Page 37 of Fractured Memories

“You can say that again.”

He reached for a bakery bag on the nightstand and opened it. The scent of warm sugar and blueberries wafted out. “Cassie came by earlier to check on you. Shebrought breakfast.” He handed her a muffin with a crunchy streusel topping.

Felicity’s stomach growled. She took a bite and sighed with pleasure. “Now all I need is some coffee.”

Noah's cell phone dinged, and he grinned. “It’s on the way. Aunt Imogene, Uncle Sam, Amber, and Harper are in the elevator.”

Moments later, Noah’s family poured into the room. Felicity’s heart expanded at the sight of them, but her gaze shot straight to Harper, who was dressed in cute shorts and a tiger T-shirt. The little one shot straight across the room with a broad smile on her face. Noah had been right. She was fine. Thank God.

“Fee!” Harper squealed with excitement and attempted to climb on the bed.

Her curls bounced when Noah lifted her into his arms. “Fee has some boo-boos. Be gentle, okay?”

“Okay.” She grinned back, her dimples flashing.

Felicity held out her arms and Noah deposited Harper next to her. She wrapped the child in an embrace and kissed the top of her head, breathing in her baby scent. Love swelled inside her, bigger than anything she could’ve imagined. Then her gaze snagged Noah’s. Tears shimmered in his eyes. It caused a lump in her throat.

Imogene kissed her cheek. “How are you feeling, sweetie?”

“Much better, thanks.”

“We brought you some coffee.” Amber came forward to hand Felicity a takeaway cup. A shy smile graced the teenager’s face. “I wasn’t sure how you liked it, so I toldthem black. Cousin Noah says all cops drink their coffee black.”

Felicity laughed. “Black is perfect.”

Chief Garcia wore a wrinkled uniform and a five-o’clock shadow coated his jawline. He patted Noah on the shoulder in a manly greeting. “I’ve been up all night processing the paperwork and listening in on Daniel’s confession. We have a lot to discuss, but we can do that over the next few days.” Sam offered a tired smile. “Grady and Tucker are eager to see you. I told them it might be better to wait until this afternoon. Let you get some more rest before the entire group descends on you.”

Imogene laughed. “Actually, it might be easier to have a gathering at my house with everyone. Jason and Nathan have been calling to check on you, too, along with their wives. We can do it in a couple of days. Unless…” Her voice trailed off. “You don’t think you’ll be feeling up to it.”

“I’ll be fine.” She sipped her coffee. Harper spotted the muffin on the table over the bed, and realizing she wanted some, Felicity broke off a piece and handed it to her. “But I don’t want to put you out.”

“Nonsense. I love having people over.” She patted Felicity’s foot. “After you’re released from the hospital, you’re coming to the ranch to spend a few days and recuperate. We’re going to make sure you get lots of R&R.” She pinned her with a look. “Not one word otherwise, missy. We’re so grateful—” Her voice choked up. Sam placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder in silent comfort, and Imogene laughed. “My emotions are running awaywith me. Anyway, we’re grateful all of you are okay. It’s something to celebrate.”

Warmth flooded Felicity’s chest. “I’d love that.”

“Okay, then.” She clapped her hands together. “Well, we don’t want to overtire you.” Imogene frowned. “Harper, honey, you’ve gotten crumbs all over the bed.”

Harper giggled. Felicity shook out the sheets and planted another kiss on the little girl’s head. “That’s all right. I like crumbs. Want some more muffin?”

“More, more, more!” She bounced with each word, and the mattress rattled Felicity’s body. Her stitches pulled on the swollen and tender skin on her leg.

Felicity tried to hide her wince, but Noah immediately picked up on it. He scooped up his daughter and smothered her in kisses and tickles. “I think it’s time you say bye to Fee. You can come back later to see her.”

Harper waved, her innocent smile reaching inside Felicity’s chest and squeezing her heart hard. She waved back. “Bye, honey. See you soon.”

The group left. Noah shut the door behind them and came back to her bedside. “You okay? Need some pain meds?”

“Nope.” She snagged his hand. “But I wouldn’t say no to a kiss.”

He didn’t disappoint, sweeping down to capture her lips with his. Everything faded. The beep of the hospital equipment, the pain in her leg, and the feel of the mattress underneath her body. Nothing mattered except this strong, wonderful man and the feelings he created inside her. Felicity kissed him back with all the passion inher heart. When Noah finally pulled away, they were both breathless.

“Fee…” He cupped her face with his palm. His fingers dipped into her hair and a delicious sensation traveled down her neck and into her core. “We promised to go slowly. And we will, but you should know my intentions. One day, I want to make you my wife. I hope that doesn’t scare you.”

“It doesn’t scare me. We should give Harper some time to get used to the idea of us, and I need to work on figuring out a work-life balance, but nothing would make me happier than to be Mrs. Felicity Hodge.” She met his gaze. She saw forever in his eyes. “I love you, Noah.”

“I love you too.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

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