit the truth aloud, Rafe wasn’t sure how much longer he could remain alert. “We’ll return later in the morning.” He escorted her to the elevator, holding her close as the car descended to the lobby.

Cal straightened from the wall as Rafe and Kristi exited the elevator. “The SUV is parked close to the entrance.”

Good thing Rafe didn’t have to walk far. In less than a minute, he and Kristi were fastening their seat belts, sitting side by side in the backseat. “We need a smooth ride, my friend.”

Cal glanced into the rearview mirror. “Take a nap, Torres. I’ll wake you if I run into trouble.”

After consuming the water as ordered by Jackson, Rafe tucked Kristi close and drifted off.

He woke when Cal parked the SUV in Kristi’s driveway. Although he hated to wake her, Rafe couldn’t carry her inside without ripping out stitches. “Kristi.”

She stirred. “Problem?” she asked sleepily.

“We arrived at your house.”

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