Page 312 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs
“Please …” his voice broke “ … don’t leave me. I loved you from the first minute I saw you. When your dad presented his crazy plan for the two of us to get married, I jumped at the chance. Not because it would save the ranch, but because it would give me the chance to win you back. You see … you were right about me … I’m a coward—a mule-headed cowboy who didn’t have sense enough to realize what I had, until it was gone. When my mom died, it hurt so bad, and I was afraid—afraid of loving anyone that much again and running the risk of losing her … losing you.” He gulped, wiping at his nose. “That’s the real reason I ran. By the time I came to my senses, it was too late … you were engaged to someone else. I should’ve told you that along time ago. I should’ve fought for you, but I didn’t know how. And what you heard my dad say on the porch—it was all wrong. I care about Shauna, but I don’t love her.” His voice caught. “There’s never been anyone else but you.” He laughed under his breath. “Half the time you get me so balled up inside that I don’t know if I want to strangle you or kiss you. But that’s why we’re so good together. You keep me on my toes, and I can’t stand the thought of not having you by my side. It should be me lying there instead of you. Why did it have to be you? I’m the one who takes the crazy risks! Every time I get on a bull, I stare death in the face. I never really cared much about what happened to me ... until now … until you.” Emotion clogged his throat. “Come back to me, Brooke! Please … come back!”
The line going up and down across the medical device monitoring Brooke’s vitals went flat. An ominous, continuous beep cut through the air. Nash cried out in alarm as doctors and nurses rushed in. Just outside the door, Evie collapsed, and a distraught Stewart caught her in his arms.
“He loves me!” Brooke exclaimed joyously. “I love you too! I have to go back!” Brooke cried. “Please!”
Her eyes felt heavy. She could hear his voice, pleading with her to come back, but she was in a dark tunnel, and there seemed to be no way out. Then the darkness cleared, and she opened her eyes.
“Brooke!” Nash was laughing and crying at the same time. “I thought I’d lost you, but you came back to me.”
“I had to. I love you.”
“Never leave me again!” he said fiercely, cupping her face.
A nurse touched his shoulder. “She needs to rest now.”
“I’ll never leave you!” she breathed, reaching for Nash’s hand and holding it so that he couldn’t get away. Then she saw Gracie, standing nearby. “You’re still here.”
Nash was confused. “Who are you talking to?” He looked at the nurse. “Who’s she talking to?”
“I don’t know,” the nurse said, “but there’s often a bit of confusion surrounding head injuries.”
“Yes, I’m still here, but not for long,” Gracie said, tears glistening in her eyes. “My job here is done. It has been a pleasure getting to know you, Brooke Matthews. You’ve been given something that few others will ever get—a second chance at life. Live it well.”
Brooke looked into Nash’s eyes. She felt so much love for him that she thought her heart would burst. “Oh, don’t you worry. I will.”
“You’ll what?” Nash said, concern etching his features.
“I’ll love you forever and ever, Nash Rigby! You mule-headed cowboy!”
His eyes widened. “You heard all of that?”
“Every word.” A smile curved her lips. “Now kiss me!” she ordered.
Gracie cocked her head. “Did you know that Brooke was going to come back to life?”
“No, I was as clueless as you. It’s like I said—we have no control over that sort of thing.” She pointed. “It comes from higher up.”
Gracie shook her head in wonderment. “That was really something.”
Gertrude chuckled. “Yes, you certainly don’t see that everyday. Things are never dull when you’re around, that’s for sure.”
Gracie sighed contentedly. “I guess we can rest now. Come to think of it, I could go for a cheeseburger and onion rings. Let’s go celebrate!”
“Oh, no, we can’t celebrate yet. I need to show you your next assignment.”
“Already? Geez! Can’t a girl get a break?” She winked. “Okay … I’m ready … lay it on me, Gertie. After Brooke, I’m ready for just about anything.”
“Remember, you said it.” Gertrude quipped. She waved her hand, and they were standing in the middle of a crowded diner.
Gracie scoped the room. “Hey, I know this place. I used to wait tables here.” She rubbed her hands together, an eager expression on her face. “My old stomping ground. So which lucky soul am I helping to find love this time?”
“Him.”
Her jaw hit the floor, and she made a gurgling sound with her throat. “Him?”
Gertrude nodded.
“But it can’t be him,” she cried, horror washing over her. “Do you know who that is?”
“Yep, it’s Christopher Stevens, the man you were going to marry the day you died.”
