Page 47 of Rescuing Erin

“Really? Is that why when Olivia was in the basement of the barn and was being examined after you rescued her you stood watch over her like a caged beast waiting to kill anyone who dared get near her?” I reminded him.

“So, it’s like that, is it?” The asshole chuckled.

“Exactly like that. I just want a fucking ace wrap so I can see for myself she’s all right. Is that too much to fucking ask around this goddamned place?”

Before I’d finished my sentence, the door opened and in walked Tom Anderson with a murderous look on his face.

“Tell me you took care of the bastard that hit my daughter.”

“I did,” I confirmed.

“I want a full AAR in my hands in the next hour.”

“Sorry, sir, but the after-action report is going to have to wait.”

“Come again?”

“The AAR is going to have to wait. All due respect, sir, after the fucking doctor gets me patched up, I’m going to Erin. I couldn’t give two fucks about any reports anyone wants. All everybody needs to know right now is Warren’s dead and my woman is scared out of her mind and needs me. Everything else is bullshit and can wait.”

“Your woman?” he asked.

“Mr. President.” His growl reminded me he hated the formality when we were in private. “Sir. Tom. I know this is a shit time to tell you this, but I’m gonna marry your daughter.”

Not the best way to tell a father you were going to marry his daughter. But I didn’t have the time nor the inclination to fuck around.

“Is that so?” He laughed. “Leo, mind giving us a minute alone?”

With a shake of his head and a smile, he left the room.

“Is that your version of asking for my permission to marry my daughter?”

“No, sir, it’s me telling you I love your daughter and I will do everything in my power to take care of her for the rest of my life. I’m going to make her my wife. Sooner, rather than later.”

The president’s head tipped back, and the room filled with raucous laughter.

“I see. Zane told me things had changed between you and Erin. Not that I was surprised. I saw it back in D.C. the first time you worked her detail. And I knew I was right, when you looked like a man beaten down when she was giving you trouble. No man I’d rather have by her side. If she’ll say yes, you have our blessing.”

I stared at Tom in shock. I hadn’t realized how badly I’d wanted his approval.

“Thank you,” I choked out.

“No. Thank you for keeping her safe.”

“She did that all on her own. No offense, but your daughter cannot follow directions. She didn’t stay hidden like we both asked. Instead, she risked her life and ran like a wild animal at a man with a gun pointed at her and incapacitated him faster than I’ve seen trained men do.”

“Sounds about right.”

“I love her,” I blurted out unnecessarily.

“Nothing more a father can ask for.”

The door opened and in walked a young doctor who looked fresh out of the academy. He took one look at the President of the United States and started stumbling over his words, like a star-struck groupie.

Christ Almighty, can’t a man get timely medical attention in this place?

Chapter 17

“What did the doctor say?” Colin asked from beside my hospital bed.