Page 77 of Gary

“Hey, baby none of that.” He tried to pull her into his arms but was prevented from doing so when the pain lanced through his chest, causing him to gasp.

“I have to get the doctor.”

“Give me a minute.” Clenching his teeth against the pain, he brought her head down to his and took her lips in a kiss that left her weak.

“Will you stay?” He whispered against her mouth.

“I haven’t left in three days.”

“I have been out that long?”

She nodded, eyes wandering over his dear face. “I thought I had lost you.”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” His fingers twined into her curls. “My sweet.”

She started crying again.

“Hush, baby.”

“I am sorry.” She whispered, leaning against him. “I am calling the doctors and your uncle.”

He held her hand throughout the examination, impatient to be alone with her again. But there were tests to be run, and his uncle had left home to come and see for himself that he was all right. Then he had to talk to his old man who was still on bed rest.

“Is he in cuffs?”

Graham had brought him up to speed regarding what happened.

“He is still in the critical stage. My man’s bullet did a number on the bastard.”

Gary gave his uncle a grateful look. “I owe you, my life. I had no idea you were having me tailed.”

“All in a day’s work.” Graham grinned at him, before looking at the woman curled up on the temporary bed. She was fast asleep. “She hasn’t left in three days, and I told her that Gotti was the one who was responsible for her dad’s death. She said she didn’t care about any of it. She was going to call you the day you got shot.”

His gaze went to her. “I am going to marry her as soon as I get out of here. I almost lost her twice.” He murmured.

“Twice?”

Gary nodded, feeling the lump inside his throat. “I was willing to go away - just give up without fighting for her and I almost died. I am not taking any more chances. I love her so goddamned much.”

“I have no doubt the feeling is mutual.” Graham clapped on the shoulder lightly. “My brother is beside himself. It was the first time I saw him cry.”

Gary looked away for a second. “When she told me she didn’t want to see me again, I hated him with a virulence that was unbelievable. Now, I can afford to be forgiving.” His expression softened. “I have everything I need.”

“That you do.”

*****

“Stop fussing,” he ordered. “I am not an invalid.”

“You kind of are.” Ignoring his scowl, she plumped up the pillows as he was lowered onto the sofa. His uncle had picked them up from the hospital and had detoured so he could see his dad, who had been so happy to see him, he had become emotional. And welcomed Sadie into the family.

“Don’t smother him too much, my dear.” Graham warned with a grin. “I have to head back out, meetings and of course the press to deal with.”

“Thanks.” Both men exchanged meaningful looks before Graham made his way out.

“Sit.” Gary patted the space next to him.

“I have to get you something to…”