18. Got Your Back
Sean’s knees wobbled more than he cared to admit, but he refused to sit while Lia took care of Branna.
Because he hadn’t taken care of her.
He’d assumed Hawley would stake out the place first. That he’d wait until Branna was alone and vulnerable. Not when she was surrounded by friends or still in the restaurant.
Hawley’s attack had been completely illogical. The curtains had been closed and he wouldn’t have even known she was in the room. The scouts must have let him know they’d lost sight of her.
His approach had been the exact opposite of stealthy or smart. Instead of prying open a window, he’d jumped through it, gun blazing.
Why? Why would anyone cross a country and then pull such a dumbass move? A dumbass move that almost worked.
And that’s what was eating through Sean’s gut. He’d almost lost Branna because he hadn’t considered all the options. He’d let her down and nearly got her killed.
Thankfully, she would recover completely. Sean wasn’t sure he would. If Branna hadn’t held onto his hand, he might have gone outside to punch the shit out of something. Or someone.
How could she ever forgive him for this? He’d promised to keep her safe.
“Sean?”
He tuned back in and looked at Lia, who raised her eyebrows. What had he missed? “Sorry. Zoned out there for a minute.”
Her smile softened. “No problem. You’ve both been through a trauma tonight. Added to the trauma of what led to tonight. I think you both need some downtime.”
He scowled at her. “I’m not the one who went through the trauma.”
Joe laughed from where he lounged against the doorframe. “Right. You just had to watch while someone held a gun to Branna’s head. Doesn’t sound traumatic at all.”
Lia nodded. “Exactly. Sometimes the situation is as difficult, if not more so, for the person watching it happen.” She shared a look with Joe that made Sean wonder what stories their background held.
Confirming his thoughts, Joe ran his hands up and down Lia’s arms before kissing her lightly.
Lia turned back to them. “Trauma is trauma. It’s not a competition or a case of who has more. We all need to learn how to deal with it in ways that work best for us. You’ve been in the Army, Sean, so you know how deeply that trauma can set in. Both of you need to remember to talk about it and reach out for help when you need it. Trauma only gains strength when we try to shove it away and pretend it didn’t happen. Don’t let it explode inside you.”
Branna’s hand squeezed his, and he returned the pressure. He’d have to control his guilt because not doing that would hurt Branna. He nodded at the Doc. “You’re right. Thanks.”
Lia smiled at him, then turned to Branna. “I’d like to come out to the farmhouse tomorrow to check on your wounds and the concussion. You need to do a lot of relaxing over the next few days. I’m putting Sean in charge of making sure that happens. No lifting or running. Take it slowly when moving up and down stairs. If the dizziness returns, let me know, day or night.”
Since Branna still didn’t have a regular phone, Lia emailed Sean the instructions for taking care of the wounds and the concussion. She wrapped Branna’s arm in a sling to reduce the movement. “You won’t need this very often, but it’ll take the pressure off, especially when moving. The ride isn’t far, but it will probably irritate you without it.”
By the time they were ready to head home, Branna was pale and looked as if she could sleep for a week. Lia left to grab one of her shirts for Branna to wear. Sean leaned over and kissed her gently. “Ready?”
Her eyes welled, and she closed them and blew out a breath, visibly battling for control. “I just want to go home with you.”
Home. With him.
No words had ever sounded better.
“I feel the same. We’ll be there in less than ten minutes.”
Once she wore Lia’s shirt, Sean helped Branna slide off the exam table. “Can I carry you to the car?”
Joe had returned to the diner and brought Sean’s truck to the back door. It would be warm and ready to go.
“I can walk.”
“You can do anything. Okay, if you get dizzy, let me know.”
She immediately wrapped one arm around him. “Let’s go before I fall apart.”
Shit. He needed to get her alone so she could fall apart without worrying about what anyone thought. He wrapped his own arm around her and took some of her weight. “You’ve got this. You’re a kick-ass Irish woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone.”
She huffed out a laugh as they moved through the door. Thankfully, no one was in the hallway. In the waiting room, only Joe and Lia waited. He’d worried there would be more people, more questions.
Lia held up a winter jacket. “I know it’s not far, but wrap this around you to keep out the chill. Don’t try to put your arm in the sleeve. I’ll pick it up tomorrow when I come out. Unless you call me, I’ll see you for lunch.”
Joe held open the door. “And we’re bringing lunch, so don’t worry about that.”
In only moments, they were in the car. He knew they’d have to talk to Marcus and the FBI agents who’d probably arrived by now, but he didn’t ask about them. They could wait until tomorrow.
Instead, he thanked Joe and Lia and headed for home. Because the farmhouse outside Phail had become home.
* * *
Branna mentally grabbed all of her emotions and slammed them into a bag. She closed it up and held on tightly. Like Lia said, they’d explode out of her if she didn’t deal with them, but she wasn’t doing that until she was safely home with Sean.
He wouldn’t judge her for falling apart. He’d hold her and let her cry. And if she had a huge, goofy dog cuddled up with her, too, it would be safe. “Poor Jabba’s got to be lonely.”
Sean nodded, his face highlighted in the light from the dashboard. “And hungry. Probably eating the furniture at this point.”
That made her smile. “Your work boots are made of leather, aren’t they? He might go for those.”
His expression lightened, and he grinned at her. “He might. You doing okay?”
“I’m okay. The roads aren’t bumpy. I’m mostly just achy and exhausted. The adrenaline’s gone, and I’m crashing.”
Sean nodded and kept his attention on the road. It didn’t take long before they were home. They could hear Jabba barking as soon as he shut off the engine.
Sean grimaced. “I’d like to get you inside quickly, but I think it’s safer if I let the beast out first. Then he won’t barrel us over as he’s rushing out.”
She wanted to hug their dog, but definitely didn’t need him knocking her down. “Good plan. I’m fine.”
“Stay inside the truck where it’s warm, and he won’t hurt you by mistake.”
She nodded and watched him climb the steps and let out the goofy dog, who spun in circles, trying to decide whether to greet Sean or find the nearest bush.
Sean came to her door and opened it, moving to stand right beside her. “There’s no one but us. Let me carry you in.”
When she hesitated, he reached out to touch her. “Please.” She nodded, and he leaned in to kiss her before reaching in and lifting her in his arms. She would never tire of feeling his arms around her. Comfort. Strength. Love?
She hoped so. It would be horrid to be the only one in love. But she wasn’t. She couldn’t be. The connection between them was too strong. He had to feel it, too.
Jabba raced over and jumped to put his paws on Branna. Sean blocked him with his body, but the dog leaned in and licked her face even as Sean mock-growled at him. “Out of the way, bud. The lady needs some rest.”
She reached one hand out to pat the dog. “Hey, Jabba. I missed you too.” He licked her again and then raced to the door to lead them in.
Once inside, Sean kicked the door closed. He angled so she could reach to flip the deadbolt and set the alarm. He leaned back against the door with a sigh. Branna wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “I don’t think I thanked you. You saved my life, Sean. You were amazing. I was in such a panic, and seeing you so calm and in control kept me grounded. If you hadn’t been there, I would have given in to the panic, and done all the wrong things.”
“I screwed up, Branna. I should have thought of him approaching through the office.”
That made her laugh softly. “Really? You should have anticipated a move that made absolutely zero sense. Why would he have thought jumping through a curtained window while firing his gun was a good idea? He’s watched way too many bad movies.”
“It almost worked.”
Branna leaned up and put her hand behind his head, applying soft pressure until Sean looked down at her. His eyes held misery and guilt.
She rubbed his neck. “But it didn’t. Because you rushed in despite the gunshots without regard for your own safety. You talked him down. You stopped him putting that bullet in my head.”
The reminder of it had her shuddering, and tears filled her eyes. She smiled through them. “My hero.”
He shook his head sharply, so she cupped his cheek. “You are, and you always will be. Thank you for being so strong and so smart and so brave.”
She pulled his head down for a kiss, and poured all her love and gratitude into it.
When they pulled apart to breathe, he studied her eyes and she let him look his fill. Finally, he huffed out a breath. “You really don’t blame me for Hawley getting to you.”
She smiled and shook her head. “No, because it isn’t your fault. You did everything in your power to put safety measures in place and then, when that didn’t work, you improvised and kept me alive. You’re amazing, Sean. I love you. I was so scared I wouldn’t get to tell you that. I love you with my whole heart.”
Because she was watching so closely, she saw the joy and answer in his eyes before he spoke. “I love you too, Branna. So damn much. It’s been so fast. I didn’t want to say it out loud because I didn’t want to scare you off.”
She patted his cheek again. “You couldn’t scare me off. Everything about you is honorable and amazing. I’ve wanted to say it for days, but I thought you’d think I was moving too fast, too.”
The sexy grin she loved so much popped up on his face. “I love when you move fast. And when you move slow.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, kick off your boots, and let’s get you upstairs.”
He refused her offer to walk on her own, and they were both laughing by the time they got her boots off. She hung Lia’s jacket over the newel post and then Sean carried her up the stairs to their bedroom.
Once inside, he settled her gently on the mattress and cupped her face. “I love you so much, Branna. I’m so sorry you were hurt.”
“It’s nothing major. Lia said I’ll be back to normal in a few days.”
“And you’re going to let me take care of you until then.”
Her heart swelled with love for this gentle man in his warrior’s body. “I am, am I?”
He grinned and kissed her forehead. “You are. Starting now. Stay there.”
From his dresser, he pulled out a t-shirt, then moved back in front of her. He carefully eased off the sling and then Lia’s T-shirt and her bra. He eased one of his shirts over her arm and the rest over her head. Then he replaced the sling. It all took about ten seconds.
“You’ve done this before.”
He shrugged. “You learn to cope with all kinds of injuries in the Army. When Charlie ripped the ligaments and tendons in his shoulder, we were a three-day march from anywhere. We took turns helping him out. He’d be so proud of you and the amazing woman you’ve become.”
Tears swamped Branna’s eyes. “I hope so.”
Sean brushed her cheek. “Hang on another minute.” Then he knelt and eased off her jeans and socks, leaving her in her panties and his shirt.
He shucked his own clothes until he wore only his boxer-briefs. He turned down the comforter on the bed and settled her against the pillows.
Once in the bed, he rested against the headboard and helped her find a comfortable spot on his chest. Then he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hair.
His voice was a rumble. “We’re home and safe. I’ve been hanging on by a thread since I heard that crash in the diner’s office. I just want to hold you.” His arms were careful of her injuries, but they held her close.
When he trembled, she kissed his chest. His honest words touched her, and she knew she was truly safe. She would always be safe with him. “Me too.” Her voice shook, and he ran his hands over her body.
“Ready?”
She frowned, but she wasn’t worried. “With you? For anything.”
His chuckle ruffled her hair. “You make me feel like a superhero, Branna. Okay, let the falling apart commence.”
A laugh burst out of her, but the tears she’d held at bay followed it.