Page 141

59

Aspen

The call comes just after sunset.

“He’s stable.”

My knees almost give out.

“They’re bringing him back home,” Trigger adds.

I close my eyes.

Relief floods through me.

Fast.

Overwhelming.

“When?” I ask.

“Tonight.”

I nod.

Even though he can’t see me.

“Okay.”

I hang up.

Stand there for a second.

Trying to breathe.

Trying to process.

Rylie steps closer.

“He’s coming home.”

Home.

The word hits differently now.

I look toward the door.

Toward the road.

And realize something I can’t ignore anymore.

I’m not just waiting for him to come back because he promised.

I’m waiting because I need him to.