I squeezed Jase’s hand, and he started to speak. “Huge wraparound porch. I’m gonna build you one of those porch swings that looks more like a bed. We’ll make a baby on that porch swing.”
My throat burned. “You’ll be the best dad.”
Footsteps sounded, and then a voice. “Jase? Laiken?”
“We’re here,” I croaked.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could just make out a face. A piece of a sheriff’s department uniform. Hayes Easton sank to his knees, trying to get a visual on the inside of the SUV. “We’ve got more help on the way. Just sit tight.”
“They have to hurry. I think Jase is hurt bad.”
“Jase, can you tell me where you’re feeling pain?”
There was nothing. I squeezed his hand, and his fingers fluttered. “I don’t know. I feel weird.”
“That’s okay. We’re gonna get you out. You just hold on. Stay with us.” Hayes slid his hand into the tiny opening near my head. His fingers landed on my neck, checking my pulse. “What about you, Laiken?”
It took a second to think about it. The pain that had dominated my mind just minutes before had faded to the background as my worry about Jase took over. “M-my back. My side.” The panic picked up again, and tears gathered in my eyes. “You gotta get us out.”
Hayes’ hand found mine and held on tight. “We’ve got people coming. They’re bringing equipment to get you out. I know it’s scary, but I’m with you. We’ll get through this together.”
I held tighter to Hayes with one hand and Jase with the other—as if Hayes could save us both if I just held on. “You hear that, Jase? Help is coming.”
Jase made a sound of agreement.
I gripped his hand harder. “Tell me about our wedding.”
He grunted, almost as if he were trying to laugh. “Told you I’d marry you tomorrow.”
My nose stung. “We get out of this, and I’ll go to the courthouse with you as soon as it opens.”
“You heard her, Hayes.”
Hayes let out a chuckle, but it was forced. “I’ll be your witness. How about that?”
“Brand-new, fancy deputy at our wedding,” Jase muttered.
“Hell, I’ll see if I can get ordained,” Hayes said.
“Laik, you gotta wear that white sundress and flowers in your hair. What are those ones you love?”
“Ranunculus,” I said as tears spilled from my eyes.
“Those in your hair.”
“Don’t forget my necklace.”
“You never take that thing off. I didn’t have to tell you.” I heard the smile in Jase’s voice as he spoke.
“I don’t take it off because you gave it to me.”
Jase’s hand loosened around mine. “Love you, Laik.” His words were drawn out as if each was a struggle.
I squeezed his hand harder. “Forever and a day.”
There was no response.
My fingernails dug into Jase’s skin. “Forever and a day, Jase.”