They can’t die. They can’t die. The phrase repeated over and over in his head as they pounded the stone onto the window to no avail. As a last resort, Gunner swam around to the back of the car. “Help me try again,” he screamed. Gavin did as he was told without comment, swimming around to him. They took the rock, holding it high above their heads and smacking it onto the only visible part of the back windshield. He realized he was going to watch them die just as soon as the window began to crack. They smacked it again, knocking out a bit more of the glass. Understanding he had less than thirty seconds before they would both be dead, he forced himself into the car, ignoring the glass of the windshield as it ripped his sides open.
The car still had a slight pocket of air and he took a deep breath before submerging and feeling for their bodies. He couldn’t see anything in the dark water. He felt Reagan’s hand shoving Nora into his and he pushed up out of the seat, forcing the girl to the top. He heard her catch a breath, music to his ears, and pushed her out of the window where Gavin was waiting. Without a pause, he went back down, grabbing at Reagan. He pulled her up but was immediately pulled down. He felt his way down her body, realizing she was tied to the tethers under the seat. He pulled at them with little force, the water working against him. Finally, he reached in his back pocket, pulling out a pocket knife and attempting to sever the ties, fearing he may cut her. Within seconds, she was free and he felt her legs kick off of the floorboard. She bounded up, banging her head on the roof of the car. There was no air pocket this time. He shoved with all of his might, hearing the back windshield giving way as she went through it. The water surrounded him entirely and his lungs burned as he climbed out of the windshield, desperate for air. Nora could be seen back on the shore, laying down, unmoving. Gavin was fighting the current with Reagan in his arms. Gunner felt defeated, his body sore, bleeding, and exhausted, but he kicked off the trunk making a last ditch effort to get out of the water. He swam, his arms and legs burning and begging for relief, though they continued moving. He could see the flashing lights telling him the police had arrived. The murky water splashed into his face relentlessly; he tasted it, blinked it into his eyes.
Finally, when he’d reached the shore, he collapsed next to the three others, panting heavily. He clutched his chest, watching his hand move up and down as his lungs screamed for air. He touched the sores on his sides, looking at his blood covered hand. A police officer approached him.
“Sir, can you hear me?” she asked.
“Yes,” he answered, his breathing increasingly more difficult.
“We’re going to get you some help,” she promised him.
He looked over at Reagan and Nora, noticing they weren’t moving. “Are they okay?” he demanded.
An officer stood over Reagan. “We need a bus out here,” he demanded into the radio on his shoulder.
“Everyone’s alive,” the cop assured Gunner. “Just lay still. We’re going to get you guys some help.”
Beside him, Reagan opened her eyes and Gunner inched his way to her side, ignoring his own pain. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“Sir, you shouldn’t be moving right now. You need to remain still until we can assess your injuries.” The officer tried to lay him down flat but he refused to budge.
She smiled at him, her eyes pure and full of love. Her voice was soft and raspy when she spoke. “Why are you always saving me, Gunner James?”
* * *
Reagan woke up in the hospital, staring into the blinding white light above her. She lay still, struggling to catch her breath. All around her, she could feel the dark water closing in. She could still picture the terrified look on Nora’s face as she waited for her mother to save them before realizing that wasn’t going to happen.
Gia had tied them both down, making sure they couldn’t escape. Nora had managed to untie herself and one of Reagan’s hands eventually, her wrists smaller than the rope could account for, but by that time the water had risen too much—making it impossible for the doors to be opened. Gia had made sure to tear the handles to roll the windows down off before she left them, ensuring there would be no escape. She’d felt panic growing inside of her as the cool, brown water filled the car, soaking them. Already claustrophobic, the scenario was enough to make Reagan feel as though her heart may explode. But it hadn’t. She’d forced herself to stay calm. To think. Nora had pulled Reagan’s phone from her pants pocket once her own hands were free and by some miracle it still worked. Reagan instructed her to keep it above their heads. The screen was foggy—a sure sign of water damage already. Following Reagan’s instructions carefully, she found Gunner’s number and dialed.
When they realized Gunner couldn’t hear them because of the horrible service, Reagan began to accept that Gia may have won. As the car drifted further out onto the lake, with less trees to block them, he seemed to be able to hear her better but she still couldn’t be sure. With her free arm, she’d pulled her daughter close, trying to keep her safe for as long as possible. As the water rose even further, she held Nora up so she was still in the air pocket though Reagan herself wouldn’t be able to stay above water for much longer.
When she’d finally seen Gunner, it was as if an angel had appeared to her. Her angel. She knew Gunner would save them—he always did. And so, as the water began to fill her mouth, covering her eyes and ears, she felt hopeful. As her lungs burned for air, she knew somehow, someway it would be okay. And then she’d felt his arms on her, felt Nora leave her hands, and she knew she’d been right. Right about everything. All those years ago, she’d loved Gunner before he’d proven himself to her. She’d loved him because behind those dark, troubled eyes—she’d seen the real Gunner. The man who would save her life countless times. The man who would dance with her in the middle of an empty dance floor. The man who would make her laugh when no one else would. The man who would love her like no one else could.
He’d pulled her out of the car and she’d felt peace. If she survived this, it would be because she’d chosen to trust a boy she was never supposed to fall in love with. And yet, she had. Even after all these years, she couldn’t deny how much she loved him. Because she did. She always had. Gunner James was the dark cloud in her too-light sky. He was the perfect amount of shade. Dark, dangerous, and safe all at once. He’d been meant for her, and she him. Nothing would ever change her mind about that. Not ever again.
Brought back to reality, the door to her room opened and Jesse rushed in, his face distraught.
“Oh my god,” he said, scooping her up gently into his arms. “I came as soon as they called. Are you okay?” He kissed her face, her hair, tears filling his eyes.
“I’m okay,” she told him, hugging him back.
“Oh, Rae, I was so worried. That flight here was the worst of my life. I was so scared I was going to lose you.” He continued to look her over, rubbing his fingers over the stitches covering her arms, shoulders, and sides.
“I’m so sorry, Jesse,” she said, tears filling her own eyes.
“What do you have to be sorry for?” he asked. “I’m just so glad you’re safe.” He pressed his lips onto hers. “Where’s Nora? Is she okay?”
“She’s okay,” Reagan said softly, biting her lip. “She’s resting now.”
“I should go check on her,” he said, starting to leave the room.
She squeezed his hand, not letting go. “Jesse, wait.”
He turned to face her. “What is it, sweetheart?”
She frowned. “I’m sorry,” she repeated.
He closed his eyes. “I know.”
She cocked her head to the side as he walked closer to her. “You know?”
“It’s Gunner, isn’t it?” he asked.
She nodded, rubbing her hand over his face. “I love you so much.”
“But you love him more?” he asked, though his face told her he already knew the answer.
She nodded, unable to speak. He touched her hair. “I know,” he repeated. “I knew we were over the seco
nd he came back into town.” He shrugged, a tear falling down his cheek. “A guy can hope he’s wrong, right?”
She brushed the tear from his chin. “I wish it wasn’t this way,” she whispered. And she did. On paper, Jesse was the perfect guy for her. Smart, successful, kind. He’d been good to her, taken care of her and Nora when they’d needed it most. And yet, her heart was and always had been with Gunner.
“I do too,” he told her. “I just want you to be happy. You know that, right?”
She wiped a tear from her eyes. “You’re supposed to be mean to me. Tell me what a horrible person I am.”
“Rae, you’re far from a horrible person. The heart wants what it wants.”
She pulled the diamond ring from her finger, handing it to him. “Here,” she said softly.
He took it from her. “I did tell you I’m a doctor, right? Like uber-rich, can save your life kind of doctor? Pretty good looking too from what I hear.” He smiled at his own joke, attempting to look braver than she knew he felt.
“I’ve heard that somewhere,” she said, laughing through her tears.
He pressed his lips into her forehead. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“I’m sorry, Jesse,” she said, because she could think of nothing else. “You deserve better than this.”
“Eh, we had a pretty good ride. You just promise me you’ll take care of yourself, okay? And tell Gunner I’ll be waiting for him to slip up.”
She smiled, letting go of his hand. “I will.”
“I’m going to go say good-bye to Nora,” he said, taking a step back.
“Okay,” she said, watching him slip the ring into his pocket. He turned around, opening the door and casting one last look her way before he disappeared out of it. She let out a broken sob, allowing herself to grieve the relationship she’d hung so much hope on. She shook, wrapping her arms around herself despite the pain. It would have been easier if he’d been a jerk about it, but she’d known better than that. That wasn’t the Jesse she knew.
A few more minutes passed before the door opened again. Her parents bustled into the room.
“How are you feeling?” her mother asked. Her father carried a few things from the cafeteria downstairs. He offered her a soda.
“No thanks,” she said. “I’m okay. Still sore.”
“Do you want us to see if the nurse can give you some pain medicine?”
“She’s already given me some,” Reagan told them. “I’ll be okay.”
Her mother sat down in the seat beside her bed, grasping her hand. “We were just in to see Nora. Jesse seemed upset.”
Reagan nodded. “Mom, I—”
“Did you call off the engagement?” Gemma asked. She nodded again. Gemma sighed. “I figured that was what was going on.”
“I’m sorry,” Reagan said.
“What on earth are you apologizing to me for?” she asked, her eyes wide.
“I know you liked him. I know you thought he was good for us.”
Her mother stroked her palm. “He is good for you, Rae. Jesse is a good man. But, the only thing truly good for you...is your own happiness. With Holly gone, you’re all we have left.” Tears brimmed her eyes. “You and Nora. And your happiness is all that matters to us. We want you safe. And happy. And loved. And cared for. And if you are all of those things, then I’m happy. I know what you and Gunner had was special. I may not like the way he treated you at the end, but the way he treats you now is what’s truly important. I’m willing to forgive mistakes made nearly ten years ago, sweetheart. He saved your life.”
“More than you know,” Reagan said. “I love you.”
Her mother placed her head down beside her daughter’s. “I love you too, my sweet girl.”
The door opened once more and Gunner was standing in the threshold, his skin pale. His hair had dried strangely, sticking out in every direction. “Oh,” he said, “I’m sorry.” He began to walk away but Gemma stopped him.
“Come in here, Gunner.”
He did as he was told, walking cautiously into the room and to Reagan’s other side. “I can come back later,” he told them.
“Nonsense,” Scott spoke up. “No reason for that.”
Reagan reached up, taking his hand. “It’s okay, Gunner. Everything’s okay now.” She ran her fingers along the bulk under his shirt where the bandages were. “Shouldn’t you be in bed somewhere?”
“Just a few stitches,” he said casually. “I wanted to check on you and Nora.”
“We’re both going to be fine,” she said. “Thanks to you.”
“You saved their lives, Gunner,” Gemma said, “we can’t thank you enough.”
Scott reached out to shake his hand, seemingly unable to speak.
“I couldn’t live without them,” Gunner said, “so really, I was just saving my own.”
Reagan pulled him down to her, kissing his hand. He sat. “We never want to live without you again.”
Gemma took a breath. “Are you going to stay around here then? Stay in Dale?”
He nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” She seemed pleased with that answer. “I suppose we’ll be seeing you around then.” She kissed Reagan’s head.
“I suppose you will,” Gunner agreed.
“We’ll give you two some space,” Gemma said, standing up.
“You don’t have to go.”
“We won’t be gone too long,” Scott said. “We’ll just head over and check on Nora again.”
They disappeared from the room. The second the door closed, Reagan pulled his face to hers, kissing him softly.
“I thought you wanted to wait.”
“I talked to Jesse,” she said.
“Already?” he asked, a smile on his face.
“I’m in a hurry to be in love with you, Gunner James. Officially.”
He kissed her back, his hands cupping her face. “There was never a time when I wasn’t in love with you, Reagan.”
She squeezed his hand, her fingers on her own cheeks. “I’ve been waiting a very long time to hear you say that.”
“I’ve been waiting a long time to be able to say it.”
“Gunner, move in with me.”
“Yes,” he said instantly, not having to think twice.
“What? Seriously? I thought there would have to be some serious convincing done before you’d agree. That was too easy.”
He shook his head, kissing her again. “We’ve already lost eight years. I love you. I love Nora. You never have to convince me of anything again. I’m in this. I’m with you. And I’m never, ever going anywhere.”
* * *
The next week, Reagan was ready to come home from the hospital. Gunner paced the house. “Nora, are you ready to go?” he called. She walked out of her room.
“I’m ready!” she exclaimed. “Let’s go get mom.”
As they walked out the door and climbed into the car, Gunner looked at her. “Now, remember what we talked about.”
“No telling mom about the ice cream for dinner...twice.” She smiled at him devilishly.
“That’s right.” He smiled, starting up the car and backing out of the drive.
“Gunner?” the girl asked, once they were a bit further down the road.
“Yes?”
“Are you going to live with us forever?”
“Well,” he said, “that’s the plan. Is that okay with you?”
She thought for a moment before answering. “I think so.”
He was shocked by her answer. “I thought you’d be excited.”
“It’s just always been me and mommy. Things are going to be different now.”
“Well, that’s true,” he agreed. “But different doesn’t have to mean bad. Different can be really good.”
“Like how?”
“Well, I guess that’s up to you. Nothing you don’t want to change has to change. You and your mom can still have all the time you want together. But I’ll be there too sometimes. And w
e can play games or watch movies or whatever dads and daughters do together.”
“You’re not very good at this whole dad stuff, are you?” she asked skeptically.
“I haven’t had much practice, Nora, if I’m being honest with you. I’m learning as I go. But...I want to learn to be a good dad for you. I think you deserve the best dad there is.”
“Is that you?”
“I hope it will be someday.”
“Me too,” she told him.
“You know, being your dad is going to take me some time to get used to. And I may not always do the right things and sometimes you might not like me all that much but I’m always going to try my hardest for you.”
“I’ll help you.” She smiled at him.
“I’d like that a lot.” He felt the lump growing in his throat.
“You said I can call you dad, but is it okay if I just keep calling you Gunner...for now?”
“You can call me whatever you want. Just don’t call me late for dinner.”
She stared at him. “What?”
He laughed to himself. “Nothing. It was a joke I’ve heard other dads make. I think I’m supposed to make corny jokes now or something.”
She furrowed her brow. “I don’t get it.”
“That’s okay, kiddo. I never really did either.”
She patted her legs, looking out the window. “There’s a father-daughter dance at school coming up.”
“Oh yeah?” he said.
“Jesse was supposed to take me.”
“Well, that would be all right.”
“But he’s not really my father, is he?”
“Not really, no. But that doesn’t mean he can’t take you,” Gunner said, feeling pain at her words.
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