Page 64 of SEAL's Sunshine
“Say goodbye to Miranda for us. Don’t be surprised if Meghan calls her later. Oh, that reminds me. Here’s a new phone for her, and yes, it has a tracker. I had a few spares from Meghan’s trip.”
“Great, thank you. I’ll get it programmed for her and she’ll be ready for Meghan later.”
Cam peeked into Miranda’s room to make sure she wasn’t sleeping.
“I’m awake.”
“I see that. How did it go with your father? He stopped by and told me to take good care of you.”
“He did? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I told him I was moving here.”
“Fuck. And you didn’t warn me?” Cam said with a laugh.
“Don’t worry, I explained it to him. I think he’ll be fine. But I can’t promise he won’t drop in from time-to-time.”
“That doesn’t bother me. They can come as often as they want.”
“Thank you.”
He leaned down and kissed her. The need to touch her, to reassure himself that she was okay was overpowering. “I love you.”
“I love you. Did the guys leave?”
“Yeah. I figured you’d want to talk. Was I wrong?”
“No, you were right.” She scooted over on the bed. “And after we get settled, I’m going to see the therapist Meghan recommended.”
“That’s great, I think it will be good for you. I know she helped her a lot.”
“Yeah. I should have listened to everyone months ago. I guess in some ways I’m my father’s daughter. Think you’ll be able to put up with me?”
Cam laughed. “Of course. You can’t get rid of me that easily. And I mean it. You can’t do or say anything to make me love you any less. So whatever it is you’re about to say, you don’t have to worry.”
Miranda nodded, and then took a deep breath which made her wince. But Cam didn’t say anything. Just sat next to her and held her hand gently.
“Okay, I hope you’re right. I have never been ashamed of my body, I was happy with it the way it was, not perfect, but me.” He nodded in encouragement.
“But after Afghanistan, I kept trying to hide it, especially my legs because of the scars. I couldn’t remember how I’d gotten them until tonight then it all came back. They screamed foul things, called me an infidel and so many words I didn’t understand. Over and over, and each time they’d cut me. I was so sure I was going to die, cut to ribbons, blood everywhere and it hurt so much.”
Tears slid down her cheeks and he ached for her. His gut twisting into knots. Anger swept through him with such force he thought he’d explode. He vowed then and there that Azfaar would pay for what he’d done to Miranda, and he’d be screaming for death long before Cam let him take his last breath.
No wonder she’d been so traumatized. Her bravery astounded him even now, and he couldn’t have been more impressed that she’d come so far without help. Every so gently he slid one arm underneath her and hugged her. He would give anything to take away the memories, the pain, but it wasn’t in his power. But he could support her, be there as she worked through all of it.
“You survived it and came out the other side. It’s all that’s important, and what you need to hold on to. I know the doctor will help you, but I couldn’t love you more than I do right now. You have been through so much, you’re so brave, and beautiful. Those scars don’t define you. They’re part of your history, proof of what you’ve overcome.”
“You not disgusted?”
“How could I be? None of it was your fault. You survived so I could find you and love you for the rest of our lives.”
“How did I get so lucky?”
“I ask myself the same question all the time.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“Miranda, you don’t have to thank me, just love me.”
“Always.”
