Chapter 72

Gently, he prodded the area, until Donovan flinched. He glanced up to meet Donovan’s gaze. “I’d kill that bastard a dozen times for doing this to you.”

Donovan’s heart buoyed. Undeniable love and possessiveness showed clearly in TJ’s eyes. A sight Donovan wasn’t sure he’d ever see. “Once is enough, I’m sure.” Donovan sighed. “I need to call the state prison. The officials. Someone to let them know their escapee has been found.” He grimaced. “Maybe the coroner too. Keeping a dead body in the house in the middle of summer is a recipe for stinkiness.” He shuddered.

“First, I’m cleaning this wound. You’ve not budging until I’m satisfied you don’t need to go to the hospital.”

Donovan bit his lip to keep from grinning. Despite the burn along his ribcage, he decided he wouldn’t have missed this moment for the world. “Whatever you say, big guy.”

TJ’s eyes softened a smidgen. He leaned forward and brushed his lips softly over Donovan’s. “You scared the hell out of me. Took years off my life. And, probably gave me gray hair in the process.”

Donovan ran his hand through TJ’s hair. “A little silver in there would just make you sexier. If that’s possible.”

TJ leaned into Donovan’s touch. “I don’t know how I got so lucky for you to drop into my lap, but I’ll count every day as a blessing as long as you’re here.”

“I’m not going anywhere, grizzly.” Donovan smiled warmly. “I worked too hard to get you. I’m not about to let you go.”

“I love you, mate.” TJ’s eyes lit up as the tautness eased from his expression.

Donovan chuckled then groaned as the jerky motions caused pain to shoot to his ribs. “I love you, too. Surly, badass grizzly and all. Mate. My mate. For life.”

TJ lowered his head once more.

Forgetting his wound, Donovan lost himself in the pleasure of TJ’s masterful kiss, filled with a lifetime of promise and undying love. He’s never tasted anything so sweet.

The clearing of a throat broke them apart.

Donovan glanced past TJ to see Jonah standing at the doorway with a bored expression on his face.

“Heard a gunshot. Guess that’s your stalker?”

“Yeah,” Donovan agreed.

“Figured.” Jonah leaned on the door jamb. “You might want to find somewhere else to stay for a few days. Blood is a bitch to clean up.”

“He’s staying with me.” TJ’s voice carried conviction.

A ghost of a smile appeared on Jonah’s face. “After what I saw and heard, I didn’t expect it to be any other way.” He tipped his head and sauntered off, leaving them in a semblance of privacy.

“One problem solved,” Donovan tossed out.

“You mean your wound?” TJ asked.

“Nope. I mean that you have me all hot and bothered now and we have company.” He pouted for good measure.

TJ chuckled. “You’re damn addictive, mate.”

“Good. Because you’re like an ice cream cone. Sweet, tasty, hits the spot, and melts when I lick it.”

TJ groaned. “Wound first. Licking later.”

“Okay.” Donovan grinned, thrilled with the turn of events. No more hunter. No more Bagsby. Finally, he was free to spend his life with the man he loved.Epilogue

Three weeks later

TJ, flower pot in hand, stepped out of the clinic door only to nearly run over Donovan in the process.

“There you are. I haven’t seen you all day long.”

Donovan grinned like a banshee. “Had things to do.”

“Such as?” Curious, TJ couldn’t fathom what took Donovan off at such an early time that morning and just had him returning at closing time. “Errands” was all Donovan would say as the reason for his absence. It was a big secret and one that just about drove TJ mad all day long.

“Well, first things first.” He dangled keys in front of TJ.

“What’s that?”

“New truck.”

“You got a truck?” TJ’s mouth fell open. Never in a thousand years, did TJ expect to hear those words. Donovan pampered that car like others did their pets. For him to get rid of it was a cause of concern.

“Yeah. Sold my car and bought a new truck.”

TJ studied Donovan’s face. “But you loved that car.”

Donovan shrugged. “It was my past. And, really not that important in the scheme of things. Figured since I was putting down roots, I might as well upgrade to something that could handle the terrain. Four-wheel drive and all that.”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely. I needed the muscle car to reflect on me. I’m pretty sure I can stand on my own, now.”

“Yes, you can.” He paused for just a moment, before remembering the plant. TJ handed the plant over. “Here. I got this for you.”

Donovan accepted the gift with a small smile. “Oregano?”

TJ pursed his lips. “Maybe?” He shook his head. “I think there’s a tag on it somewhere.” He sighed, worried that Donovan would find his gesture silly and immature. “I remembered what you said about growing your own herbs and having to leave them behind. I wanted you to have those things again. Plant them. Grow them. Hell, make a huge garden if you want. Just make it at my house.” There, I said it.

Donovan’s eyes grew wide. “Are you asking me to move in with you? Permanently?”

“Yeah, I guess I am.” The action felt right. He just hoped Donovan would accept. Ever since Donovan left early this morning, TJ had been on pins and needles, knowing this was the day he’d planned on asking. The secretive nature of Donovan’s errands increased his apprehension all the more. “There’s workers coming out tomorrow to build a new addition to the garage. To make room for yours.” He hoped that might tip the scales in his favor.

Donovan’s eyes widened for a second before he looked down and kicked at the cement walkway. “Well…”

“Well, what?” TJ’s heart skipped a beat as worry rose to the occasion.

“Well, I was kind of hoping for something along the lines of this.” He set the plant down, pulled a box out of his pocket, and lowered to one knee. In a deft motion, he opened the lid to reveal a simple gold band. “I love you, TJ, with everything that I am. Will you marry me?”

Tears threatened as TJ realized the enormity of what was happening. Butterflies took flight in his stomach and his pulse sped. He beamed down at Donovan. “Yes. Absolutely yes.”

Donovan whooped and stood back up. The smile on his face outshone the sun.

TJ grabbed him, pulled him into a tight hug, and felt Donovan flinch. Concerned, he stepped back a pace. “You’re hurt.”

Donovan’s eyes twinkled. “That’s another surprise.” He unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a fresh tattoo on his left pec, one of a grizzly’s paw print. “Tattoos are supposed to mean something special. I think this one does. It’s right over my heart, where you are.”

Hardly able to speak, TJ carefully embraced Donovan, sought out his lips, and kissed him with everything that he felt.

“Would you look at that?” a woman’s voice carried from nearby.

“Well, shoot. I guess my grandson doesn’t stand a chance now. I’d better call him and tell him to find someone else. Seems Dr. Wood is taken,” another familiar lady’s voice answered.

TJ broke the liplock on a chuckle. He leaned his forehead against Donovan’s. “City bear, you’re full of surprises.”

“Good ones, I hope.”

“Excellent ones. They’re perfect.” TJ refrained from kissing the new tattoo, consoling himself that he’d attend to it later. Healing salve, first. After that, he knew the bear paw print mark would become a new favorite spot on Donovan. “I love you, mate of mine.”

“And, I love you. Mate. Future husband. Lover.”

“I guess that means you’ll move in with me?”

“Hell, yeah. Nothing can keep me away. And out of your bed, big guy.” Donovan pressed in, sealing their lips together for another passionate taste.

A chorus of cheers echoed behind them.

“Congrats, guys. I knew you two would figure it out sometime.” Jonah’s voice carried to them, filled with a hint of teasing.

Tempted to flip him off, TJ smiled at him instead. “You’re up to bat.”

The older ladies turned their attention to Jonah. TJ could almost see them scheming about potential blind dates and marrying into the immediate family.

Jonah grimaced, tipped his head at the women, and hurried off.

Donovan laughed. “Chicken.”

Jonah waved without looking back.

TJ beamed with amusement before focusing back on Donovan. He held Donovan tight, vowing never to let him go. After all, true love and mates were awfully hard to come by. He was damn lucky. And pleased. So very pleased with his mate.

Donovan might have been a city bear and a polar opposite from him, but there was something to be said about opposites attracting—it made for a perfect match. The future looked brighter than ever. TJ knew his life would never be the same. For he had the man he loved right at his side. And always would.