Page 34 of The Oath Operation
Stepping in front of people who were in his care was just a part of who he was. It wasn’t something he could change about himself, nor did he want to. He was a trained warrior, a protector, and that instinct ran deep. It was in his nature to stand between the people he loved and danger, to take the hit if it meant keeping them safe.
Sometimes, protecting meant letting go. It meant trusting someone else to step in, even if it tore him apart inside. Fish knew that he would always do whatever it took to keep Jules safe, even if it meant stepping aside. Because in the end, it wasn’t about his pride or his need to be the one who saved her. It was about her—her life, her safety, her well-being.
And if that meant handing her over to another man, to her ex-boyfriend, he would do it. He would do it a thousand times over because nothing mattered more to him than her.
Amari had the finesse and the smarts to actually care for her in the way she needed. Fish could still see the confident, assured way Amari had taken charge, his medical training evident in every movement. It had been a relief but also a bitter pill to swallow, realizing that he had to step aside.
Fish wasn't fool enough to think that Jules needed that kind of care all of the time. He knew his wife was a strong woman, capable of handling so much on her own. She'd needed Amari's attention for a moment, but any competent doctor would do. What she needed from Fish was different. She needed his unwavering support, his strength, his ability to clear the path ahead for her.
And so he hadn't gone back to the hospital because he didn't trust himself to not interfere with Amari's care while Jules needed it. He would continue to be her snowplow, removing obstacles, making sure her path was as smooth as possible. He would be the one she could lean on, the one who would stand by her through thick and thin. He was her partner, her husband, the one who would always be there to support her dreams and shield her from harm.
A knock at the bakery door pulled him from his thoughts. Fish turned to see a man he recognized from around town. Jacqui had pointed him out in the restaurant as a mover and shaker, but Jules had been in the vicinity, so Fish hadn't paid much attention. But now Fish was part business owner, and this man was in a business suit, so he figured he should at least make a good impression.
Fish wiped his hands on a towel and walked over, opening the door. "We're not open yet."
The man stepped inside, extending his hand as though he didn't even consider he wouldn't be welcomed. "I’m Mark Anderson. I buy local recipes to sell to grocery stores and chain restaurants. I tried some of Ms. Chou's pastries at the community picnic, and I was very impressed."
That didn't surprise Fish. There hadn't been a single pastry or baked good remaining by the time the event was over. He supposed Mr. Anderson was here to book them for a catering event. But he did need to correct Mr. Anderson on one account.
"It's Mrs. Pike."
The man grinned, inclining his head at the correction. "I’d like to discuss purchasing a number of Mrs. Pike's recipes for sale in grocery stores. First local, and potentially national."
Fish blinked, momentarily taken aback. He'd never paid much attention to the corporate side of the food business. However, he knew that a deal like this could be huge for Jules.
Letting the door shut behind them, Fish welcomed Mr. Anderson inside. As he listened to the man lay out the potential deal, Fish’s mind started to piece together the possibilities. This could take a lot of weight off Jules' shoulders. It would remove many of the obstacles that stressed her out, allowing her to focus on what she loved most—creating and baking for the community.
She wouldn't need to use her inheritance money. This would be money she earned on her own, through her own means and creativity. As a woman who prided herself on her independence, Fish knew that Jules would jump at the idea.
He realized that as part owner, he had the authority to make this decision. He could secure the deal and ensure that Jules wouldn't have to work herself to exhaustion. She could have the time to take care of herself, to enjoy life without the constant pressure of running the bakery.
Fish felt a spark of hope. Maybe this was how he could truly protect Jules by removing the burdens that weighed her down. He struck out his hand and made the deal to clear the path ahead for his wife.
ChapterTwenty-Six
"Now, Jules, remember to monitor your blood sugar closely," the nurse said, handing her a packet of instructions. "Avoid strenuous activities for a while and make sure you're eating balanced meals. And don't forget to check in with your doctor regularly."
"I know, Beth. Thanks for taking such good care of me. I promise I'll be careful."
Nurse Beth grinned. "You'd better be. We don't want to see you back here anytime soon. Except maybe for a visit with some of those delicious muffins of yours."
Jules chuckled, but her heart ached a little. She was eager to get home, to see Fish, and to start mending what had been frayed by the recent scare. As she'd lain in bed the past two days, she realized she didn't have his phone number. She'd never needed it because he was always around, never more than a shout away.
Jacqui had told her what he was up to the last two days. The thought of him working tirelessly at the bakery, preparing everything for her, brought a warm glow to her chest.
She turned to head for the exit but was instead greeted by the familiar and unwelcome scent of expensive cologne. Jules' smile faded as Amari approached the station, his usual confident stride making her bristle.
"Let me take those," Amari said smoothly, reaching for the discharge papers Beth had just handed her.
Jules resisted the urge to roll her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "I'm good. I've already been discharged. So I'm no longer under your care."
Amari ignored her, taking the papers and quickly scanning them. "You're not driving yourself home, are you? You shouldn’t be doing this alone."
"I’m not alone," she snapped, her irritation bubbling over. "I have my family, and I have my husband."
"I haven't seen him around during your stay. Not surprising, though. He didn't seem like the staying around type. That's why I was okay with you pretending to marry him."
Jules glared, staring around. For someone who didn't want the world to know she was married, Amari didn't seem to care about them knowing that her relationship had an unconventional arrangement. It was likely because he wanted to break her and Fish up.
