Part 35 (1/2)

G.o.d, what a relief it was to say those words.

Jane's expression was once more inscrutable. ”But not done with the memoir?” she asked. ”You're actually going to finish it?”

Here was the critical moment, one that felt more live-or-die than any he'd faced in Afghanistan. He took another deep breath. ”If I can get some a.s.sistance.”

In an abrupt move, she sat back. ”Maybe Frank can find you someone.”

His gaze caught hers. ”I've already found someone.”

”Griffin...”

”Look, your reputation doesn't need me. It doesn't need this job. You're incredible at what you do-you're good with the words, you're good with people. You've already made my memoir so much better.”

Her face flushed. ”Thank you.”

”But this isn't about the book. I need you, Jane.” He was certain of this. Find a woman you can value and love every day. ”You're the glue. In your eyes I see me, whole and well. Loved...and loving.”

She made to rise off the couch.

He grabbed her knees, holding her down. ”I love you, Jane Pearson. I can't run from my memories any longer, and I don't want to distance myself from this either. I am desperately in love with you.”

She turned her face away from his. ”You're riding the adrenaline rush from the fall. Don't say something you'll regret later.”

Griffin hadn't come this far to fail. ”Let me be the one who never lets go of you, sweetheart.” He caressed her bare legs in soft persuasion. ”I know I'm not completely healthy, but I promise-”

”It's not that.” She whipped her head toward his, and he could see the tears standing in her eyes. ”It's... You've been all over the world. Been in perilous places, taken risks that stop my breath. In comparison to all that, will what we might have...will I be enough?”

”Sweetheart...”

”You said my world, this world, is colorless, remember?”

It almost made him laugh. ”Honey-pie, when I'm with you, I think of a thousand colors. Your beautiful silvery eyes, your lemon-yellow swimsuit, your pink sunburn, your pumpkin shoes. You're...you're my rainbow.” His darling, serious, wonderful, brave, spirited, beautiful, talented Jane. So, so lovable.

He would make it his worthy purpose to a.s.sure her of that every day.

But she didn't yet appear entirely convinced, d.a.m.n it.

”Jane, sweetheart, remember...” His heart felt unmoored in his chest, b.u.mping throat, ribs, belly. Oh, G.o.d, he thought, he had to get this right.