Page 27 of Weston

“My biggest fear was you’d be turned off or think me less of a man. But you never did. You told me I was your other half and I’d always be beautiful to you.”

Ellie didn’t hesitate, just reached over and laid her hand on his stump. “I’d never think any less of you. If anything, I think more of you.”

He didn’t flinch or pull away at her touch. “I was a fucking mess. You’re the brave one. You swooped in and knocked my head back on straight when all I wanted to do was be depressed and feel sorry for myself.”

“I imagine getting up again was a long, hard journey.”

“It was, especially in the beginning. If you hadn’t been there with me, it probably would’ve turned out differently.” He covered her hand with his and she felt the light scratch of his calluses. “When I needed you most, you stayed by my side.”

“What were you doing back in Indonesia?” she asked softly.

“My team had a mission there. When I found out the pirates we were after were the same bastards who’d attacked your research vessel, I swore I’d avenge you. And I did.”

The image of Wes covered in blood, chasing after her in the jungle, flashed through her mind. But this time, she wasn’t scared. Instead, she’d come to view him as her hero and protector. The man who’d vanquished her demons with a stroke of his sword.

“The others on my team…” She met his steady gaze, preparing herself for what she already knew deep down. “They were killed?”

He nodded. A chill ran through her. How had she escaped when everyone else perished?

Though most of her mind remained foggy, one thing was becoming clear—Wes had never given up on her. Ellie was beginning to understand why she had married this amazing man. Wes was brave, patient, kind and sexy as hell. How had she gotten so lucky?

She released a shaky breath, wishing like hell she could force her memories to return. He easily picked up on her frustration, turned his hand over and squeezed. “You were there for me and now I’m here for you. It’s going to be okay.”

“It’s so frustrating, only being able to recall fragments.”

“We’ll get through it together,” he promised.

The determination in his voice touched her on a soul-deep level. “Do you think going back to Michigan would help? I’d love to see my family.” Even though she didn’t remember them, their conversation told her everything she needed to know—they loved her and had missed her terribly.

“I think that’s a great idea. Let me text Brand right now and see when they want us to leave.”

While Wes messaged Brandon, Ellie contemplated the best way to move forward. Immersing herself in her old life was a good step. She had a feeling going back to visit all their old Midwest haunts would be good for her. Hopefully it would stir something deep and unlock her memories.

Brand responded right away and Wes checked his screen. “Brand says go. I can get us tickets to Detroit right now and we’ll leave first thing in the morning. How’s that sound?”

A smile tugged at her lips.How is this man real?she wondered. “That sounds wonderful, thank you.”

Her attention dropped to the slim gold chain hanging around his neck. She’d noticed it earlier but hadn’t said anything yet. Reaching out, she pressed a finger to the cursive “E.”

“Was this mine?” she asked softly.

He glanced down where the pad of her finger lightly circled the charm. “Yeah. I insisted on searching your boat after the attack and I found it. You always wore it.”

Ellie watched him reach around and unclasp the necklace.

“C’mere,” he beckoned. She moved closer and lifted her damp hair out of the way while Wes fastened the chain around her neck.

“Thank you.” She laid a hand against it, savoring how warm it felt from being against Wes’ skin. “Why don’t you look for plane tickets and I’ll call my mom?”

He nodded and less than half an hour later, they’d spoken to her family and bought the tickets. She was looking forward to their trip, but right now she stretched out on her side and studied Wes. “I want my memories back. Tell me everything.”

“Everything?” He laughed. “That would take years.”

“Then you better get going,” she teased, propping her chin in her hand. “I want to know it all. From the first conversation we had to our first date—where we went, what we talked about. I want to remember our love story, Wes. I want that so badly.”

Pure, unadulterated love flashed in his soft, brown eyes. “I want that, too.”

“So, you saw me at the freshman mixer and knew youhadto meet me,” she teased, batting her lashes. “I must’ve liked you if we went out. Where did we go?”

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