a few minutes. She already looked so much better. One of the social workers had gotten her some fresh clothes, and one of the nurses helped her wash her hair and brush her teeth. And then we said goodbye.
Tyler kept one hand on my elbow the whole way to the truck.
“I’m not the one who’s injured,” I said. He was the one who’d tackled Christopher to the ground. I’d heard the whole story from Thomas, who had stopped by the ER to check on both of us. We begged him to keep the pregnancy to himself, and he promised. We didn’t want Tyler’s mother and sister to hear the big news through the grapevine; we wanted to break the news ourselves.
“You are the one who’s carrying my child.”
I smiled to myself. I hadn’t expected to like the caveman attitude, but I did.
We didn’t talk much on the ride back to the farm, but we did hold hands. I could tell Tyler was frustrated that he was injured and wasn't operating at full capacity, but he didn’t seem angry, which was more than I’d hoped for.
I’d been afraid he was never going to speak to me again. Or that he’d say I was unfit, and demand full custody of the baby when he or she was born.
Tyler watched me like a hawk on the way inside.
“Okay, I appreciate the concern, but you’re the one who was stabbed today. Chill out.” Now it was my turn to take him by the elbow and guide him into the living area.
He lowered himself onto the couch gingerly.
“What can I get you? Aspirin? Tea? Beer? Some real painkillers?”
“A beer sounds good. I don’t want to take anything just yet. Maybe before bed.”
I brought him a bottle of beer and even took the cap off for him.
Obviously I couldn't drink, but I wished I could. I had the feeling this would be an uncomfortable conversation. But Tyler deserved answers, and I was going to do my best to give them to him.
I sat in the chair across from him. I wished I could snuggle next to him, but I didn’t feel like I had the right.
He took a sip of beer and studied my face. “We don’t have to talk now. I know I’m pretty demanding, but you look worn out.”
“Well, today was pretty rough. I got chased by a thug, crashed my car, and then ran through the woods. It started out great though. I loved having Thanksgiving here with your family.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“But the part where you had to leave really sucked. I was a nervous wreck the whole time.” I leaned back and rested my head against the chair. “You can ask your mom.”
“I don’t often get stabbed as the sheriff, but I do have to leave unexpectedly quite a bit.”
I nodded. It was part of the job, but he wasn’t usually called out on a case because of me. “You got stabbed because I’m here.” I tried, but I couldn't quite keep my voice steady.
“Come here,” he said, patting the cushion beside him.
I got up and joined him on the couch, where he wrapped his arms around me. “I get that you feel guilty, but stop beating yourself up. It’s not healthy.”
I scooted away when I saw him wincing. “I know. It’s not good for that baby.”
He looked into my eyes. “It’s not good for you either.” He brushed his hand over my cheek. “I want the baby to be safe, but I want you healthy too.”
I swallowed hard. I didn’t know what to do with all his protective concern.
“Ava. I love you,” he said.
Relief washed over me. Finally. I could say it back. “I love you too.”
“I liked the way that sounded.” He kissed my nose. “I don’t want any more apologies. Yes, you misled me, but I understand the reasoning behind it. But I need you to promise me that you won’t do it again. If we’re going to raise a child together, then we have to be honest with each other.”
“I knew I needed to be honest with you about Jenny. But I still have the mindset of trying to keep stuff to myself and deal with it alone. It’s definitely hardwired into my brain.”
“Mine too. So we’ll just have to go out of our way to avoid that.”
He kissed me again, this time on the lips.
“What about your stitches?”
“They’ll be fine,” he said, deepening the kiss.
I wasn’t sure about that, but I was not going to