Page 227 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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And just like that—

Everything breaks.

Tears spill over before I can stop them.

I lean into him, holding his hand against my face.

Because I almost didn’t get this moment.

Because I almost lost him.

Because I almost—

A hand settles on my shoulder.

Warm.

Solid.

Havoc.

I don’t even have to look.

I feel him.

Right there.

Steady.

I take a breath.

Wipe my cheeks quickly.

Pull myself back together.

Because I have to.

Because this isn’t over.

I stand slowly.

Turn to him.

“Thank you,” I say.

Two words.

Not enough.

Not even close.

But everything I have right now.

His eyes meet mine.

And there’s something there.

Something deeper than before.

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