Willow woke up to find her hands and feet freed from their constraints. “Am I…was I having a nightmare?”
Steve was holding her head. “No, Honey, you weren’t dreaming. Doctor Drake is dead. Alex is at the police station.” He wiped her forehead. “Embry is on her way. Everything is going to be okay.”
She sat up and looked at the stained spot on her floor. “I can’t stay here, Steve. I can’t wake up to that every day.”
He held her. “I’ve got a plan. My sister has that apartment we had dinner in. You’ll stay there and I’ll make sure this place gets the remodel you’ve been wanting. I’ll take care of everything. Just trust me.”
She laid her head back on his lap. “How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?”
“I think we’re both blessed to have each other.”
She was silent for a minute. “He planned on killing me, Steve.” She began to panic. “Then he was going to hurt Embry. Alex isn’t going to be charged with murder, is he?”
“Alex is not being charged with murder. The doctor’s death was self-defense, plain and simple. Alex will have to answer for his part in the dog fighting ring, whatever that may be, but I have a feeling the judge is going to go easy on him because he chose to come here and make sure you and his daughter were safe. That took guts. Especially from a guy who tends to run from responsibility.”
Willow nodded. “Yes, he was brave. I’ve never heard him sound so resolute. It was like he had come to terms with the fact he may die trying to save us. There was no fear. No humor. No compromise. He didn’t flinch when it came time to fire the gun. He just did what had to be done.” She settled back down then said, “I need a vacation.”
***
A week later Willow was watching the foal run around the round pen, waiting on Embry who decided she wanted horseback riding lessons. Steve pulled up to give her an update on the house.
She smiled as she listened to him talk about new drywall and flooring. He was enjoying the remodel. Even if he was still in demolition mode. Perhaps that was why he was enjoying the project so much. A wall can be a great thing to take one’s frustration out on. He then told her Doctor Drake wasn’t even a veterinarian. He was a fake. She listened to him go on about the case and how Alex got off with probation since he’d never profited from any of the dog fighting. He promised he’d come back for the wedding but Willow was doubtful that would happen.
Once he quieted down, Willow pulled out an envelope and handed it to Steve.
“What’s this?”
“I’ve had this in my purse since Valentine’s Day.
He opened his card. There was a large red foil heart on the front with the question, do you know what I love about you? Inside simply read, “Everything!”
He grinned. “I thought, I mean, you never said…”
She smiled. “I never said I love you back, did I? I was going to, then we got distracted and well, I’m saying it now.” She kissed him. “I love you, Steve Grice.”
He sighed. “Woman, it’s about time. Ever since our picnic I’ve wondered…well, I just wasn’t sure…”
She hushed him with her kiss.
THE END