Page 144 of Beautiful Exile

I leaned forward, making sure Isaiah saw my eyes. “None of this is on you. Hannah’s mind is…broken, and it latched on to you as a life preserver.”

A muscle along his jaw ticked, but he nodded.

“Good,” I said, sinking back against the sofa and Linc.

Dr. Avery smiled at me as he rose from his spot on the coffee table. “Good to see your spirits haven’t been dulled.”

“Never,” I said, returning his grin. “Thank you for coming all the way out here so I didn’t have to go to the ER.”

He patted my knee as he rose. “Happy to help. But let’s stay out of harm’s way for a while, okay?”

“I think that’s an excellent plan,” Nora said, walking into the space, Lolli behind her. “Here. Some tea.” She rounded the couch and set the saucer on the table.

“I tried to slip the good stuff in, but my girl’s too fast,” Lolli groused.

Nora shook her head. “And I always will be.”

“Remember to keep that hand dry for twenty-four hours,” Dr. Avery called as he headed for the door. “Cover it in plastic wrap if you take a shower.”

“I think I’ll opt for a bath,” I assured him. My muscles needed it anyway.

“I’ll walk you out,” Cope said, rising.

“You need to go, too,” I pressed. “You should’ve left hours ago.”

Cope, Sutton, and Luca were supposed to take Linc’s plane back to Seattle right after the fundraiser so he could attend some important team meetings tomorrow.

Cope stared me down as if I’d grown a second head. “You were attacked. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Barely,” I argued.

“Did someone try to stab you or not?” Cope asked, exasperation coating his words.

“Please, don’t remind me,” Nora said, wringing her hands.

I sent my brother a pointed look. “They may have tried, but they failed. All I got was a cut that barely needed liquid stitches. I’m fine. Better than fine because the person who did all of this is in county lockup. I’m safe. I can breathe. And so should my family.” I took a deep breath. “I love you all so much.” The words burned as they made their way out of my throat, but they left beautiful scars in their wake. “I’m so lucky to have you. But I never want you to stop living your lives because you’re worried about me.”

Cope’s shoulders straightened. “You said you love us.”

“Because I do.”

“I know,” he croaked. “We all know. But you almost never say it.”

My gaze flicked to Linc, staying there. “Someone taught me that it’s important to say the words.”

“Hell,” Cope muttered. “I wanted to at least give Linc a black eye for hooking up with my sister, but he’s good for you.”

Linc chuckled, turning to Cope. “Sorry?”

“You should be. You stole my brotherly right.”

Sutton crossed to Cope and wrapped her arms around him. “I think you’ll live. But Arden’s right. We should get back to Seattle. You’re working too hard to get back on the ice to throw it away now.”

Cope’s eyes met mine. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Just as they were about to get Luca from his movie fest with Keely, new voices sounded. Trace and Anson strode down the hall, coming up short at the full house that had gathered. They both looked…tired.

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