Page 99 of Unforgotten

Jay could understand that.

Bethanne suddenly looked at him. “Did you say something?”

“I asked if you were okay, then I realized it was kind of a dumb question. Of course you aren’t.” Her cousin was in the hospital, and they’d both been through a traumatic experience. Her feet were covered in bandages, and her hands and wrists had to be so sore.

Moving to rest against him, Bethanne murmured, “Why do you think I’m not?”

“You know why.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Something in her voice made him pull back far enough to see her face. “What are you trying to say?”

“That I’m okay, Jay.”

Her voice was softly reassuring. Humbling him. Was she actually trying to make him feel better? Running a hand down her side, he gave thanks for about the hundredth time that she was unharmed and safe. “I’m glad, Bethy. I was so worried about you.”

“I know. I was too.” Looking more troubled, she added, “And Candace. I thought he was going to kill her.”

He shuddered at the memory. When he’d seen Candace getting loaded into the ambulance, he’d thought Scott had killed her. He reckoned Ryan had thought the same thing. The police officer looked like he was going to expire there on the spot.

“He didn’t, though.” Turning so she could sit up a little, he said, “Do you remember what the officers said when they found you?”

“Kind of.”

“They said you girls were strong and brave. You two were amazing and you should be proud of yourselves.”

“I’m glad we survived. I’m glad I found you too.”

“You did find me and Lott. You told us where she was, Bethy. You helped save her.”

“Jay. There was so much blood.”

“I know. But she’s going to be fine. And Scott’s behind bars. You’re both safe now, and you’ll get through this together.”

“That’s what Candace and I kept telling each other. That we were going to get through it together.” Releasing a ragged laugh, she added, “Once, we even promised to be in each other’s wedding.”

“I like that idea.” Kissing her brow, he whispered, “I cannot wait to make you mine forever.”

His words were dreamy. Sweet. Made sweeter by the fact the ordeal was over and she was going to be able to spend many, many days with him for the rest of her life. “I can’t wait to be yours,” she admitted.

A look of complete satisfaction slid into his expression. “It’s settled, then. As soon as Candace is healed, we’ll marry.”

“Jay Byler, are we seriously planning our wedding on this living room sofa?”

“Yep.”

“With my hands all bandaged up?”

“Yep.” He grinned. “You know I love you.” Caressing her cheek, he continued, “Bethanne, I’ve waited for you for years. Don’t make me wait much longer.”

“I won’t.”

He leaned back to see her expression. “Do you mean it?”

She nodded. “Jay, I’ve wasted so much time. I let myself descend into such a dark place after Peter died. I don’t wantto live in the past anymore. I don’t want to wait another day to do the things that I want to do.”

“It’s settled then. We’ll marry in a couple of weeks.”

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