She nodded. “I love you.” He stiffened beneath her, and she winced, lifting her head to look in his eyes. “I know we’re in the bathroom at a vet hospital, and we’re all dirty and banged up, and this is the wrong place to say that. However, who knows what’s going to happen next, so I wanted to say it right now.”

His eyes warmed to that bourbon color she loved more than anything. “This is the perfect place. I love you, too.”

She blushed. “You don’t have to say it just because I did.”

He nipped the top of her nose. “I’m saying it because I mean it. I’ve loved you since you attacked me with that umbrella in the woods at Hunter’s house, but I didn’t think I’d be around for long.”

“I’ve loved you since that moment, too. Even though you owe me an umbrella.” She wanted to find levity in the moment, but Roscoe’s fate hung over them. “I mean, it’s deeper now, but I’ve always felt something for you, even when you’re driving me crazy.”

“I think your crazy balances mine.” He set his forehead against hers.

The door opened, and Raider stood there. “The nurse said the veterinarian wants to talk to everyone in a minute.”

Dana’s eyes filled. “The wound was bad, and he bled for so long.” She didn’t protest when Wolfe stood, still holding her, and carried her into the waiting room where everyone seemed to be holding their breath. Angus had grown still by the desk, his face pale, his eyes inscrutable.

Wolfe settled back onto the same bench, and when she tried to move off him, his hold tightened. She relaxed against his hard chest again.

The wait was excruciating. Finally, a female veterinarian in green scrubs walked into the room, her eyes weary. “Roscoe’s family?”

“Yes,” Nari said, standing and moving to Angus’s side as if she could catch him should he fall. She set her hand on his arm.

The vet smiled. “It was a rough surgery to remove the bullet, but he’s a tough one, and he hung in there pretty long. He’s an impressive animal. He’s going to need rest for a while, but I think he’s going to be fine.”

The relief made Dana dizzy. “He was so brave trying to defend me. You’d be proud, Angus.”

“Can I see him?” Angus asked.

The vet looked around the room. “Just you. You can see him tonight, and everyone else can see him tomorrow. He needs rest, and I suggest you all do the same.” Motioning, she led Angus behind the reception desk.

Wolfe stood with Dana. “Mal? We need a place to stay tonight.”

“No problem,” Mal said, standing and holding Pippa’s hand. “We can deactivate the explosives at your place tomorrow.”