Page 137 of I Am Salvation

I smile and pat her hand. “Of course we’re going to get her back, Griffin. Don’t worry.” Then I lift my eyebrows at Dragon.

Why would he say such a thing?

He goes into the other room to make the call while Griffin and I finish our breakfast.

Dragon comes back in. “They were able to place Bridget in emergency care last night,” he says. “She hasn’t been placed in permanent care yet, so if we go in this morning, she’ll be at the office. She can identify you, and we’ll go from there.”

I’m not sure what go from there means, but I don’t ask.

Once Griffin finishes her breakfast, she rises. “I showered last night, but I’d like to shower again. I think it will take at least a hundred showers to make me feel clean.”

“You take as many as you need,” I say.

When she’s in the other room showering, I turn to Dragon. “So you’re afraid they won’t let her have her daughter?”

He scratches his head. “I think they’ll probably let her have her. The social worker seemed pretty confident that if Bridget recognizes Griffin and wants to go with her, it should all be fine. But Griffin is definitely going to have to get a copy of her birth certificate so she can get some ID.” He buries his face in his hands. “God, this is all such a mess. She may not even have a Social Security number.”

“She probably does. Aren’t those given at birth these days?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. All I know is that when I turned eighteen, my caseworker handed me a Social Security card and said I would need it.”

I lean over, rest my head on his shoulder. “It’s awful what both of you went through.”

“I don’t need your pity, Diana, and neither does Griffin. She’s strong, and so am I.”

“I agree about that. But I do feel pity, Dragon. About what she’s been through. She’s a beautiful woman, and she should’ve had an amazing life.” I cup his cheek. “You should have too.”

He sighs. “Griffin and I will both play the hands we were dealt. I’ll see that she gets the best care.”

“About that,” I say. “What do you think about taking Griffin and Bridget back to the ranch?”

He raises an eyebrow. “You mean your ranch?”

“Yeah. My Aunt Melanie just happens to be one of the best psychiatrists in the country. And she specializes in childhood trauma.”

“Isn’t she retired?”

“Yes, but she still takes special cases now and then. I can’t think of a better case than this one. I know she can help Griffin and Bridget.”

“I can’t pay for that,” he says.

“All right then.” I shrug. “Marry me.”

He drops his jaw.

“Did I stumble over those words?” I ask.

“Diana…”

I grab his hands. “Look, you love me, and I love you. Once we’re married, what’s mine is yours. I’ve got more than enough to take care of you, Griffin, and Bridget. You’ll be back with the band soon, and you’re on your way up. You’re going to have your own money, and you won’t even have to use mine. But your sister and your niece need help now. I believe I can get the best help there is for them.”

He doesn’t respond for a moment.

I know exactly what’s going through his mind. It feels all wrong to take help from me, but on the other hand, he wants the best for his sister and niece. And he knows I can get that for them.

Also, the idea of spending the rest of his life with me can’t be too bad.

“I’m not marrying you,” he finally says.

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