Chapter 97. Rejection

[Rosco’s POV]

I keep my gaze fixed on Denali as she processes what I’ve just told her, and when a sense of wonder crosses her features, it feels like a weight is lifted from my shoulders. Great; she didn’t think that I was crazy or a stalker.

“All these years,” she murmurs, lifting her large blue gaze to mine. “But when we first met you..."

“Acted horribly due to hurt, and I still don’t deserve your forgiveness,” I finish for her.

“No,” she counters, giving a beautiful smile. “You’ve done more than enough to make it up to me. Through everything, you stayed beside me, and when I was in danger, you did everything to save me. Rosco, I forgave you long ago, and it’s time you forgave yourself.”

Nodding, I climb up on the bed beside her and pull her against me. As she snuggles against me, I kiss the top of her head and let myself get lost in the feel of her solidity beside me.

The moment is ruined too soon when the doctor returns to do an examinati