Page 101 of Sworn to Protect

Liam studies me for a long beat as he processes my words. Nick, on the other hand, has been quiet. He sits curled up on the couch with his arms wrapped around his legs. His little voice finally breaks through the silence.

“So, my daddydied a hero?”

I nod without hesitation. “Yes, he did. The bravest person I knew.”

Both boys smile, but it’s Nick’s that knocks the wind out of me.

“I knew it! He was like Aquaman.” Nick crosses his arms and lifts his chin, smug defiance in every facet of his expression.

Liam rolls his eyes. “Captain America, dumbass.”

“Language,” Mackenzie chimes from behind me, amusement clear in her tone.

I turn to find her leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, warmth in her gaze. I wonder how long she’s been standing there. The silent gratitude in her expression does something to my chest, and I return my own appreciative smile.

“How about you get ready so we can go,” she says as she hands Liam his crutches. “We don’t want to be late for the zoo.”

The boys comply, shuffling toward their rooms, and the second they’re gone, I exhale the tension I hadn’t realized was still there. “You don’t think they hate me?” I ask, hating how badly I need the reassurance.

Mackenzie steps closer and rests a hand on my chest. “They could never hate you. Thanks for doing that.”

“Of course.” I slide my arms around her waist, bringing her flush against me. “How did Jill take your news?”

“Surprisingly, okay. I think she’s sad to see me go, but she certainly understands.”

“You’re sure this is what you want?”

“Absolutely. No more juggling a million things at once. This frees up more time for my classes. I won’t feel like I’m drowning.”

I smirk, tightening my grip. “If you want to drown in me, I won’t complain.”

She huffs a laugh, sliding her hands up my chest. “You won’t, huh?”

“Never.”

I stare at her lips, fighting the temptation to kiss her senseless. There’s so much I want to say. So much I want to promise. But we’re taking this one step at a time.

Instead, I settle for, “I talked to Medix-Lift today.”

Her eyes brighten. “And?”

“I’m officially employed.” I pause for dramatic effect. “You no longer have a deadbeat boyfriend lounging around the house.”

She grins. “Damn, so you won’t be at my beck and call anymore?”

I chuckle. “Oh, I’m always at your mercy. But I told them I’d only work a few days a week. And never on the nights you have clinicals.”

“You don’t have to do that, you know. Mom’s flexible now that Stan’s back to himself.”

“Nope.” I shake my head. “Two or three days a week is all I need. I’m retired, you know.”

“That’s right. I keep forgetting I’m with an old man.”

I lower my voice, smirking. “I’ll show you an old man.”

She opens her mouth to respond, but a tiny voice interrupts before she can.

“Ew, are you gonna kiss Mommy?”

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