Page 63 of Claimed by the Lawman

“Ms. Posey?” The doctor stepped into the lobby.

She turned. “Do you have news?”

“We aren’t going to schedule him for surgery yet. We’ll know tomorrow. In the meantime, why don’t you and your brother go home and get some rest. Your father will need you in the morning after we lift the sedatives.”

Kace stepped next to Tyler, placing his arm around her waist for comfort. “He’s right, Tyler. Let me take you home.”

“Will a nurse call me if there are any changes?”

“Of course.” The doctor patted her hand. “But your dad is strong and he’s a fighter. We have every reason to believe he’ll pull through.”

~~**~~

“Here you go.”

Tyler took the cup Kace offered her and she looked down into the tea, wishing she could see into the future— wishing she could find the answers that her sister so deserved. Tyler would love to be able to give her dad answers too.

Kace sat down next to her hip on the bed. He looked at her with such concern and emotion that her heart melted in her chest. How could he make her feel as if life was good even when there were so many troubles surrounding her? Wasn’t that what love could do for a person? Make them forget their problems? Make them feel better? “Thank you, Kace.”

“For what, sweetheart?” he asked in a soft voice.

“For being here for me.” She rolled her finger around the rim of the cup.

“Where else would I be?”

“Working.”

“Sure but keeping you safe and comforting you takes top priority.” He shifted and leaned his elbows on his thighs. “I could get used to this. Having you needing me.”

She brought the cup to her lips and sipped, savoring the sweet tea. This gave her some time to envelope what he’d just admitted. “Wow. So, you want someone to need you?”

“I want you to need me. Not just anyone would do.”

She cupped his cheek, feeling his whiskers rasp her palm. “What exactly are you saying?” Would they do this right now?

“I realize now might not be the best time, but I’ve put a lot of thought into this. You and I—” His cell rang from the night stand. “Shit!”

“You should get that. I understand. You still have a job to do,” although she was highly disappointed that he couldn’t finish what he was about to say.

With a disgruntled moan, he picked up his phone. “Yeah? Okay…she’s gone? Are you sure? If you find her let me know. I want to speak to her immediately.” He clicked off.

“What is it?” Tyler placed her cup on the table, more concerned on what was happening.

He gave her a wavering smile. “It’s okay. Just our witness is missing. This happens sometimes. We’ll find her. In the meantime, enough about my job. You need your rest.” He reached for the blanket and pulled it up over her.

When he got up, she grabbed his hand. “Where are you going? Please stay with me, Kace.”

He nodded and his chest filled with emotion. He became a giant when she was near, wanting to take care of her. She was a strong woman and he doubted that she wanted him hovering over her, but when she reached out and took his hand, how could he do anything but sink next to her.

Lying down next to her, he pulled her in and held her close. She nestled her body against his, her bottom fitting into the spoon of his hips so perfectly.

Before the call had interrupted him, he’d been about to ask for her to marry him.

Kace wanted things he hadn’t wanted in years. He wanted a family.

This brought up many questions. Was he ready to settle down? Could he take care of a wife? Offer her a good life of comfort and love? He was damn sure willing to go above and beyond to prove to Tyler that he could offer everything she ever wanted.

But he needed to slow down. How could he ask anything of her until he solved the mystery of her sister’s death? He was a skilled lawman, had solved a hundred cases over his career, and yet this one case that should be clear cut had him stumped. Possibly he wasn’t on his toes, too caught up in his feelings below the belt and not enough focus on the clues.

He placed his hand on the indentation of her waist and she laid her hand over his, entwining their fingers. “What were you wanting to ask me before the call?” she asked in a soft, sweet voice.

Although he ached to ask her to marry him, he knew it was only fair that he give her the gift of solving Susy’s death. Then she’d have her closure and they could go on, hopefully together with a clean slate. He nuzzled his nose in her hair, breathing in her heaven scent. “It wasn’t important. You should go to sleep. You’ll need your strength for tomorrow.”

She didn’t argue. Her body relaxed against him as he held her close, listening to her even breaths, feeling her chest rise and fall rhythmically.

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