Page 69 of SEAL's Angel
“How are you doing?” Meghan asked as she leaned against the kitchen island with a cup of coffee.
“Great, wonderful. But I’m a little nervous that we’ll overwhelm him,” Dawn admitted.
“It’ll be fine. We don’t have to stay long. If he’s tired, we’ll go home and let him get used to being home.”
“Okay. I just really want this to be special.”
“Dawn, are you kidding me? There is no way he won’t think this is amazing.”
“You think so?” Dawn asked.
“I know so. Stop worrying.”
“I’ll try.”
“Is there anything else that needs to be done?” Meghan asked as she looked around.
“I don’t think so. And now, I can finally go get Jake.”
Meghan hugged her. “Take a deep breath. Everything will be fine.”
* * *
Jake paced between his bed and the doorway of his hospital room while he impatiently waited for Dawn to come and take him home. Home—no longer just a building he lived in. It had a heart now—a family.
Two months ago, he’d wanted to die, but now, he wanted to live. Instead of anger and despair, hope and love filled his life. And it was all because of his angel.
He stopped in his doorway to look for her and caught Nurse Emily watching him with a grin on her face.
“I bet you’ll be glad to see me leave,” Jake said as he walked over and leaned against the nurses’ station counter.
“Not at all. Believe it or not, you aren’t the worst patient. But you’re definitely one of the lucky ones.”
“Because I have Dawn.” Jake didn’t need Emily to answer to know it to be truth. If Dawn had given up on him anywhere along the way, he wouldn’t be standing there now.
“Yes. I wish all my patients had someone like her. She refused to give up on you, no matter how hard you pushed her away. If you’re as smart as I think you are, you won’t try that again.”
“You can count on it. I don’t deserve her, but I’m not letting her go,” he vowed.
“What are you up to now?” Dawn asked as she walked toward them.
“Actually, he’s being good for a change. Probably worried we’ll take back his ‘get out of jail free’ card,” Emily said with a wide grin.
“Just waiting for you, angel. I’m ready to blow this gin joint.”
“If they served gin, you probably wouldn’t want to leave,” Dawn joked.
She was still laughing when he pulled her close and kissed her in front of everyone. When he let her pull out of his arms, she’d turned a glorious shade of red, and he couldn’t keep the smile off his face.
Dawn rolled her eyes at him, and he chuckled. Being with her was like standing in sunshine.
“Am I free to leave, or do I need to fill out anything else?” Jake asked the nurse.
“You’re all set. Don’t forget your therapy appointment on Thursday. If you don’t go, we’ll haul your butt back in here.”
“I won’t let him forget. Thank you for everything, Emily, and all the nurses for taking excellent care of my stud muffin.” Dawn placed a shopping bag on the counter. “Just a little something for all of you. Merry Christmas.”
Emily came around the counter and hugged Dawn. “Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you. Don’t let him give you a tough time.” She glanced at Jake.
