***
Jason woke up to the anxious face of a paramedic less than six inches away from his nose. He was on a stretcher in the back of an ambulance, from what he could tell, and he was being given oxygen, but he didn’t think the ambulance was moving. Scratch that—everything was moving. He was so dizzy.
“There you are,” the paramedic said with a smile. “You were out a few minutes longer than I thought you’d be.”
“I try to keep people on their toes,” Jason mumbled. “What happened?”
“Seems your space heater decided to throw off some carbon monoxide, and you didn’t have it ventilated well enough,” the paramedic replied. “Haven’t used one before, huh?”
Jason shook his head. “Never camped in cold like this.” He should have checked in at the hotel. He’d had the thought, but he hadn’t followed up on it. “Did I pass out?”
“You did, and your friends pulled you out of the trailer and into fresh air. They likely saved your life.”
“Friends?” He tried to think. Where was he? What friends were they talking about?
“Addie and Monique. Do you remember them? Are you having any memory loss?”
“Oh. Yes, I remember them. And I’m just a little groggy.”
“We’re going to take you in to the hospital and run a few tests, all right? The fact that you didn’t come to for a little while has us concerned. We should be able to release you after a few hours, but we want to be sure that you’re okay.”
He nodded. That sounded good. What he mostly wanted was to go back to sleep anyway. He liked sleep.
***
“Mr. Miller, can you hear me?”
Jason opened his eyes. Instead of the paramedic, now he saw a white-coated doctor. “Hi,” he managed.
“Mr. Miller, do you know where you are?”
He glanced around. “Looks like a hospital.”
“That’s right. You were brought in with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important that you wake up and stay awake for a little while, all right? I need to ask you a series of questions to check your memory.”
“Where’s Addie?”
“She’s in the waiting room. She’s fine—you’re the priority right now.”
Knowing where Addie was, Jason nodded. He could try to answer some questions. Staying awake was going to be tricky, though. Sleep just felt so good.
Chapter Seven
Addie came to her feet as soon as the doctor entered the waiting room. Monique had gone to find a vending machine, so she’d been waiting alone to hear how Jason was doing.
“What’s going on?” she asked. “Is he all right?”
“Mr. Miller tells us that you’re his next of kin,” the doctor said. “Is that right?”
Hmm. That was an interesting question. She was pretty sure that ex-girlfriends didn’t count as next of kin, but it sounded like she wouldn’t get the information she needed if she didn’t go along with it. “That’s right.” First trespassing, and now lying to obtain medical information. Somehow she had a feeling this wouldn’t look so great for her if she was ever found out.
“Mr. Miller inhaled quite a bit of carbon monoxide, and his body had a hard time expelling it from his lungs. He’s awake now and doing quite well. His memory appears to be intact, and his attitude is good. I believe he’s free from any lasting side effects, which is a miracle, actually. If you and your friend hadn’t come along when you did, we could be having a very different conversation right now.”
Addie pulled in a breath. She’d been so hesitant to drive out there, wondering if he’d think she was being too forward. Now she was grateful beyond measure that they’d gone. “Can I see him?”
“Yes, he’s ready for that now. Just down that hall, first door on your right.”
Addie thanked the doctor, then went down the hall on knees that trembled. She’d come so close to losing Jason—what would she have done if he’d died? She didn’t know if he’d had a chance to read her email before he passed out. Would he have left this world without knowing she was willing to give the concept of “them” another chance?
She carefully opened the door and poked her head inside, hoping she’d heard the doctor’s directions clearly and that she hadn’t just walked into a stranger’s room. But no—there was Jason, semi-reclining in the bed and looking a little washed out. Most important, though, was the fact that he looked alive.
“Hi,” she said softly as she entered the room. “I heard you almost died and stuff.”
“Yeah, they told me that too. Aren’t you glad I didn’t listen?”
“Kerosene?” She grabbed the chair nearest the bed and brought it even closer. “Why were you using something that ran on kerosene?”
“I honestly didn’t realize the danger. I read the instructions for how to light it, but I missed the part about ventilation.”
“You scared three days of life out of me, I hope you know.”
He reached out to take her hand, and this time, she let him. “Did you get my email?” he asked.
“Yes. That’s why I came out to see you—I wanted to tell you that yes, I’m willing to give it a chance. A very gentle, mild chance, not jumping in with both feet, okay? Let’s start with emails and phone calls. We both need to be sure that we’re ready this time.”
“Agreed. I know that I didn’t handle things the way I wanted before, and I’ll never let that happen again. You’re too valuable to lose, Addie, and losing you twice would be the height of stupidity.”
“No, I think that using kerosene in a small, unventilated trailer was the height of stupidity, but there’s room for more than one stupid thing on the scale at one time.”
He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. The sensation sent chills running up into her elbow, but good chills, not creepy stalker chills. “You’re willing to give it a chance?”
“Yes, I am. Slowly, all right?”
“Slowly. I’ll take whatever I can get. We’ll make this work, Addie, and if it’s hard, we’ll just buckle down even more. The things that are worth having are worth going into battle for, and I’m ready.”
***
“No, I’m not going to press charges,” Jason said into the phone, rolling his eyes a little bit and making Addie smile with his drama. “Marilyn, the hardware store wasn’t at fault. If I can’t figure out how to read instructions, that’s on me, and the instructions talked about using it in a well-ventilated area. Yes, I realize how dangerous that was, and I know . . . yes . . . yes. Now, just tell me. Did you like the article?”
A grin spread across his face, and he gave Addie a thumbs-up. “Yeah, I know it was a little touchy-feely from my usual style, but maybe this is a new thing for me. Maybe it’s time my style got a makeover.”
Addie silently applauded, and he smiled.
“Yes, the Oregon Coast. I’m on it—can’t wait.” He hung up the phone and punched the air with his fist. “Yes! She loved it. Says it’s the best thing I’ve ever written.”
“Seems to me that another woman in your life said the same thing not long ago.”
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many wise women.”
“Yes, you are.” She stood up and grasped the handles of his hospital-issued wheelchair. “You ready to blow this popsicle stand? I’m parked right out front.”
“You’re parked? As in, with your car, and not Monique’s? I’m shocked. Absolutely shocked.”
“She helped me dig it out. She says she’ll miss being at my beck and call, but she understands that all good things must come to an end.”
“Yes, I’m sure she said that. So, where to, driver?”
“I’m taking you over to the hotel. That’s where you live now—at least until you leave. I want that trailer aired out like nobody’s business before you sleep in it again, and I’ve arranged for someone to go over and check it out to be absolutely positive that it was the space heater and not your regular heater. I mean, I know it was, but I really want to know, you know
?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I know. And thank you. For everything. For saving my life, for checking my heater, for pushing me to your car—you’re pretty awesome, you know that?”
She waited until they were on the elevator and then she bent down and kissed him. “Yes, I am very awesome. Don’t you forget it.”
***
“You really have to go?” Addie looked up into Jason’s eyes. So many things had changed that week, things she’d never imagined would ever change. At first, she’d wanted to run him out of town with a hunting rifle. Now, she wanted him to stay forever.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her closer. “I do, but when I get back, I’ll have three weeks off before my next assignment. I want to spend those three weeks learning about your shop so I can help with it when I’m in town.”
“You do? You don’t hate it?”
“I only hated it when I thought it was taking you away from me. Now I realize that I was pushing you away.”
“And now you’re holding me close.” She laid her head on his shoulder. They had agreed that when he got back, they’d give this dating thing a try—a genuine try, with actual dinners and maybe going to the movies. She hadn’t seen the latest Jack Raven movie yet, and she was dying to. How fun that she had so many things to look forward to with Jason at her side.
He bent down to kiss her, taking her breath away. She clung to him, trying to remain upright, even though her knees were going out from under her. He always had been able to kiss her senseless, and he hadn’t lost that talent at all.
“Three weeks,” he said when he released her. “Three weeks, and we’ll get started on the rest of our lives.”
“I think I’d rather work on our forever, but a step at a time,” she replied. It took time to tear down walls, and it took time to build bridges. A whole lot of both was needed, but now they were committed to giving their very best. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small stone. “I have a present for you.”
He took it, rubbing it between his fingers. “What’s this?”
“Ambrosia couldn’t remember, but she said I could use it as a weapon if I needed to. She suggested flicking it in your eye if you got out of line.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “Are you sure you don’t want to hang on to this? You might need it.”
“I’m giving it to you as a sign of trust that no, I will not need it.”
“You’re a good woman, Addie Collins.”
He bent and kissed her again, then got into his truck and pulled out of the KOA campground, waving as he went. He paused at the entrance, and her phone chimed with a text.
See you soon. Three weeks until forever.
She grinned. This was definitely going to be another adventure.
Epilogue
Addie swayed back and forth in the corner at the Valentine’s Day dance, watching the other couples. The committee had done a great job of bringing together the decorations and refreshments, and she’d been enjoying herself thoroughly. It was tough to be alone on the most romantic holiday of the year, but she’d been alone before and this was different—she had a guy this year. He just happened to be in Oregon. He’d called that afternoon and they’d talked for an hour—yeah, she missed him. But he’d be back soon.
“Excuse me, ma’am.”
She turned to see Benny at her elbow. He gave a dramatic bow and motioned toward the dance floor. “I wondered if you’d care to cut a rug.”
She laughed. “I’d love to cut a rug with you, Benny.”
She held on to his trembling arm, and they found a spot clear of other dancers. “I couldn’t help but wonder why the prettiest girl in the place wasn’t dancing,” he said as he guided her into a basic box step.
“I was dancing on the inside,” she replied.
“Well, now you’re dancing on the outside too.” He chuckled. “Did you know that I used to be quite a good dancer?”
“What do you mean, you used to? Look at you now.”
“This is nothing. I used to take home trophies, the whole nine yards. Those were some pretty wonderful days.”
“Trophies? That’s so cool. You’ll have to tell me all about them.”
“I will. I might even have you over so I can show them off. You can bring that young man of yours. When’s he due back?”
“Not for a little while longer, I’m afraid. But yes, we’d love to come.”
“Good. I even have pictures. No video, though, which is a shame.”
Just then, someone came up behind Benny and tapped him on the shoulder. “Looks like someone wants to cut in,” Benny said, stepping to the side. That didn’t seem fair—she was having a great time with Benny, and she didn’t want to give him up. But then she saw who it was.
“Jason!”
He stood there holding a dozen roses and grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Hi there.”
“But you called me from Oregon.”
“No, I called you from the highway. Don’t worry—I was using my Bluetooth.”
She stood there gawking at him like a little girl until he chuckled and pulled her into his arms, which was kind of tricky considering the roses. “I couldn’t leave you here alone on Valentine’s Day,” he said into her ear.
“Well, okay. I suppose you can be here,” she replied.
They finished out the dance, the roses between them, and then he took her hand and led her outside. “There’s another reason why I came back,” he said. “I know this is cornier than corny because it’s Valentine’s Day, but . . .” He dropped down to one knee in the snow. “Addie, I realize that we’re taking it slow and we’re not rushing into anything, but I thought your finger deserved a little decoration while we’re figuring this out.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring.
Addie couldn’t believe what was happening. Hadn’t they decided on a plan of action for this relationship? And now here he was, messing up that plan?
He took her hand in his. “Addie Collins, will you wear this sparkly ring and allow it to mean whatever you’re comfortable with it meaning until we’re ready for it to mean what sparkly rings usually mean?”
She couldn’t help it. She started to giggle. “Yes, Jason Miller, I will wear this sparkly ring and all the rest of the stuff you just said.”
“Oh, good. Because my knee is getting cold.” He stood up, tugged her into his arms again, and looked into her eyes. “And because it’s Valentine’s Day, I suppose I should kiss you now because of traditions and whatnot, yes?”
“Yes,” she said, grabbing his collar and bringing him closer. “And it’s definitely a Quinn Valley tradition too.”
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About Amelia C. Adams
Amelia C. Adams is a wife, a mother, an eater of tacos, and a taker of naps. She spends her days thinking up stories and her nights writing them down. Her biggest hero is her husband, and you just might see bits and pieces of him as you read her novels.
You can reach her at [email protected].
Please join Amelia on her website to learn more about her, sign up for her newsletter, stay on top of news and upcoming releases, and follow her on Facebook. In fact, you can join her readers’ group by clicking here!
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The Kansas Crossroads Series:
A New Beginning (free!)
A Free Heart
The Dark and the Dawn
A Clean Slate
A Clear Hope
The Whisper of Morning
A Careless Wind
A Narrow Road
The Bitter and the Sweet
The Calm of Night
A Begrudging Bride
A Broken Wing (A Kansas Crossroads novella)
A Twisted Fate
An Unspoken Dream
A Joyful Noise
The Echo of Musi
c (A Kansas Crossroads novella)
The Risk and the Reward (A Kansas Crossroads novella)
A Passing Glance
The Nurses of New York series:
Sea of Strangers (free!)
Cause of Conflict
Touch of Tenderness
Heart of Hearts
Test of Time
The American Mail-Order Brides series:
Hope: Bride of New Jersey
Tabitha: Bride of Missouri
The Hearts of Nashville series:
Whiskey and Women
Records and Rebels
Sidearms and Songbirds
As part of the Brides of Beckham series by Kirsten Osbourne:
Mail Order Molly
As part of the River’s End Ranch series:
Accidental Agent
Rugged Rockclimber
Welcome Wagon
Santa’s Shopkeeper
Delivering Destiny
Lucky Lifeguard
Poinsettia Promises
Christmas Catch-Up III
Candy Crush
Paislee’s Path
Pet Peeves
Karaoke Kisses
As part of the Quinn Valley Ranch series:
Scented Sensibility
As part of the Grandma’s Wedding Quilts series:
Meredith’s Mistake
As part of the Magnolias and Moonshine series:
Sweet Georgia Peach
As part of the Burnt River series:
Ashley’s Hope
Phoebe’s Fate
As part of the Rocky Mountain Romances series:
Utah Sunrise
As part of the Mail Order Mounties series:
Bride for Joel
Bride for Jonathan
Bride for Samuel
Bride for Calvin
Bride for Peter
Bride for Michael
Bride for Richard
As part of the Seven Sons series:
Benjamin
Daniel
Frank
Addie's Adventurer Page 8
