That boy adores you.” He squeezed her hand. “So do I.”
“I’m glad you came back into my life. If you could do anything that you wanted tomorrow, what would you do?”
“Find a justice of the peace and slide a wedding ring on your finger.”
She stared, her heart skipping a beat. “Are you serious?”
“Oh, yeah, baby. I’m dead serious. However, I won’t rush you. I know you want your father to be there, and you need time to be sure I’m really the man you want for a husband.” He leaned over and kissed her. “One day soon, I’ll ask you to marry me.”
“When you do, I’ll say yes.”
“Maybe I’ll rush you a little,” he murmured. “I want to come home to you every night.”
“We’re a matched pair, Rafe. I want the same thing. I don’t want a long engagement.”
The waitress approached with their orders. After they finished their meals, they drove to the pet store.
Kristi had a blast shopping for Oliver. When they loaded the purchases into the SUV, Oliver’s supplies filled the cargo area. “I guess we’ll have to wait until next week to go to Otter Creek.”
“Why? Deidre’s coming Monday to start work. Between her and Jill, they’ll help you catch up on tasks you delay for a day or two.”
“But Dad’s still in the hospital.”
“He’s under a doctor’s care and has a Fortress paramedic with him around the clock. Oliver will be a great family dog. I bet your father will love him. We’ll tell Alan about the trip to Otter Creek and see if he minds you being out of town for a day.”
“You’re on a first name basis with Dad?”
“When I told him I loved you and wanted to marry you, he insisted.”
“That’s what you talked about when he kicked me out of the room.”
“He knew how you felt about me. Your father was doing his job, Kristi. Protecting his daughter.” He glanced at her before refocusing on the road. “He loves you.”
“Whatever you said must have impressed Dad for him to give you his blessing.”
“I answered as many of his questions as I could. Some things I couldn’t answer for security reasons. The same will be true with you. I’ll tell you as much as I can.”
An hour later, they met Eli and Brenna at Kristi’s house. “How are you feeling, sugar?” Eli asked Kristi.
“My pain medicine has worn off.”
“Go inside and take your meds,” Rafe said. “You can show Brenna around while Eli helps me unload Oliver’s gear. She’ll appreciate all the lace and pearls.”
“You’re adopting Oliver?’ Brenna asked. “He’s the sweetest dog.”
“Deke introduced me to him while I was in Otter Creek. I love Oliver.”
“Where’s your daughter?” Rafe asked Eli.
“With Jon and Dana.”
For the next two hours, she and Rafe visited with Eli and his wife. When Kristi yawned, Eli said, “Get some rest. I’ll be on watch tonight. Brenna will keep me company.”
“Sounds like a great plan. Rafe made mini cinnamon rolls this morning. They’re in the refrigerator. Help yourself to whatever you and Brenna need.”
“Thanks, sugar. Sleep, Rafe. I’ll keep an eye on things.”
“Yes, sir.” After giving Brenna a one-armed hug, Rafe walked upstairs with Kristi. He kissed her. “I love you.”
“I love you, Rafe.”
“I’ll be close if you need me.” He nudged her inside her room and went to his own.
Kristi finished her bedtime routine quickly, crawled into bed, and fell into a dreamless sleep.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
“Go to Otter Creek, sweetheart,” Alan Stewart said. “I’m not going anywhere.” He frowned. “The doctor won’t release me for two more days. Rafe’s friends are taking care of me, and they’re good company. Bring Oliver home. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
Rafe relaxed. Excellent. He’d already contacted the two sets of detectives and informed them that he and Kristi would be out of town for two days. While the detectives weren’t happy about it, they admitted having many loose ends to tie up regarding the case against Ward, Fleming, and Hale, as well as the other men Ward and Hale hired to kidnap Kristi and her father. For a man without much cash, Ward threw money around to get the assistance he needed to pull off his scheme.
“Are you sure?” Kristi asked. “We can ask Deke to watch Oliver for a few more days. I don’t think he’d mind.”
“It’s obvious that you love Oliver. Bring him home. Once I’m out of the hospital, bring him to the house so I can meet him.”
“All right. Do you need anything before we go, Dad?”