Page 73 of Claiming What Is Mine

Hank chuckles. “Hey, if I don’t do it, who will?”

Marie sighs as she stands, relieved to see her son acting like himself. “Come on boys, why don’t we go get something to eat and give these two some space?”

Hank looks at his mother. “Where? The cafeteria?” He appears genuinely disturbed by the idea.

Chet picks up his Stetson. “Sometimes life just isn’t fair, Hank. Come on.” He places his hand on Hank’s shoulder and pushes him forward.

Marie smiles at me as she closes the door behind her.

Without the slightest concern for my opinion on the matter, tears break free from my eyes and my voice cracks. “I was so worried.” I kneel beside his bed, bringing my mouth to the fingers poking out from his cast, kissing each one and rubbing them along my cheek. “I’m so sorry. I completely overreacted. Please…please forgive me. And not just about yesterday. About everything. I can’t be without you. I just can’t. I don’t care about Colorado Springs, we can move tomorrow if that’s what you want. I just want you. I swear, I’ll go home and pack tonight.”

The edge of Gabe’s cracked lips curl into a smile. “I love you too, Doll.” He groans in pain as he adjusts in the bed. “I only wanted to move because I thought that was the life you needed to be happy. And that’s my top priority.”

I laugh to myself as I wipe the tears back under control.

“What’s funny?” Gabe asks.

“This. Me. Us.” I laugh again. “I came running home to hide from my failed life. I thought if I started over…started from zero, I would finally be in control of it. And then you show up, and throw everything into disarray. I was so sure you were a distraction, keeping me from my goals. So, I questioned you at every step, thinking I was protecting myself from being hurt again.”

Gabe groans. “So far, I’m not seeing the humor here.”

“Well, when I checked my phone this morning, there was this random message from Hank, informing me you’re in the hospital. I was overwhelmed at the thought that I could lose you. But the thing is, I already did. I broke up with you because we had a fight. One fight. And that’s it…I go with the nuclear option. Like an idiot. I’ve never felt as alive and free and happy as I do when I’m with you. And in one moment of anger, I lose my mind. But Gabe I promise…no, I swear, if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I see it now. I do.”

Gabe strains to look around the room.

“What do you need? Tell me and I’ll get it.”

“My stuff,” he says. “Where are my clothes?”

I protest. “Gabe, you can’t leave.”

He shakes his head. “No—my jeans. Find my jeans.”

I scurry around the room, checking everywhere until I finally notice a plastic bag tucked beside the bed with his belongings in it. “Here they are. What do you need?”

“The pocket. It’s in the front pocket.”

I reach into the bag, and dig through one pocket and then the other, curious what is so important. The moment my hand touches it I know. I pull out the engagement ring and hold it up. “Is this what you want?”

Gabe nods. “Your finger. Please, put it back where it belongs.”

I bob my head in agreement as the tears come back. I slide the ring back into its rightful place and lift my hand to the light to admire the sparkle.

Disregarding my protests and his pain, Gabe skootches over in the bed and pats at the empty space.

I shake my head. “No way. I’m not crawling up there with you. What if I hurt you?”

“You came back. I’m feeling no pain.” Gabe attempts a laugh, but groans in agony as he covers his ribs.

“Uh-huh. I see that.” I’m so close to him, but I feel so far. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t resist. I point my index finger at Gabe. “I’ll try it, but if it makes you even a little uncomfortable you have to promise you’ll tell me, deal?”

“Yes ma’am.” Gabe raises his good arm and I curl into the space underneath, careful not to put pressure on his ribs.

“Ahh.” I sigh—relieved of so many things.

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