In the Likely Event

by Rebecca Yarros

“She’ll be safer with me.”

“Because you’re in love with her?” Torres questioned. I shook my head. “Because Jenkins isn’t willing to die for her.”

“Relatives only,” the paramedic in back said, already hooking her up to something. “I’m assuming you’re her . . .” He glanced up. Don’t leave me. “Husband.” I moved, climbing up into the rig in one step. “I’m her husband.”

“Please,” I said softly. “Please choose me, Izzy. Choose us. Choose us over whatever life your parents want you to lead. Choose us despite the fact that I’m asking when we haven’t had time to build a life. Choose to give us that time. Choose our future. I’ll do whatever you want. Just marry me.” Every muscle in my body tensed, hanging on her answer.

“I said yes to him because he was familiar, and comfortable, and I’d already made the biggest mistake of my life by saying no to the right man.”

His eyes flew open. “And I’ve lived every single day with that regret.” I opened my other palm, revealing the ring. “You may have carried this with you, but I carried you here.” I slid my hand over my heart. “I should have said yes and then held on to you for dear life, damn the consequences, and if I’d known that you were going to disappear minutes later, I would have. I should have said yes. I never stopped loving you, Nate. Not for one second.”

“I’ve been talking to my best friend as a coping mechanism for the stress, the deployments, the . . . everything.” He nodded, leaning back in his chair. “That sounds pretty normal.” “Yeah, except he’s been dead for four years. Think you can help me?” I gripped my knees and waited for his answer. “Yes,” he said. “I think I can help you.”