Rafael broke into laughter. “You are a very wise woman, Laura. But do me a favor. Let Silas off the hook soon. The poor guy is probably miserable.”

“Oh, I will,” Mamaw said airily. “At my age I can’t afford to wait too long.”

Bryony squeezed her grandmother’s hand. “I’ll stay over with you at your house. I know you don’t like to be away from your home for very long.”

Mamaw’s expression became troubled. “I don’t want to interfere in your plans. You two have had enough problems without me adding to them.”

Rafael put a finger to his lips to shush her. “You’re no burden, Laura. I’ll be back before either of you know it and then Bryony and I can plan our future together.”

Bryony’s heart pounded a little harder. It was the first time he’d spoken of their future—as in a life—together. He’d told her he loved her. She believed him. But she’d been greatly unsure of where that put them. There were still a lot of obstacles to overcome.

The fact that he seemed committed to them being together long-term sent relief through her veins.

Just then a nurse walked in with discharge papers and began the task of taking Mamaw’s IV out and discussing the doctor’s orders with her.

A half an hour later, they had Mamaw bundled into the car and were on their way back to her cottage.

Once Bryony got her grandmother into bed, she walked back into the living room where Rafael waited. She went into his arms and savored the hug he gave her.

“Crazy night, huh?” he said.

She drew away. “Yeah. Sorry I won’t be able to go with you. I don’t think I should leave Mamaw even if she says she’s fine.”

“No, of course you shouldn’t,” he agreed. “I’ll call you from New York and let you know how things are going. Hopefully I can be back in a few days. I have motivation to get this done.”

She arched a brow. “Oh?”

He smiled. “Yeah, a certain pregnant lady will be waiting for me to return. I’d say that’s pretty powerful incentive to get everything wrapped up so I can get my butt back on a plane.”

“Yeah, well, Rafael? This time don’t get into an accident. I’d really like not to have to wait months to see you again.”

He tweaked her nose. “Smart-ass. If it’s all the same, I have no desire to ever crash again. Once was enough. I know how lucky I am to be alive. I plan to stay that way for a long time to come.”

She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around him. “Good. Because I have plans for you that are going to take a very, very long time to fulfill.”