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We both stand and see two police officers exit the doors as we approach. We follow the nurse to a room.
We see Chase sitting up in the bed; his arm has a big patch of gauze, and his shirt is bloodied, but he’s alive.
He looks up and smiles at both Carson and me.
“So, you got shot, little brother. I’m glad you’re okay. You scared the hell out of us.”
“You just missed the police. They already have the men in custody.”
“Good. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. And so is Dale. He did well for a recruit.”
“Good. Val said you were wearing one of the new vests.”
“I was. But, I went by the office and grabbed one of the older ones before I went downtown.”
Carson gives me a searching look then looks over at Val, “Well, I’ll leave you two alone. I’ll go check on Dale.”
Chase looks over at me and then opens his arms. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around him being careful to avoid his injured arm, but I forget about his back.
“Ouch.”
“Oh, Chase, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad I walked away with only a bruise and a graze.”
“I was so worried. I’m glad you changed vests..”
“I know. Val, I swapped out the vest because I didn’t want to take a chance with my life. I want to stay around to be with you and... our baby.”
“You know about the baby?”
“Yes, I went to your apartment this morning. I saw the tests.”
“I’m on the pill. I never missed a day—“
He leans down and gives me a quick kiss, “It’s okay, Val.”
“But you don’t want kids. I know you don’t. I—“
“Val, it’s not your fault. It was probably that night at the hotel. Listen, I thought about my life with you and without you. I choose with you, even if that means raising a child.”
“Are you sure?”
He smiles. “It scares the hell out of me, I admit, but— My future is with you. I love you, Val.”
“I love you too, Chase. I always have.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“I knew I loved you the day I—“
“Sent me a beating heart emoji?”
“Yes, I—“
“I knew it! Damn it! I should’ve left work right then and—“
