“Well, sometimes it takes an explosion to remind you how much your family matters to you.” He smiles. “Turns out I can do a lot of the day-to-day stuff I need to from just about anywhere.”
I feel a small pang of frustration that my own family isn’t here, but that’s something we’re working on. My mom and dad and brothers all spent time with me and Roman while I was in the hospital, and things were definitely getting better. It’ll take time, and in the meantime, I have a lot of people who love and support me. “I hope that means you’ll be around more often.”
“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to getting to know my new sister-in-law.”
“Woah, woah,” Roman says. “No one is talking about marriage yet. We’re taking things slow.” He glances over, flashing me a funny grin.
That reminder is as much for him as it is for anyone else. Ever since the idea of marriage was brought up, Roman’s been dropping it into normal conversation as often as possible. He’s waiting for my cue, but I can tell he wants to make it happen soon. Luckily, we’re on the same page with that.
“Well, we live in a city where there are about four hundred places you could do it at any second if you change your mind,” Peyton suggests.
“She’s right, you can even have Elvis do it in a drive-through!” Joe adds.
“I think the only thing we’re thinking of doing right now is getting Maddie laid down so she can rest.” Roman guides me toward the stairs.
“Good point. We’ll get out of your hair and let you guys settle in,” Emmett says. “Who’s up for some pizza? I’m buying.” The group heads out the front door and we’re finally left alone.
“I’m sorry.” Roman kisses me softly. “I had no idea they were all going to be here.”
“It’s okay, that was really sweet. It was good to see everyone.”
“Why don’t we get you settled in our room, then I’ll come clean up down here and bring you something to eat?” he suggests.
“Are you sure you want me back in your room? I’m happy to sleep down the hall while I’m recovering. I’ll be up a lot and it’s kind of noisy—”
“Not a shot,” Roman cuts me off, scooping me into his arms and starting up the stairs. “Let’s get you comfortable right where you belong.”
Once I’m upstairs, I change into some sweats before climbing on top of the bed. It feels like absolute heaven after the last few weeks of sleeping on the hospital cot and I know Roman will feel the same. It’s nice to just have a few minutes to myself, something that’s hard to come by lately.
Everything has been a whirlwind, and it’s hard to process all of it. So much changed in such a short amount of time, but I feel more settled than I have in a long time. Dr. Bauer is behind bars where he can’t hurt anyone anymore, things are moving in the right direction with my family, and most importantly, my life here with Ty and Roman feels like a dream. My position in San Francisco is ready whenever I feel up to it, and until then, I’m happy right where I’m at.
“Okay.” Roman comes into the room carrying an array of food, setting it next to me on the bed. “Does anything look good to you? Otherwise I can order takeout.”
“This is perfect.” I smile, eyeing the grilled cheese he made. “Your chef skills are getting better.”
“I wish I could say I made this, but Joe’s wife left enough food to feed a small army. This is just a small sample.”
“That was really sweet of her. And for them to take Ty for a few days while we get settled again.”
Roman nods. “We’re lucky to have friends like them. Even if you haven’t officially met her yet.”
“I’m sure I’ll love her. Anyone who puts up with Joe has got to be a saint.”
“Very true. Although the same could be said for me.”
“You’re not so bad.” I grin, propping myself up in bed. “Just a little hot tempered.”
“More like hot and bothered.” He chuckles. “How many weeks did the doctor want you to wait before we could have sex again?” Roman’s been patient, but both of us are desperately waiting for an opportunity to properly make up.
“He said three more weeks for rigorous activity...but if you could be gentle...”
Roman’s eyes get big and a temptatious smile tugs at his lips. “Oh, I can be gentle. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever shown you just how gentle I can be. Why don’t you lie back and let me take care of you like you deserve?”
“How can I refuse an offer like that?” Roman brushes his lips softly against mine and I set my sandwich to the side. Food could wait. I’m hungry for something else.
SIX WEEKS LATER
Roman holds my hand tightly as we walk out of the courtroom. It’s a blazing hot day in Las Vegas, but it doesn’t stop the crowds of reporters gathering at the sentencing for Dr. Bauer.
