Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,25
pants were too big on her and her normally perfectly-curled hair was flat in spots and frizzy in others. She had no makeup on and her gorgeous brown skin looked drained and pale.
She was still beautiful.
He stared at her and asked far too passionately, “Can I hold you?” The words seemed to rip from him.
“Yes!” Her face and her green eyes lit up as she said that one magnificent word.
Ren rushed across the space and swept her into his arms. He gave her a quick kiss but contented himself with having her close and staring into her beautiful face.
“Oh, boy,” Grams groaned. “Can you please try to let her rest?”
“Yes, Grams,” he said obediently.
Mavyn grinned up at him. “Yes, Grams,” she repeated.
Ren carried her across the living area and settled down on the couch with her still in his arms. She cuddled in close and murmured against his cheek, “I was afraid I’d never get back here.”
He nodded. “I know exactly what you mean.”
Grams was bustling about the kitchen shoving things in the fridge and pantry.
He lowered his voice and asked, “Can we talk about what happened?”
She stared up at him. “You mean your prophecy that God would bring me back to you?”
She was willing to admit to God’s hand at least. “That …” He took a breath and rushed out, “And how you feel about me, about us?”
Her eyes widened slightly.
He felt a dart of fear. She wasn’t going to let down her guard with him easily.
“Most men I’ve dated play games. You don’t even know what that means, do you?”
He didn’t want to think about her dating any other man. “I don’t have time for games,” he admitted. “Especially when I know I’ve found the one I’m meant to be with.”
She cuddled against him and sighed as if it was the perfect spot for her. “I would be open to telling you how I feel,” she said quietly, though something in her voice said it scared her. “Do you mind if I take a quick nap first?”
“Not at all. Grams would beat me if I didn’t let you rest.”
“I heard that,” Grams called as she wiped the counter.
“Just being obedient,” Ren countered.
Grams chuckled. “Take good care of her. I’ll see you both soon.” With that, she grabbed her coat and purse and hurried out the door.
Ren focused on the beautiful woman in his arms. “Are you comfortable?”
“Very.” She sighed and ran her hand over his shoulder. “Thank you for coming for me, Ren.”
“I’m glad I listened.”
“Did the Spirit really tell you to come?” she asked.
“Yes. Grams had all but convinced me to slow down and give you some space, but all I wanted to do was chase you to the airport, even after I’d told you God would bring you back to me. I was so antsy and keyed up. Something about the brightness of your eyes when you said ‘Watch me’ told me that despite your words and your actions, you cared as deeply as I did.”
“I think I care more deeply than you do,” she murmured.
His pulse sped up and he gave her a tender kiss. There was no way she could feel as deeply as he did and still walk away from him, but he wasn’t going to argue with her when she was finally in his arms.
“And then you came after me?” she prompted.
“I was praying nonstop, trying to trust in the impression I had to let you go, but I wanted a different answer. Suddenly it came and I knew…even though I was supposed to let you go this morning, it was time to chase after you. At the same instant, Grams got fed up with my pacing and said, ‘Get on with it, Prince Charming, and go find your Cinderella.’” He smiled, remembering. “So I burned it out of here in my truck. I had no idea you never made it to the airport until I spotted that idiot James carrying you to his truck.” His chest burned just thinking of it.
“But you saved me. You’re such a hero, Ren. My hero.” Her eyes were getting droopy and it was obvious she was fighting exhaustion.
“You rest,” Ren insisted. “We’ll talk when you’re feeling better.”
“Okay,” she acquiesced. “But I do need to tell you. I now believe God does answer prayers.”
With those startling words, she closed her eyes and within moments was breathing evenly.
Ren held her while happy thoughts played in his head. She believed. She must have been praying hard on that