And right now she could claim this man as hers, at least for a little while.
A yawn caught her by surprise. She might be more tired than she’d let herself believe. She eyed Declan again. He seemed to be resting comfortably. So, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to lay her head down on the mattress beside him. Would it?
She yawned again and did just that, crossing her arms on the bed with his arm and hand under hers—her fingers gripping his. She ignored the antiseptic smells surrounding her, focusing only on Declan and the comforting, steady beat from the heart monitor—letting the sound roll over her as she took in and let out the first relaxed breath she’d taken in what seemed like forever.
"Declan," she murmured and squeezed his fingers. Then she closed her eyes and let herself drift off.
* * *
"Mmm…" Hope slowly opened her eyes to a hand stroking over her head. She frowned, then froze at the low, raspy, "Hope?"
Declan was awake.