“I love you, Delaney. And our family is my priority. I got rid of Mac.”

Her eyes fly open. “What?”

“We were in the middle of contract renegotiations anyway. We already fought over me doing the movie in New Zealand, and Reece has never liked him. What he did to you was the last straw.”

She seems to search my expression, her eyes so full of sadness that it breaks my heart. “You said he got you your big break.”

I shrug. “Maybe he did. Maybe I would have gone down the same path with someone else. But no one disrespects my lady and gets away with it. I’ve got another agent in mind, and I think she’ll be good at finding the balance for me.”

“As long as you’re happy.” She looks around the bed. “Can you help me up?”

I look for the bed control and press the button to raise it until she’s sitting up. Delaney gives me a weak smile. “That’s better.”

Reaching for her, I wrap my arms around her neck and close my eyes as I hold her tight. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I’d be lost without you.”

She sighs, sliding her arms around my waist. “I love you.”

For a moment, we’re stuck in place, just holding each other. I’d stay here forever if I could, with Delaney in my arms, safe and sound.

There’s a knock on the door, and I look up to see a nurse standing in the doorway.

“Mr. Carter, there are some papers for you to sign.”

I nod and let go of Delaney. “Of course.”

She approaches with a clipboard, and I look them over before signing at the bottom. With a warm smile, she addresses Delaney. “I’ll just free you of the IV, and you can go home any time.”

“Thank you,” Delaney says. Exhaustion haunts her voice, and I’m not sure I’ll ever forget that. I need to take her home to rest.

It only takes a moment for the nurse to remove the cannula. “I’ll go and get a wheelchair.”

“I’m sure I can walk.”

She wags her finger at Delaney. “Hospital policy. Besides, he can push you.”

Delaney’s laughter is music to my ears. “That sounds good to me. Although you are risking me running him over.”

Her eyes dart between Delaney and I as if she’s not sure about how serious Delaney is.

“Oh, she’s serious. I probably deserve it too.”

She disappears without really reacting, but I’m sure our exchange will turn up on social media at some point. Things like this usually do.

“Mac messed with the flight booking too. I asked Mindy to change it, and I’ve got the new ticket. No one will be blocking your seat on the way home, and you’ll get fed.”