Happily Ever After Collection - Melanie Moreland Page 0,71
I’d say not for a couple days.”
“Ugh. I want to go home. I’d rest better there. Especially with you to look after me—at least, once your arm heals.”
“It’s just a sprain. It got pinned when you rolled us.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You saved me. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
I frowned at her. “You shouldn’t have been on-site. You should have come to the trailer, and I would have had the crew member come to you.”
“I will next time.”
I snorted. “There won’t be a next time. You’re banned from all work sites in the future. Permanently banned.”
She got that stubborn look on her face I knew only too well.
“No arguing. Your father agrees.”
“Great. Now, I have the two of you ordering me around.”
“Get used to it.”
Her eyes began to dance. “What if I wanted to drop by for…another reason, Jackson?”
“Another reason?”
“Like the other day?”
I shifted slightly under the covers and chuckled. “I might bend the rules for that.”
“Yeah?”
“You’d have to come directly to the trailer. No wandering about.”
She slipped her hand under the covers, slowly trailing her fingers down and cupping me. “No wandering at all?”
I groaned. “Laura, a nurse or doctor could walk in any minute—never mind. God forbid, your father sees what you’re doing. I’m not sure he will ever be ready for that. If you keep doing that, there is going to be smirking and winking…”
“I like smirking and winking,” she whispered.
“I promise to show you lots of it when we get home and my head isn’t about to explode.”
She withdrew her hand right away. “Sorry.”
“Don’t ever be sorry. I love it when you touch me, but I think we need to wait until we get home.”
“Home?”
“My house, Laura. It becomes home when you’re there. And I’d like it to be home all the time—for both of us.”
“Jackson…”
“We’ve wasted enough time. I want you with me. I want to make a home and a life with you.”
“I want that too.”
“Marry me. Move in with me. Have babies with me.”
“In that order?”
“In whatever order you want. Just do all of them with me. Please.”
Her smile was as bright as the midday sun. “Yes.”
I kissed her and eased back onto the pillows. “I want to celebrate, but I think the only thing I can manage is some painkillers and a nap.”
She sighed. “Life with an old man. Guess I’d better get used to it.”
I chuckled. “I’ll make it up to you.”
She slipped out of my embrace. “I’ll go get the doctor.”
She paused at the door. “Jackson?” she called in a low lilt.
“Hmm?”
“Whenever you’re ready, I’m happy to work on those grandkids.”
“Kids, as in more than one, Laura?”
“Definitely.”
“I look forward to the smirking and winking. Lots of it.”
Her voice was tender. “I love you.”
That was all I needed. She was all I needed.
“I love you too.”
Chapter 6
Jackson
Laura plumped my pillows, then helped me settle back on them. She moved to the end of the bed, lifting my leg and sliding two more cushions under it, settling the removable cast in place.
“How’s that? Do you need another pillow?”
I smiled at her fretting. She’d been fussing over me ever since I came home, barely leaving my side. Reaching for her hand, I grabbed it, bringing the smooth palm to my mouth. “I’m fine, sweet girl. Relax, please.”
“Do you need any pain meds?”
“No. I think I need a nap.” I rolled my eyes. “Having a shower has never been such an exhausting endeavor before now.”
I finally felt clean. Laura had removed the air cast for a few moments, and thanks to the fact that I had a walk-in shower, I was able to sit on the bench and let the hot water pour over me, washing away the last of the hospital smell. I was dressed in clean clothes and tired, and the bed felt great.
Laura handed me a couple pills and a glass of water. “Take these and sleep for a while.”
“All I do is sleep,” I grumbled.
“Jackson,” she began, resting her hand on her hip and looking at me with exasperation. “You were badly injured. Your body needs time and lots of rest. And that, mister, is exactly what you’re going to get.”
I smirked at her. “I love it when you’re all bossy. Such a sexy little nurse you are.” I held out my arms. “Come here.”
She eyed me suspiciously, making me laugh.
“I was a good patient and took my meds. I’ll rest, but I want to hold you.”
Gingerly, she slipped in beside me, letting me pull her into my arms. I tugged