Page 49 of Laying it Bare on the Run

“My fiancée stays here.” Cannon gave her what I was pretty sure was the ‘officer look.’

And while the title of fiancée should have thrown me for a curve, my fatigued frame of mind glossed right over it.

“You need your rest, Sir. You just came out of surgery.” She countered.

“And even though she wasn’t shot, she’s been through immense trauma too. I’ll sleep better having her with me. And she won’t be any trouble. You don’t even need to bring her a cot. I have a spot right beside me by my good leg.”

Frowning, the nurse gave a slight head shake and busied herself with finishing up with his vitals. “Do you need any more pain medication other than what is in your IV?”

“No. I’m a little sore but I don’t want to be any more out of it. Thank you. If the pain gets worse, I’ll let you know.”

After giving him a nod, she headed out of the room.

I lay my head on the bed beside Cannon’s waist and he ran his fingers through my hair. “Do you need anything to eat, Harper? The cafeteria is probably closed here but we can figure something out.”

“I can see if I can find somewhere open nearby and run something back.” Joe offered.

“No, thank you. I’m fine. I’m not hungry at all. I’m content just being here with you. Besides, I’ve gone without food for a longer period of time before so this really isn’t anything. We had a nice late night dinner at Alessandro’s, so I’m good. I think I just need some rest. And to be here with you, knowing you’re okay.”

“You and me both. And I’ll sleep a hell of a lot better with you here. I wasn’t just saying that to appeal to her sympathy.” He glanced up at Joe. “Thank you for being there for Harper when I couldn’t. Until you showed up, I’m sure she was beside herself.”

“That is an understatement.” I mumbled into my folded arm.

“Anytime, Man. Glad to see you’re okay and that she’s safe here with you.”

“We’ll let you guys get some rest and be back tomorrow to check on you. Love you, Son.” His dad gently squeezed Cannon’s shoulder. “And you get some rest, Harper.” He walked around the bed to give my shoulder a soothing pat.

“I love you too, Cannon.” His mother kissed his cheek and ruffled his hair before coming around to me and giving me a small hug.

As soon as Joe and Cannon’s family exited his room, he patted the bed beside his uninjured leg. “Hop on up here, Baby. Well, maybe don’t hop but move slowly.” He gave me a silly grin.

“I can sleep in the chair with my head right here, Cannon. I don’t want to hurt you. I’m just glad I didn’t have to leave. I mean I had nowhere to go but we both know I’ve dealt with that before. But more than that, I didn’t want to leave your side.”

“You won’t hurt me, Baby. I think we’ll both sleep better if you are right here.” He patted the spot again. “I know it hasn’t even been a week, but I’ve grown used to sleeping with you. I don’t know if I can sleep without you beside me.”

“I like sleeping with you too. God, I’m exhausted.” I slowly climbed up beside him and carefully snuggled into his side. “I hope I don’t have any nightmares and thrash around.”

“You’ll be fine, Harper. I got you.” He kissed the top of my head. “I love you, Baby. And now it’s completely over. Waik can’t hurt you or me anymore or anyone else for that matter. You made sure of that.” His chest vibrated with his quiet chuckle. “Damn, Baby. You are something. I mean, I knew you were the first time I met you, but damn you were beyond amazing today. I love you. And I’m glad you’re all mine.”

So that I was comfortable but I also didn’t want to cause Cannon’s arm to fall asleep, I shifted to lay my head on his chest instead. “I love you too, Cannon.” I released a small sigh. “And I know I should feel at peace right now. I’m here with you and that’s all that matters. But my insides are a jumbled mess of emotions. I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling at the moment.” A few tear drops slipped down my cheeks.

“Hey.” He tipped up my chin to meet his gaze. His hazel eyes were so full of love and understanding. “It’s okay to be a mess right now, Harper. We were attacked tonight and you’re still going through the shock. It’s normal to be all over the place. But you’re safe now. And I want you to get some rest. You’re here with me so focus on that and try to let your mind let go. And when I get out of here, we’re going to find someone for you to talk to, to help you deal with everything. I have connections at the station. We’ll find you a great therapist.” Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Wrapped up in his arms, my ear above his heart, I concentrated on the steady beat and took in a fortifying breath.

Waik was gone. Cannon was going to be alright. His family seemed to approve of me – despite the trouble I had brought crashing through his door, literally. And I had a future just a few months ago I never dreamed was possible.

Epilogue

~Harper~

As I stood in the kitchen whipping up a batch of pancakes – making them the same way I had every morning I had made him breakfast while he was laid up, with his special recipe – I swallowed down my nervousness. Things had been going really well for the two of us. During Cannon’s stay at the hospital, his buddies had repaired the ruined front door and broken windows and had cleaned up the mess in his living room and hallway. So we hadn’t had to worry about that when Cannon was released and could just focus on his recovery.

Cannon had been back to work for about two months now and I had found a job with a local accounting firm. I hadn’t even needed Cannon’s boss to intervene. When I had stopped to inquire about employment, I had explained the reason I didn’t have a letter of recommendation from my last employer. Since he had seen the news, I didn’t need to give him the huge speech I had planned. Instead, I had secured myself an interview and was hired the following week.

Strong arms wrapped around my waist and I leaned back into Cannon’s chest.

He kissed my temple. Then he spun me around to face him. “I’ve been healed for over two months now. You know you don’t have to make me breakfast anymore. Although I wouldn’t mind if you’d come back to bed and take care of me since I need some TLC.” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

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