Page 190 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

---

The faint crease between her brows like even in sleep, she’s bracing for something.

For the world to hit her again.

And damn if that doesn’t do something to me.

Because I want to be the thing that keeps that from happening.

I want—

I stop that thought before it finishes.

Because I know where it leads.

And I don’t get to want things like that.

Not with a life like mine.

Not with danger sitting this close to her door.

Not with a kid depending on her.

My jaw tightens.

This wasn’t supposed to feel like forever.

One moment.

Something we didn’t let go too far.

Instead—

I glance down at her again.

Yeah.

That line’s already gone.

Her fingers shift slightly against my chest.

Then still.

And something inside me settles again.

Like this… right here… is where I’m supposed to be.

Which is exactly the problem.

A floorboard creaks somewhere down the hall.

I go still instantly.

Every muscle tightening.

Listening.

Aspen doesn’t wake.

Good.

---