She couldn’t survive losing Tank.
Preacher came over and put a hand on Conroy’s shoulder. “I just talked to Zeke. The girls are doing fine. They ate, and they’re watching a movie with Grandpa Mike.”
“Thank you.” Leah didn’t remember passing out, but when she’d come to, Ginger had said the girls hadn’t seen or heard anything. Conroy told them that Tank had a boo-boo and they were going to check on him and would be back a little later. He’d said Junie had asked questions, but Leah had been too anxious to process the details. She knew the girls were safe, and that’s what mattered.
“Can I get you anything, sweetheart?” Preacher asked.
Tank, please was on the tip of Leah’s tongue, but she kept that to herself and said, “No, thank you.”
Time moved in slow motion, every second more painful than the last. When the doctor finally came through the doors, Leah rushed to her feet, wanting to run to him, but she hung back, allowing Ginger and Conroy the space they needed.
“You’re with us, baby girl.” Ginger reached for Leah’s hand.
More tears fell as they crossed the room to speak with the doctor, whose expression gave nothing away. Please let him be okay. Please. I’ll do anything.
Ginger hugged her against her side. “Whatever he says, we’ll deal with it together.”
Leah nodded, unable to respond.
The doctor said, “The surgery went well.”
A sob escaped before Leah could stop it, and she covered her mouth. Tears streamed down Ginger’s face, and Conroy’s eyes were damp as he put his arms around both of them.
“The next few hours will be critical,” the doctor explained. “It was a small bleed and he’s responding well, but we’ll watch him closely to make sure there are no further issues—”
“Further issues?” Conroy asked.
Leah held her breath.
“There’s a possibility of seizures, memory loss, dizziness, numbness. As I said, we’ll watch him closely,” the doctor explained.
Every word hit Leah like a knife to the heart, but any of that was better than losing Tank forever.
“Can we see him?” Ginger asked.
“Yes, soon,” the doctor answered. “He’s going to be a bit out of it from the anesthesia, and he was asking for Lee.”
Another sob escaped, and Conroy hugged Leah against his side.
The doctor looked at Leah. “I take it that’s you?”
She nodded, swiping at her tears. “Yes.”
“He’ll be happy to see you. The nurse will be out to get you soon.”
As the doctor walked away, Conroy pulled Ginger and Leah into his arms. “He’s going to be okay.” The relief in his voice was as strong as his embrace. “Our boy’s going to be okay.”
The wait to see Tank was excruciating. Conroy relayed the good news to everyone, and the room erupted in a cacophony of hugs, tears, and joyous comments. Preacher called Zeke to give him and the others the good news, and when the nurse came to get Conroy and Ginger, they invited Leah to go with them to see Tank.
As they followed the nurse down the hall, Conroy said, “Leah, people look different in hospital beds. You should prepare yourself. I know you can’t imagine this, but he might look frailer and vulnerable.”
“I don’t care what he looks like. I need to see him.”
“We know, honey, and you will.” Ginger stopped at the entrance to the recovery room. “But Con’s right. You’re used to seeing the Tank who can conquer anything, and it might be a shock to see him hooked up to IVs and machines.”
“I appreciate you trying to prepare me, but it’s a gift that he’s alive and that we get to see him at all.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I would have given anything to see my father or River looking vulnerable in a hospital bed instead of burying them six feet under.”
“Oh, honey. You’re absolutely right.” Ginger embraced her.
Leah followed them into the room, her heart aching as she stood back, giving Conroy and Ginger a moment with Tank. His eyes were closed, his head bandaged. His right cheek was scraped up, and there was another bandage on his cheekbone, which must have been from the stitches the nurse had mentioned. The sheet rose and fell with his even breaths, each one making her heart beat steadier, and her tears fall harder.
Ginger leaned in to kiss his face, and his eyes fluttered open. Leah put her hand over her mouth to silence her sobs as Ginger said, “You gave us quite a scare, honey. But you’re going to be okay.”
“Lee?” Tank said groggily.
“She’s right here.” Conroy motioned for Leah to join them.
Leah went to the other side of the bed and put her hand over Tank’s. He curled his fingers around hers, sadness rising in his eyes. She opened her mouth to say so many things—Thank God you’re alive. I love you. I was terrified we’d lose you. I can’t handle you risking your life for everyone else when we need you so badly—but emotions stole her voice, and instead, she leaned in to give him a gentle hug, just needing to be closer. His arm circled her, and she felt his heart beating against hers and was hit with the memory of him leaning over River, refusing to give up on the young man he’d never met. Her breath caught, and she knew she was wrong about not being able to handle his risking his life for others. There was nothing she couldn’t handle for the man she loved.
Tank held her there against his chest, whispering, “I’m so sorry.”
“No,” she choked out, and gazed into his heavy-lidded eyes. “Don’t apologize. You saved someone’s little girl. I was terrified we’d lose you, but I’m so proud of you for saving another mom from that devastating loss. That outweighs everything else.”
“I need to stop volunteering,” he said sleepily. “I have you and the girls to think about now.”
“And you always do think about us. We both know you can’t stop being you. You’re always going to be the guy who wants to save everyone, and I’m always going to be the girl who worries about losing you.”
“Lee—”
“Shh. I have a plan.”
His lips tipped up. “Please tell me there’s a gnarly biker in that plan.”
God, she loved him. Fresh tears welled in her eyes. “There is, but you don’t have to change to keep us together. The girls and I love you just as you are, Benson, and we’re going to spend every free minute showing you just how much.”
He ran his hand down her back. “You already do that.”
“I mean for the rest of our lives.”
“I’m groggy, so bear with me.” A new light shimmered in his eyes. “Are you asking me to marry you?”
“What? No. I…Ohmygosh.” Her cheeks burned, and she looked at his parents’ hopeful expressions. “I didn’t mean—”
“Lee.” He touched her face, bringing her eyes back to him. “I was joking, but I have a plan, too. You’re right. I’ll always be the guy who helps others. It’s in my blood.” He paused, as if it took all his strength to speak. “But I’m not a career firefighter. I’m a biker and a tattoo artist. And more importantly, I’m your man and Papa Tank to the girls.” He quieted again, swallowing hard, his words tugging at her. “You and the girls are everything to me, and now I know the truth.” He glanced at his parents and then back to Leah. “I could save the world and it won’t bring Ashley back, but it could take me away from the people I love most.” He pulled her closer. “I can help people without leaving you frantic with worry every month while I’m at the firehouse. I’m done volunteering.”