Page 365 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Because he kept his promise.

Because he always does.

I pull back just enough to look at him.

Really look.

He’s tired.

Bruised.

But his eyes?

Still the same.

Still steady.

Stillhim.

“Is it really over?” I ask.

A beat.

Then—

“For now,” he says.

Honest.

Always honest.

I nod.

Because I understand what that means.

Because I know men like him don’t get clean endings.

But this?

This is enough.

His hand comes up.

Brushes my cheek.

Gentler than everything else about him.

“You okay?” he asks.

I smile.

Soft.

Real.

“Yeah,” I say.

And I am.

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