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“Good,” I said, uncomfortable with the shift in conversation and the sudden welcoood I’ to be okay”

“Brenna and Mom are up there,” Lily said “In case they have any news, but he’s in surgery now, so we’re all just waiting Everyone forced et some fresh air”

“I know you want to ith ’e Olive’s carrier a little “But you need to get off your feet and Olive doesn’t need to spend the night in the hospital”

“Okay,” I said, relieved that he’d given me an out If Lily needed me, I’d be there absolutely, but Jesus, I needed a little space I needed some quiet A few moments to let the day sink in A little tis were different now, that ere both okay and safe

I desperately wanted to climb into bed with Mark and the baby and shut out the world for a few days

“Woody said you were shot today,” Rose said uncomfortably as she stepped forward “Are you okay?”

“Just sore,” I replied “I earing a vest”

“Lucky,” she murmured

“This one likes to be prepared,” I replied, tilting my head toward Mark “We’ll see you later” I turned to Lily “Keep me updated?”

“Of course,” she said, her lips tilting up on one side in a half-smile

“Get so onna talk”

I nodded It was tih in the aftero

I didn’t meet anyone’s eyes as Mark turned me around and led us away, so I was surprised at the pair of black boots that stood betweenin the middle of the sidewalk

“Theyhis head toward Lily, “but I sahat you did today”

I nodded jerkily, the pain in his eyesmy stomach twist

His hands caently, almost reverently “I owe ya, sweetheart”