41. Hunter
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
hunter
My eyes slowly opened and I heard a gasp. I blinked a few times before I saw my dad.
“Thank god,” he whispered. “I’ve never been so scared, son.” He grabbed a cup of water and leaned over me, helping me take a sip.
“Hey Pops,” I croaked.
He let out a soft sob as he put the cup down. “I’d better go get Emma and Mom. It’s almost midnight. You were out for a couple days. But, I just… I need to say this.”
I nodded and slipped my hand into his. “You don’t have to right now.”
“I need to. Hunter, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you. I’m sorry that…”
“Hey,” I whispered. “I love you, Pops. I forgive you. I’ve also been difficult…”
He shook his head. “Emma told us everything about what’s been happening. When I heard she’d lost her dad and that she felt like she’d never get to repair their relationship, it made me realize how damn stupid I’ve been. When we had our big fight, I regretted it, I just didn’t know how to apologize. I know it’s time for me to step back from the farm, but it’s hard to. I’m working on it, though, I promise. You get your stubbornness from me, and I’m sorry. I just want you to know that I love you. And I’m damn proud of you, Hunter. I’m really, really proud of you.”
“Thank you.” I relaxed into the pillows and then winced. My entire body felt like it’d been run over. “Is she okay?”
“She is. You’ve found the right one.”
I smiled at him. “I know, Pops.”
“Let me go get them.”
I breathed out as he left.
I’d made it.
Emma’s voice echoed before she came through the doorway. She immediately leaned over and grabbed my face, kissing me hard. I kissed her back, drinking her in.
“I thought…” A soft cry left her and it broke my heart.
“Did you really think I’d leave you after everything we’ve gone through?” I whispered.
“I’m so sorry this happened, Hunter,” she said. “I’ve told everyone everything. I talked to the police too, and?—”
“Did they get them?” I asked.
She nodded and leaned back, wiping her eyes. “They got them. They weren’t the ones who sent the letters, though. That was a woman named Louise.”
My eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. But I didn’t press charges because she helped us find you. If she hadn’t been following you, I don’t know if we could have found you in time.”
The red car. I breathed out slowly. “I didn’t expect that. I’m sorry. Louise was someone I saw briefly a while back, but I never thought she’d do something like that.”
“I broke her nose. I also took out Josh’s knee. And put my stepmother into a chokehold.”
I snorted. “I’m used to being the one to save other people, sparks. But you saved me. I was almost passed out when you came through the door, but I still remember. You looked like an angel.”
“An angel with a baseball bat.”
I grinned. “A vision to behold. Thank you.”
Emma’s shoulders relaxed, and she took a deep, deep breath before letting it out. “I’ve been going crazy.”
“Pops said I was out for a bit.”
“Forty-nine hours and twenty minutes.”
My smile softened into a wince. “I…”
She shook her head. “You’re alive. And you’re going to be okay. We’re going to make it, Hunter Harlow. I’m in this forever.”
“I’m in it forever, too.”
Emma tucked her hair behind her ears and then smiled. “Let me go get your Mom. I swear, Hunter. We’ve had over a hundred calls the last couple days. Everyone in Citrus Cove wants to know if you’re okay. I’ve met so many people that have stopped by to check on you. They’ve brought so much food that Honey and Lynn had to plug in an old freezer to keep some of the baked goods for later on.”
“Really?” I chuckled. “Worried about losing their handyman.”
She shook her head. “Worried about losing you . Also, Lynn said she’d give us five minutes alone before she comes in, and then will let everyone else in too.”
“Well, I’m sure we can squeeze you in bed next to me.”
“I’m never gonna leave your side.”
“Careful, sparks. It almost sounds like you like me.”
A soft laugh left her. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I whispered. “Are we going to carve our names in the Harlow oak tree?”
“We sure are,” she said. “We can pick a spot where there’s room for our children to carve their names too.”
My eyes widened. “How many kids do you want?”
“Three.”
“Three!”
“Is that too many?”
“Hell no,” I said. “I was thinking four.”
She smirked. “We’ll see. We’re still doing things backwards, Hunter Harlow. We’re not even officially engaged yet. Although I certainly let the hospital think we are.”
“When I pick out the ring and ask you to marry me, it’s going to be perfect,” I promised.
“I believe you,” she said. “Alright, baby. Our family needs to see you.”
“One more kiss,” I said.
Emma leaned down and gave me the best kiss I’d ever had.
I was the luckiest man alive.