Page 102 of Sworn to Protect

Nick stands in the doorway, his nose scrunched in disgust.

Mackenzie’s face turns pink, making me smile, and I take my victory where I can.

She clears her throat. “Are you boys ready?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Liam says, grabbing his crutches.

“All right then.” I ruffle Nick’s hair. “Let’s go see those penguins.”

Nick squeals and bolts out the door, his excitement contagious.

I glance at Mackenzie, who watches him with that soft, affectionate look that makes my chest tighten. This—right here—is everything I never knew I wanted.

I reach for her hand and lace our fingers together.

She looks up at me, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

I squeeze her hand.

This, I want to make permanent.

EPILOGUE

MACKENZIE

A year and a half later.

“Congratulations, you did it!”

The words ring in my ears over and over again. From every speech, every toast, every well-wisher at my nursing pinning ceremony,You did itis the one phrase that sticks. And standing here, surrounded by friends and family on the back patio of our house, I finally believe it.

I did it.

I run my fingers over the nursing pin displayed proudly on my cap, a symbol of every sleepless night, every moment of self-doubt, every test that nearly broke me.

“You ever going to wear that sexist relic again?” Jill eyes my nurse’s cap like it personally set back feminism fifty years.

I laugh, setting it down on the counter and accepting the wineglass she offers. “It’s not that bad.”

She snorts. “It’s atrocious.”

“Well, no worries. This thing won’t be touching my head again. It’s purely ceremonial.”

“Thank God. Those poor old-time nurses must’ve had bald spots from all the bobby pins.”

I sip my wine as my gaze shifts across the patio and lands on Nate. He’s mid-conversation with Mark, throwing his head back in laughter, his carefree expression making my heart stutter. Damn, he wears happiness well.

Jill follows my line of sight. “So when do you start your job?”

“In three weeks. But I still have to pass my boards.” I exhale, rolling my shoulders to shake off the nerves. “I’ll be starting in Naperville General’s ER.”

Her brows lift. “ER? Thought you wanted Medix-Lift?”

“I do. But Nate and Carson think getting some ER experience first is better.”

Jill raises her glass. “Smart. And for what it’s worth, you’ll crush your boards.” Her voice softens. “I’m proud of you, Mack. You’ve come so far.”

I don’t take my eyes off Nate. “I couldn’t have done it alone.”

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