“I know he thought he was doing what was best for me. I didn’t like it then and I still don’t, but I’m coming to terms with it.”

“No, not that. When you were unconscious and on the floor at the lab. Your father dove for McClain trying to protect you and that’s how he got shot.”

She simply stared at him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I thought he might, and I didn’t want to take that away from him if he wanted to. But I guess he’s not going to say anything.”

More tears slipped down her cheeks. “I really didn’t think he cared. How could I have been so blind?”

“Well, give yourself some slack. He didn’t exactly make it easy for you to see.”

“You saw it.”

He shrugged. “I’m a guy.”

A sob slipped out. “Why am I so weepy? Are you sure you want to be stuck with me and my baggage?”

“Hey, you helped me with mine. I can jump out of planes again. I owe you.”

She jerked and glared. “You do not owe me anything.”

“Sarah, I was kidding. I didn’t mean it that way. I’m with you because I want to be with you. I thought we covered that ground already.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess I’m not going to stop being insecure overnight.”

He cupped her face and met her gaze. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered.

He kissed her, then pulled her close. “So . . .”

“Yeah,” she mumbled against his shirt.

“What are we going to do with ourselves? Reenlist or be civilians for the rest of our days?”

She stilled. “The rest of our days is a long time.”

“And thanks to Heather and her genius inspiration, we’re going to have that time.”

She nodded. “I have something else I need to tell you.”

“Do I need to be sitting down for this?”

A laugh slipped from her. “No, I don’t think so. Owen Grant and Jefferson Wyatt both offered me a job. Like in a very normal, professional way. Separately. Each one comes with a very nice package, so it’s just a matter of choosing which one I want.”

“Wow. Both of them? Are you interested?”

“Yes, actually.”

“What about the Army?”

She frowned. “The Army was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. I loved what I did. I made a difference in a lot of people’s lives and I’d never want to change that. But now? Now I’m at a different place in my life. You’re here and . . .”

He tensed. “And?”

“And I don’t want to be over there if it means being away from you.”