Page 27 of Her Redeemed Protector

The appointment with the prosthetist is a breeze, and Al emerges sporting a state-of-the-art prosthetic that seems to inject him with vitality. Whatever that squabble was about at the hospital, he seems to have let it go. There’s a sparkle in his eye that wasn’t there before. It’s like he’s not just walking for himself anymore but for Savannah, too. I bet she’ll find him hopping fences when she gets back.

After getting Al settled in with his new limb, I make my way back to the hospital. But first, a detour through The Thirsty Fox, Red Mark’s official watering hole and my go-to spot for comfort food. Savannah could use a little cheering up.

A nurse approaches me as I near her room. “Keep her calm, Mr. Cometti,” she says.

Her tone is light, but it makes me serious. “What happened?”

The nurse offers a reassuring smile. “She’s all right, just a bit stressed. Fluctuating from a low heart rate to a high one isn’t ideal, but she’s stable now.”

I exhale in relief. “Okay, thanks for letting me know.”

“Take it easy, sir. She needs you to stay calm, too.”

I nod slowly, signaling that I’m composed.

The door to Savannah’s room is already ajar. “Knock, knock.” I nudge the door open a bit more.

“Hey, come in,” Savannah’s voice floats over.

I step in and give her the update. “Everything went smoothly.”

She looks up, her eyes thankful yet tinged with concern. “Was my dad okay?”

“He’s back home now, grinning ear to ear with his new leg.”

“That’s fantastic. Thanks, Hux. I’d be up the creek without your help!” Her appreciation resounds, refreshing as a brook in spring. She seems to have shaken off earlier tensions, too.

“Think nothing of it,” I say, dropping the bag from Al beside her bed.

Her eyes spark. “Oh, looks like Dad remembered after all,” she laughs in relief, nodding at the bag. “Time to ditch these old rags, huh?” She flicks a glance at the torn pants draped over a chair.

I pull up another seat next to her. “You haven’t been up to any mischief while I was out, have you?” I joke.

“Like what?” she plays along.

I study her for a moment. “Like… breaking the law?”

She bursts out laughing, then suddenly pauses, sniffing the air. “What’s that divine smell?”

With a grin, I rustle up the contents of the brown bag. “Got you a cheeseburger from The Thirsty Fox. Low fat, just how the doctor ordered.”

“Low fat? I don’t even know what that means!”

I lean in, lowering my voice. “I heard about your ventricular hypertrophy.”

Her laughter softens, and she gives me a look, reminding me of my bold little stunt—claiming to be her boyfriend—andnow I’m aware of her health history. She doesn’t press on it, though, steering us back to lighter topics. “Been living on Dad’s steaks and roasts so far without a hitch,” she says.

“Guess a country gal like you knows her way around a good meal,” I tease, wondering how she manages to stay so petite. Maybe everything goes into her muscles. She’s got arms as strong as new ropes.

“Let’s see then!” She motions for me to open the bag further. Carefully, she unwraps the burger. “Oh, wow… low fat be damned!” She gazes at the burger like it’s the crown jewels. “Aren’t you having one?”

I shuffle my feet. “I’ll grab something later.” Her enthusiasm makes me feel unexpectedly bashful.

“No, please, join me. I can’t enjoy this alone. Share with me?” Her invitation is earnest, impossible to decline.

I split the burger in half, sliding one portion toward her. There’s something intimate about sharing a meal, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment. Especially since she devours her half in record time. The hearty appetite is a clear stamp of her ranch upbringing.

“God, that was good!” She licks her fingers with relish. “Honest truth? I thought about asking you.”

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