The ambulance pulled forward and turned a one-eighty before heading toward Emporia with its lights and sirens on.

“Uh … that was our ride.”

“No, this is your ride,” he said, showing me to a red-and-white SUV. The door read Fire Chief. “Get in.”

When he climbed behind the wheel, he gave me a once-over. “You got carried off, didn’t ya? How far do you think?”

I shrugged. “To the other side of that gravel plant. There was a body … in the tree.”

He frowned and then nodded. “I’ll call it in. You were flung a little over a quarter of a mile, I bet. You’re lucky you got away with just a scratch.”

“It’s a hell of a scratch,” I said, instinctively stretching my shoulder until I felt a twinge.

“I agree,” he said, slowing as we approached the Charger.

I stared at it as we passed, seeing that it was still submerged. America was gone.

My throat tightened. “If she’s not at the overpass and she’s not at the Charger, she went to the hospital.”

“I agree with that, too,” the Chief said.

“Hopefully, for shelter and not because she’s hurt.”

The Chief sighed. “You’ll find out soon enough. First, you’re going to get that wound cleaned.”

“I don’t have much daylight left.”

“Well, you’re definitely not going to find her at night.”

“That’s why I can’t waste time.”

“I’m not your dad, but I can tell you now, if infection sets in, you’re not going to feel up to looking for her tomorrow. Get yourself taken care of, and then you can look for your girl.”

I sighed and then pounded the door with the side of my fist. It was a lot harder than the Chief had hit on the ambulance door.

He shot me a side-eye.

“Sorry,” I murmured.

“’S’all right. If it were my wife, I’d feel the same.”

I peeked over at him. “Yeah?”

“Twenty-four years. Two grown girls. Are you going to marry this girl?”

I swallowed. “I had a ring in my bag.”

He gave a half smile. “Where is it?”

“I handed it to her before I was blown out.”

“Good thinking. She’s holding on to it for safekeeping, and she doesn’t even know. She’ll get two good surprises when she sees you.”

“I hope so, sir.”

Chief made a face. “Hope? Where were you headed?”

“Her parents’ house.”

“She was introducing you to her parents? Sounds like your chances were pretty good.”

“I’ve met her parents,” I said, staring out the window. I was supposed to be going in the other direction with America, and instead, I was heading back to Emporia to find her. “Several times. And I’ve asked her to marry me—several times.”

“Oh,” Chief said. “You were going to ask her again?”

“I thought I’d try one last time.”

“What if she says no?”

“I haven’t decided. Maybe ask her why. Maybe ask her when. Maybe prepare myself for her leaving me one day.”

“Maybe it’s her turn to ask you.”