Page 55 of About Time You Noticed

It would take all her willpower to make a statement in front of the whole town. But with the adrenaline racing through her, she could pull it off. Sarah snatched the megaphone and rushed three steps forward. "Friends and family, thank you for your support in searching for Tommy. He is safe and doing okay." She took a deep breath. "Today, I realized how much I love my best friend. I don’t want a life without him." She swallowed. "Mom. Dad. I know you're out there, even though I can't see you. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. Ethan, Jake, Damien—I have an important announcement to make." She squealed. "I’m going to marry Tommy."

Cheers broke out from all directions in the wilderness. Whistles and calls of congratulations echoed in the night air. The love and support of her community meant the world to her. Ethan’s distinct voice overcame them all. “About time he noticed.”

***

TOMMY'S BRAIN FOGGED from exhaustion and all the fuss. The bright lights and the continuous blip of machines around him weren't his idea of rest—the doctor’s orders. Nurses allowed one visitor at a time, but Sarah was the only person he needed back by his side. Mom and Dad had taken their turns, congratulating him on the engagement. When their words registered, he reined in his surprise. Word got around fast. It hadn’t been a dream. In the bushes, Sarah spoke about getting married. He’d rested his eyes a moment, and she’d disappeared. When they were lifting him onto the stretcher and pain shot through his ribs, he’d heard Sarah's voice near the men around him. She’d announced something about him being okay. A few moments later, people cheered.

Mom promised to pass the latest update to Sarah. He only had a fractured rib and a massive lump on the back of his head, which caused the concussion. He remained on a hydrating drip, but other than that, all tests showed he would recover fine.

A different nurse came in and drew back the privacy curtain along its rail and removed a clipboard from the end of the bed. She checked his heart monitor and vitals, then scribbled notes. After placing it back in its holder, she came and stood beside him. "Anything I can get for you, Mr. Henderson?"

"I'd like to see Sarah now if I can."

"Sarah? Do you mean Becca, your sister? She's out there waiting with a friend."

"Sarah. My . . . fiancée." Soon, once he shed this hospital gown and could manage a decent proposal.

"Oh, of course. What's her last name?"

"Hall."

"Okay, I'll see if she's still here."

A few minutes later, the nurse returned and opened the curtain for Sarah before leaving them alone. Sarah looked as tired as he felt. Her ponytail hung low, and several loose strands hung against the smears of dirt across her forehead. She still wore her riding outfit and needed to go home and change. How long had she been waiting out there?

"Hey," he croaked and winced. Projecting his voice, even a little bit, made his side hurt.

Her brows bunched together in worry. "Hey, yourself." She dragged a chair and sat beside him, taking his hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

She raised his palm to her lips, then pressed the back of his hand to her cheek. "I've never been so scared in my life. I'm so glad you're okay."

"Sorry for what I put you through."

She gently shook her head. "It's not your fault you don't know how to ride." She grinned. "I think you need more lessons."

"I agree."

She tilted her head. "What happened out there? Do you remember?"

"The horse got spooked. Something in the bushes. Took off. Grip not tight enough. Ducked branches. Blanked out. Couldn't move. Dreamed of people calling my name. Shouting to run from the tornado.”

Sarah’s brows shot up.

He smiled. “Then you were there. Chopper lights silhouetting your face. My angel."

"Aww, Tom." She blinked, and tears brimmed at the base of her eyelids. "After what happened, I understand why you did what you did. Today, I feared for your safety, and it hurt to lose you." A single tear trailed her cheek, washing the dust in its path. "You only meant to protect me."

He smiled, thankful she understood he had good intentions. "Do you know what else I remember?"

Her cheeks turned a hue of red.

"You said when I got better . . ." He took a slow breath. Speaking so much made his head spin. "We should get married."

She laughed softly. "Um. Yeah. It's kind of all over the community pages on social media."

He brushed the pad of his thumb across her jawline. "I can't wait for you to become my wife, Sarah."

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