Page 38 of Property of Bones

“Jack…” I breathe, my heart cracking wide open. “That’s the most beautiful thing anyone’s ever said to me.” I smile through the tears, sniffling like a total mess. “Also, I think my heart monitor just had a minor freak-out, so thanks for the emotional whiplash.”

He laughs, low and hoarse, and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I got you, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” I whisper, squeezing his hand. “Because I think I kinda like being yours.”

I pause, then wrinkle my nose. “But I should probably warn you…”

His brow lifts, like he’s bracing for something dangerous. Poor man hasnoidea what he’s in for.

“I’m not normal,” I say, spilling the words out fast. “I only wear bright and colorful clothes. I’m talking, glittery unicorn bright. I sing all the time, even when I shouldn’t. I laugh at everything, especially the weird stuff. I’m almost always happy, and when I’m not, I pep talk myself back into being okay. I ignore the ugly things in the world and look for the magic instead. People say I’m naive… and I guess they’re not wrong.”

I glance at him, cheeks burning a little. “But I like who I am. I like making people smile, even if I look ridiculous doing it. I like being the light in a dark place.”

His silence is loud but not in a bad way. In anoverwhelmed-by-feelingskind of way, maybe?

Then finally, he breathes out, voice low and reverent. “Good. Because I don’t want you to change. Not a damn thing. My life has dark moments, but I’ll shield you from every bit of it.”

I grin, leaning back on the pillows. “Just so we’re clear… for all intents and purposes, I am basically a golden retriever in human form. Cheerful, loyal, enjoys cuddles, impossible not to love… and prone to knocking things over when I get excited.”

He chuckles, eyes soft. “And I’m the grim reaper who just fell head over heels for a golden retriever.”

“Yup,” I say, already mentally designing matching T-shirts. “Welcome to the chaos, Grim Reaper. You’re gonna need a leash. Preferably pink.”

Jack shakes his head and stands up.

“Susannah Mae Whitaker?”

“Oh no,” I groan dramatically. “Don’t use my government name, Doc. I feel like I’m about to get hauled into the principal’s office. Pretend you didn’t hear that, Jack.”

“Already knew your government name, doll,” he mutters.

“Miss Whitaker…”

“Sunny,” I correct quickly. “Please, just call me Sunny.”

The doctor smiles. “Sunny, your labs came back clean. You’re good to go home.”

“What about… you know. This.”

I give a pointed nod to my chest, trying not to make Jack feel worse about the rib-breaking CPR that saved my life.

“Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do besides pain management,” she says gently. “I’ve written a prescription for pain meds, and you’ll need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least four to six weeks. No lifting anything over five pounds for the first two weeks, and nothing over ten pounds after that until you’re cleared. No sudden or jerky movements. No lifting your arms above your chest. And, if you need to cough, squeeze a pillow against right above your broken ribs. It’ll still hurt, but it will help a little.”

She glances between me and Jack like she already knows I’m about to do something I shouldn’t.

“You’ll be in a lot of pain this first week, so the meds I’m prescribing are strong. No driving while you’re on them. Actually, no driving at all for two weeks. Also…no baths, onlyshowers. And be careful washing your hair. Lifting your arms that high is going to hurt. Take it easy. Take it slow.”

“What about binding her ribs?” Jack asks, eyes sharp with concern.

The doctor shakes her head. “Not recommended. Binding can actually make things worse. It restricts breathing, which could lead to pneumonia from poor airflow. And coughing with a broken rib? That’s just asking for more pain and complications.”

The doctor presses her stethoscope against my chest for a few seconds before stepping back.

“Everything sounds good. Air is moving freely through the lungs. Do you have someone who can help you for a few weeks, Sunny?”

“Uhm…”

“Yes,” Jack says without missing a beat.

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