“We are, and I shared.” Before she can tell me otherwise, I continue, “Didn’t I tell you about a friend who started a security company after he had to take medical retirement? That was Connor King.”

“But you didn’t say he was in St. Peppers.” She folds her arms over her chest.

“I shared everything that was relevant, Autumn. Once I introduce you to them, you’ll recognize everyone.”

“I don’t think they like me too much. They were looking at me as if I were here to steal you from them or something.”

I chuckle and throw my head back on the pillow. I close my eyes, but I can feel her leaning closer to me.

“Are you hurting? Should I call the nurse?”

When I open my eyes, her black irises are serious and focused on me. I shake my head. “I’m okay. I just can’t believe this is only our second proper meeting. You feel so familiar.”

“You too.” She giggles. Her carefree laughter reminds me of how young she is. “But we could have met sooner, in better circumstances.”

“Autumn, if I’d have told you I was only a few hundred miles away, would you have told your parents, your grandparents?”

“No way in hell!” Her eyebrows shoot up. “Grandma would have driven me to St. Peppers herself if she thought you weren’t in service anymore.”

“Exactly. I didn’t want you to lie to your family. And we talked, didn’t we? I was there whenever you needed. At least I tried to be.”

Confusion and indecision brim in her eyes. Before she can say anything more, there’s a knock on the door.

Connor rolls his chair into the room and looks between Autumn and me. “Can I talk to you?” His clenched jaw isn’t a good sign.

Fuck! Today seems to be a day for explanations.

“I’ll be outside,” Autumn says and turns around to leave.

But I blurt, “Stay.”

Her steps come to a halt, and she looks at me over her shoulder in surprise.

Connor shoots me a curious glance before looking at my wife. “Lukas is right. You should stay.” He points toward the chair next to my bed. “I’m not going to bite. I’m surprised. Fuck, we all are. But that’s between this fucker and me.” He cocks his head in my direction.

“She’s here as my buffer.”

“No way! I’m not your buffer. I’m very pleased to meet you, Connor, and I’d be more ecstatic if you could grill him a little on my behalf too.”

“I like you already.” He then turns to me. “Will you tell me what happened here?” He looks between Autumn and me.

I grab the back of my neck. “You won’t believe it.”