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He and Dallas stood to their feet as she walked over to them.
“Dallas! Such a wonderful surprise. When did you get here?” Mrs. Graham asked.
Both the McNeil boys were courteous and accepted a hug and kiss on the cheek from the woman. She smiled, but there was strain around her eyes.
It had just about broken Dalton to give her and Mr. Graham the news about their daughter.
“I just got here not too long ago. I was updating my brother on the manhunt,” Dallas replied.
Mrs. Graham’s smile disappeared. She reached out and grabbed Dallas’s hand. “Find him. Make him pay for all of the pain he’s caused my baby girl.”
“You have my word, ma’am.” Dallas gave her a nod.
She turned to Dalton. “The nurse just gave Anya some pain medication. She’s asking for you.”
“Thanks.” Dalton cast one last look at Dallas, but he knew he wouldn’t have to worry. His brother’s word was just as good as done. Dalton patted Mrs. Graham on the shoulder and left the waiting area.
He made it back to Anya’s room, where Mr. Graham was stepping out. The older gentleman had tears in his eyes.
“I can’t thank you enough, Dalton.” Mr. Graham held out his hand.
Dalton took it in a firm handshake. Mr. Graham pulled him in for a quick hug. The burly man who was usually full of life and laughter was quieter.
“You don’t have to thank me. I’d do anything for Anya, Mr. Graham.”
“It’s Emerson. Your parents raised you boys well, but you’ve earned the chance to call me by my first name.” Emerson pulled back. He wiped the small tears that escaped and chuckled. “I know you would, son. You’re good for my Anya. Where’s Stella?”
“She’s down the hall in the waiting area with Dallas.”
“Go to her, son.” Emerson nodded to the door.
Dalton pushed it open and found Anya lying in bed. Her eyes were dropping, and her hair had been braided into two plaits.
“Hey, baby. You doing all right?” he asked quietly. He shut the door behind him and walked over to the bed.
She held up a brand-new paper towel with a message.
Will you lie with me?
“Of course.”
She slid to the side of the bed. He kicked off his shoes. The bed was tight, but they made it work. She nestled into the crook of his arm.
He had thought he wouldn’t get the chance to hold her again. She sighed and wiggled as close as she could be.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re safe. Rest up, babe. I got you.”
Anya stretched out on the couch and pulled the blanket over her feet. After nearly a week, she had finally been released from the hospital. Any longer in there and she would have broken out.
She glanced around at her new living room and smiled.
Well, Dalton’s living room, but now it was hers, too.
He had been adamant that she stay with him. It was as if he didn’t want to let her out of his sight. He had put in a request for some time off which his boss granted him. He’d been with her at the hospital every day. Having him lie with her in the bed helped chase the nightmares away.
Even in her sleep, he was her guardian angel.
With her computer safe at her parents’ house, she was able to slowly get back to writing. It helped her keep her mind busy and gave her something to do. All of her important files that were on an external hard drive were safe.
