Page 18 of Stalked By the Navy Seal

“What’s the news, Doctor? Is Chase okay?”

“The bullet was lodged very close to his heart, so we had to take extra care while removing it, but we did. He’s gonna be okay. He’s a very lucky man indeed.”

“Oh, thank god.” I sigh, pulling Sara into a hug. “Can we see him now?”

“He’s still pretty out of it, but one of you can sit with him till he wakes up.”

“Go be with your man,” Bruce says, and I mutter my thanks before going to see Chase.

When I enter his room, Chase looks so peaceful lying there that I break down in tears and cry from relief. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had lost him, and I need to tell him that.

It takes another four hours, but Chase finally opens his eyes and smiles when he sees me. “Hey.”

I try to control my tears. “I never thought I’d be this happy to see someone open their eyes.” I squeeze his hand tightly. “I thought I’d lost you, Chase. You scared me so bad.”

He smiles. “I couldn’t die and miss out on being with you. I love you, Riley.”

“No, no, I wanted to say it first.”

His gray eyes widen. “You love me?”

“Of course I love you. I love you more than life itself.”

He takes a deep breath. “Okay, now I can die a happy man.”

“Don’t you dare!”

He smiles and I let out a loud laugh through my tears. “You almost died, and you’re already cracking jokes? You’re such a jerk.”

“I am, and this jerk wants to make you his completely. Marry me, Riley, be mine!”

“I’m already yours, Chase, and yes, I will marry you. Of course, I’ll marry you.”

I get up and kiss my husband–to–be.

EPILOGUE

One month later

Chase

“Hey, babe,” I say, wrapping my hands around Riley’s waist. “Guess what?”

She turns around to face me. “What?”

“I finally found your stepfather. He was hiding out in a small town in Mexico.”

I see a scared look flash across her face. “And where is he now?”

“In the worst Mexican prison filled with the worst criminals in the world. Turns out, after he ran to Mexico, he got involved in human trafficking of minors, so he’s going away for life.”

“Oh, thank god.”

“I doubt he’ll make it six months in there.”

“I hope he doesn’t.” She sighs and gives me the biggest smile. “ I have a surprise for you, too.”

“Really? What’s going on?”

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