There’s a moment’s silence, and my heart thrashes like I’ve run a mile.

My husband.

She’s called me many things. Mr. Spencer. Lukas. Daredevil. SEAL.

But never this.

I’m still coming out of the surprise, not only because of what she said but how her words felt, when Autumn’s family bursts into laughter.

“That might be good, tums.” Jasper’s hand rests over her shoulder.

Autumn’s family leaves with a promise they’ll have everything ready for me at the inn when it’s time for me to leave, and now it’s just the two of us in the room. But I know Connor would have stationed some of our guys around the hospital. Maybe two in the waiting room. Two hanging around the reception desk, and even one on the street.

“Is it weird?” Autumn’s words break my chain of thought.

“I…don’t understand.” I glance at her as she pulls her hair out of her ponytail and starts combing it with her fingers.

“Seeing me after all these years.”

“I’m surprised. You grew up so much,” I blurt without thought. Her slender fingers hypnotize me. But when her hands halt, I get my senses back. “Your emails and letters still read like before.”

“So I’ve grown up physically, but mentally, I’m still sixteen.”

It’s a challenge to keep my gaze focused on her face as she bites her bottom lip, clearly amused by her statement.

“I didn’t say that. I mean you’ve grown up.”

“But only physically?”

“God, Autumn, can you stop saying that word?” I close my eyes, struggling to think of her as the teenager I met four years ago. But when I look at her again, I smile as she shakes, trying to hide her laughter.

“I’m sorry about this.”

I shake my head. “They wouldn’t be your grandparents if they didn’t put us in uncomfortable situations. But they did one good thing.”

“What?”

“They agreed to us staying in the inn. While you stay in your suite, I can sneak out to an available room. So, all should be cool.”

Boy, how wrong I am.

9. Autumn

9

AUTUMN

Lukas’ friend and the third co-owner of his security company, Gavin King, stops his car outside the inn. A sense of relief touches me as I step out. I’m finally home.

“I heard we have some important guests today.” Mr. Big comes forward, and the smile on his face is warmer than the one he reserves for our guests.

“Mr. Big, how are you doing?” Lukas stops and holds his right hand out.

“I’m very well, Mr. Spencer. We’ll make sure you’re back on your feet in no time.” Mr. Big nods toward Lukas’ left arm, which is still in a sling even after a few days of staying in the hospital and getting therapy.

“Thank you, and please call me Lukas.”