Page 63 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

Sally dashed tears from her wrinkled cheeks. “My boy, I can’t even tell you how proud I am to be your mom,” she said, voice cracking. “You scared the hell out of me, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from you—anything less than putting yourself in harm’s way to protect someone you care about. I love you so darn much.”

A soft rap at the door drew their attention to the doorway. The nurse who’d wheeled Sally in strode forward and gripped the handles of the wheelchair. “All right, Ms. Sally. Your son’s awake and now it’s time for you to return to your own room.”

Sally grumbled under her breath but patted Heath’s leg before turning watery eyes on Clara. “Take care of him for me.”

“I’ll try my best.” She waited for his mom to leave the room before fixing her attention back on Heath. “Do you need anything? Water? Food? A fluffier pillow?”

“I only need you, and I don’t mean just for the moment. I need you and those adorable kids of yours. I heard what you said back at the house. Those words sunk in and kept me sane, kept me fighting. Because I had to get back to you and tell you that I love you, too.”

Her heart swelled. “Are you sure? I mean, I come with a lot of baggage.”

“No baggage,” he said, his voice growing fainter. “You come with an adorable package that any man would be lucky to have. As long as that’s what you want.”

“I want nothing more,” she said. “But we don’t have to figure everything out now. You need rest, and when you’re all better, we have nothing but time.”

She gripped his hand as his eyes drifted closed. She’d been through hell and back, but she’d finally found her happily ever after.

* * *

Heath clutchedthe handle of the passenger door to brace himself as he stepped out of the car. The bright sun touched his face but couldn’t do much to battle the chill of late December. Not that he would complain. Being cooped up in the hospital was akin to torture, even if for only three days. He inhaled the fresh air, eternally grateful not to breathe in the scent of chemicals and strong cleaner.

“I told you to wait for me,” Clara scolded. She slammed the driver’s door and scurried around the hood in time to offer her arm for support.

She’d spent as much time as she could by his side in the hospital. The kids had visited once, but Clara didn’t want to overwhelm him, so they’d impatiently waited for his release at the shelter. Mrs. Collins and the rest of the volunteers had showered them with nothing but love and affection, making them feel safe and secure after their traumatic time with Mitch.

“I’m fine,” he said, letting Clara fuss over him. Her small stature didn’t offer much assistance, not that he needed it, but she felt useful which was all that mattered.

“You should have let me take you home first. There was no need to pick up the kids now.” She moved slowly along the sidewalk toward the old farmhouse.

“My house would feel way too empty and quiet without them, even for a minute. I want them to be a part of this new chapter from the very beginning.”

Clara stopped and frowned. The wind blew her hair in front of her eyes, and he tucked it behind her ear so nothing obscured his view of her beautiful face.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Are we sure this is the right move?”

The question was a gut-punch, but he understood her reluctance. They’d spent most of their time the last few days discussing the future and what that looked like. For him, it was simple.

He wanted Clara and the kids.

Clara’s decisions were more complicated and impacted more than herself.

He grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I want you and the kids to move in with me. I have no doubt that the three of you are my future. I love you and I love them. But if you think it’s too fast, I respect that. Mrs. Collins said you could stay here and once you sell the house, you’ll have money to buy your own place. We can take this as slow as you need.”

Her frown disappeared, replaced with the most breathtaking smile. “Have I told you lately you’re amazing?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Maybe.”

“You are,” she said then gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “The kids and I love you, too. You’ve made us all feel safe and special and adored. They need stability right now, and being in a home with two people who love and want to support them will only bring them good things. I don’t want to settle them into one situation, only to switch gears months later. Moving now not only makes the most sense, but it’s what I want.”

The fist around his gut released and he tugged her toward the porch. “Then let’s get those kids. I’ve missed them.”

He made his way up the steps and followed Clara inside the house.

Davey and Avery stood in front of the stairs, each holding a homemade sign with messy writing and colorful pictures.

“You’re here!” Avery squealed and rushed toward him.

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