Page 130 of Protecting Honor
“Then when I heard what they were doing at Refuge Cove, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. But when it came to you . . .” He frowned as if demons haunted him. “Instead of protecting you, I led danger to your doorstep.”
“Max . . . it wasn’t like that. You had no idea how things would unfold.” She stepped closer. “And I’m so sorry for what you went through. And . . . for ever doubting you.”
“You had every reason to doubt me.”
“No, I didn’t. Not really.” She met his gaze, steady and certain. “I know you, Max. I should’ve trusted that sooner. I think the news just came as a shock.”
Something shifted in his chest at her words—something that had been tight for a long time finally easing.
“You were protecting your mom,” Hadley went on. “You did what you thought was right.”
Max let out a slow breath. “I didn’t feel like a hero.”
“You weren’t trying to be. You were choosing what mattered.” She hesitated, then added softly, “That’s what honor looks like.”
The word settled between them.
Max studied Hadley a moment, taking in the quiet strength in her expression.
Then he stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.
Hadley melted into the embrace, her arms wrapping around him just as tightly. For a second, neither of them moved.
They didn’t have to.
Everything that needed to be said was already there.
Max rested his forehead against hers, his voice low. “I don’t want to lose this.”
“You won’t.”
He searched her eyes for a second longer. Then he leaned closer, and his lips met hers.
The kiss was steady and sure—like everything they’d been through had led them right here.
Hadley leaned into it, her hand coming up to rest against his chest. Max tightened his hold on her, grounding himself in the moment. In her.
When they finally pulled back, the world felt lighter, better.
Behind them, Juno let out a soft huff, and one of the puppies yipped, breaking the moment just enough to make Hadley laugh.
Max smiled and brushed his thumb lightly along her cheek.
This—whatever came next—he could face.
As long as Hadley was by his side.
