Page 142 of Need You Now

“She almost died, and that’s what you have to say,” Seth seethes. “I’m sorry? Fuck you, Beau. You did this to her. This is on you.”

This time, he can’t find forgiveness. Or pity. Not with what Beau did to Lacey. Not when Seth gave him a chance, and he fucked it up. Hurt the woman he loves.

No sympathy. Not anymore.

Beau stares at Seth, vacant-eyed. “I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

The words light a fire, send fury boiling through his veins, and Seth lunges for Beau again. Jace and Griff slash forward to catch him, Luke thundering a warning to calm the hell down, but a soft gasp from Alabama has them all freezing.

Sal and the doctor stand at the bottom of the staircase.

Everyone quiets. Quickly.

Seth’s mouth goes dry. “How is she?” he asks anxiously.

The doctor surveys the room, transferring his bag to his other hand. “I treated Lacey for a case of mild hypothermia. Her lungs are clear of water and her core temperature has come back up. She’s stable and will make a full recovery. Right now, the most important thing is to keep her warm and monitor her throughout the next few days.” He looks down at Sal. “It would be a good idea if someone stayed with her tonight.”

Sal nods. “Thank you.”

Seth lets out a breath, relief nearly capsizing him.

Luke steps forward, keeping a wary eye on Seth and Beau as he shakes hands with the doctor. “Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it.”

A long beat of silence as the doctor exits the house. Then Seth turns to Beau. His clenched fists ache to do damage. But he ain’t gonna do it here. Not now. Not with Lacey needing him. “If you come near Lacey again, if you fucking set foot in the same room as her,” Seth says, taking a step toward Beau, “I’ll kill you.”

Beau nods, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Helplessly, he looks around at the group, his haunted eyes finally settling on Sal. “Will you tell her I’m sorry?”

Fire flares in Sal’s eyes. “Get him out of here, Luke.” Her voice stays steady. Her heart hard, she has no intention of easing Beau’s guilt. “Get him away from me. Now.”

Beau flinches. All the blood drains from his face.

Jace steps forward, his arm out. “C’mon, man. We’re gonna have a talk.” With that, he walks Beau down the hall to the exit.

And then Luke’s right there beside Sal, pulling her to him. Sal, her eyes cloudy with tears, her hands on the swell of the belly, leans into Luke.

“Sal, you’re exhausted, mama,” Alabama prods gently.

When Sal starts to protest, Luke shakes his head, wrapping his arms around her. “Alabama’s right. You’ve been on your feet all day. I want you restin’ now darlin’.”

“I’m fine,” Sal says, her smile tired, but relieved. “Lacey’s okay. That’s all that matters.”

Seth’s throat knots in gratefulness. Sal’s done so much for Lacey. For him, too. Because he never would have survived this without her. He owes Lacey’s life to Sal. Hell, he owes his own life to Sal.

As if sensing his very thoughts, Sal looks at Seth. He walks over to take her into his arms, hugging her fiercely, preciously. As they hang onto each other, that old friendship, that familiar love passes between them.

“Thank you,” he whispers into her ear.

She pulls away to stare at him. “Lacey’s asleep, but she was asking for you,” she urges, squeezing his hand.

He nods. “I’ll stay with her tonight.”

After a second glance at Sal, making sure she’s okay, he lets go of her hand and starts for the stairs.

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