Page 59 of The Geography of Happiness

“Was that Spencer?” Zach’s chair scraped back across the floor.

I nodded. “He’s just arrived back here.”

Zach’s gaze lingered hot on my face. “I’ll head to the waiting room and give you two some space.”

I glanced his way, hoping my feelings weren’t as transparent as I suspected they were. “There’s no need to wait. Go home, Zach. I’ll text you what’s happening once the doctor’s been.”

He didn’t look happy. “But what if you need a lift back to the station? And what about Gabby?”

“I’ll make sure they get where they need to go.” A familiar voice came from behind and Zach and I spun to where Spencer stood in the open doorway, watching us.

“I hope it’s all right, me being here.” He looked warily between us. “It occurred to me that I didn’t really ask.” His eyes met mine and the sight of him had me teetering on the verge of tears... again.

Like with him in the room, I could breathe again.

“Better than all right,” I answered shakily, waving him inside.

Zach stood and offered Spencer his chair, his gaze flicking between us, letting me know we weren’t fooling anyone. “Like I said, I’ll get you where you need to go,” he repeated, taking Zach’s seat. “But only if it’s okay with you.” His gaze remained steady on mine, and all I could think wasIt was. It so fucking was.

“Thank you,” I answered, finding it hard to rip my eyes from his, drinking in the calmness that I so needed. “I have no idea how long it might take though.”

“Let him stay, Dad, please.” Hannah poked her head above the covers. “Is Gabby okay, Spencer?”

The sound of Spencer’s name rolling off Hannah’s tongue set my belly a wobbling.

Spencer smiled. “She’s absolutely fine, all except for the part where she’s missing you,” he reassured Hannah. “I had to shave a fair bit of her hair off, but her wounds are clean and sutured. The bit that’s missing some skin will need covering for a while until it forms a scab, but it will grow back in time. How areyoufeeling? I hear you have a concussion.”

Hannah nodded. “My head feels like a split pumpkin.”

Which made everyone laugh—a bloody miracle, all considered.

Spencer winced. “Well, that sucks. But you’re gonna have an awesome shiner to go with a pretty impressive story. Knocked out in a graveyard by a rabid dog perhaps? Or maybe attacked by the ghost of a pioneer gold miner? There’s scope for excellent exaggeration there. My advice is to milk it for all it’s worth.”

“Oh my god,” Zach groaned.

But Hannah only giggled, and the clear reassuring sound of it soared in my heart.

“Just imagine what Judah’s gonna say?” I played along and Hannah beamed broad enough for me to almost ignore the dry blood cracking at the corner of her mouth.

“Can I call him tonight? Please?”

I squeezed her hand. “We’ll see.” I turned to Spencer who was still smiling at my daughter. “I don’t know if they’re going to discharge her tonight or not. But even if they do, I’m not sure I want to be too far away from here for tonight, at least.”

Spencer’s brown eyes grew dark with concern. “Then I’ll either stay and keep you company for the night, or you can have the spare room at mine. Or if they do release Hannah, then you can both stay with me. Whatever happens, I’ve got you covered.” His gaze flicked to Zach. “I mean it. I’ll look after them. When you let Gil know, tell him I don’t want him blowing up my phone. You know what he’s like.”

Zach snorted. “Thanks for the cheery reminder, since it’s going to be me who has to deal with him, but are you sure?” There was a troubled edge to his expression. “It doesn’t feel right leaving you here when Hannah was my responsibility. I feel like I let her down,bothof you.” His gaze flicked to me.

“It wasn’t your fault.” Hannah rolled to her back and held a trembling hand out for Zach to take. “You’re the best trainer ever. You took care of me and got me here super-fast. I knew I was safe.”

Shit.Guilt rolled through my belly. I’d been so busy being pissed at the accident that I hadn’t even considered Zach’s quick response to it. Or how he’d been there for Hannah when she really needed him. “Youdidn’tlet me down, Zach,” I said with what I hoped was enough force to convince him. “And I’m really sorry if I made you feel like you did. You might say I lost it a little.” I pressed a kiss to Hannah’s forehead. “And it wasn’t your fault either, muffin.”

The smile Hannah returned trembled just a little at the corners, but it was there, and that was all I needed. “Will Gabby be staying with us?” Hannah’s eyes pleaded for me to say yes. “She’ll worry otherwise.”

I swallowed a smile. “Of course. But maybe we should check with Spencer that it’s okay first?” I looked up to find Spencer moving his chair further up the bed until he was opposite where I sat.

“Absolutely she can, as soon as the drugs have worn off.” He smiled warmly at Hannah. “She’s a service dog, right? Where else would she be? By your side is where she belongs, either here or at my house.”

Hannah perked up. “Thanks, Spencer. Can I still see Miller sometime?”

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