Page 89 of Liam

Tears pooled in Jamal's eyes, and he started shaking. "I've never been so scared, Liam."

I released his chin, wrapped my arms around him, and hugged him far too tightly. I never wanted to let him go ever again. I wanted to keep him safe. I brushed my cheek against his.

This was the man I wanted to spend eternity with.

"I love you," I whispered in his ear.

He clung to my shoulder with his good arm, and then my neck, balling up my jacket in his fist. He snuffled against my neck, crying harder, his tears dampening my skin.

"I love you too."

The peace that came over me was palpable. I'd never experienced anything that felt this right before. I kissed his cheek. "Beautiful man … you've entirely stolen my heart."

He kissed my cheek again and again. "Let's go home."

"Are you sure? I'd feel better if I took you to the hospital." I moved so I'd be able to use my legs. With my arms around Jamal's waist and him clinging to my neck, I lifted him off the floor, pivoted, and placed him in his wheelchair. I set each of his feet on the footrests.

"We'll just end up waiting forever."

"Jamal."

Jamal rolled his eyes. "Fine. But we're picking up snacks on the way."

"You're hungry after all that?"

"No, but eating might distract me."

After putting Jamal's coat on his good arm, the other side draped around his shoulder, I flicked off the lights and locked up the centre. I pushed Jamal down the street toSalish Caféand retrieved my car, thankful it wasn't raining. Jamal had to instruct me on how to disassemble the wheelchair to fit in the back of my car after I lifted him onto the passenger seat.

We did stop for snacks.

I was thankful for them when I saw the number of people sitting in the waiting room of the hospital. The television screen on the wall said the average wait time to see a doctor was six hours and forty minutes. The release time was eight hours and twenty minutes. We were in for a long haul. I helped Jamal text Meera, reporting the assault and assuring her we'd keep her in the loop.

Jamal took my hand once we were settled in our seats.

I entwined my fingers tightly with his and vowed not to let go no matter what kind of looks we received. This was the man I loved. And he loved me back.

"Mamma made a good point today," I said.

Jamal looked along his shoulder at me. "She usually does. What did she say?"

"She told me it was my ego getting in the way of us reconciling."

Tipping his head slightly, Jamal raised his eyebrows. "And do you agree?"

"What you told me challenged me. I wanted to hear it wasmyfault you broke up with me because that's where my ego resides. In my self-deprecation. I gravitated toward fear."

Jamal leaned against me. "What are you afraid of?"

So many things, but when it came to Jamal, there was one that threatened to drag me under.

"I'm afraid to fall in love and then be abandoned."

Jamal clung to my arm and kissed my shoulder. "Oh, sweet man. I'd never abandon you."

I frowned. "You broke up with me."

"And I came back. I knew I couldn't live without you. After Richard, I thought I might never find anyone again. Someone I could share love with. At times, I felt as if it would be an apt punishment for me to be alone for the rest of my life. And then you came along."

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