Chapter Forty: Homecoming*
Edd parked outside the hospital, his hands gripping the steering wheel as he stared up at the building. His heart raced, a mixture of relief and nerves flooding him. Marie was safe. She had made it through. But the thought of losing her—of not being able to help her when she was taken—still haunted him. He hadn't slept properly since the ordeal, and his mind was constantly swirling with thoughts of her.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before walking inside. He made his way to the hospital room, knocking lightly on the door before stepping in. Marie sat on the edge of the bed, her face pale but her eyes bright when they met his.
"Edd," she whispered, her voice a little hoarse.
"Marie," he replied softly, the tension in his chest easing just at the sight of her. "I'm here to take you home."
Marie stood up slowly, her body still sore from the fight and the ordeal she had been through, but she managed a smile. "Thanks for coming," she said, walking over to him.
Edd gently placed a hand on her arm, his eyes scanning her face to make sure she was really okay. "Of course. I'll always come for you."
There was a pause, and Marie's smile faded slightly. "Edd, I…I need to tell you something," she said, her voice suddenly serious. She reached out, her hand gently touching his, and she looked down, gathering her thoughts. "When I was taken… all I could think about was you. How I might never get to tell you how much you mean to me."
Edd felt his breath catch. He hadn't expected this—not now, not here. He had always known there was something between them, but hearing her say it out loud—he wasn't sure how to respond.
"I care about you, Edd," Marie continued, her voice soft but steady. "More than I've cared about anyone in a long time. I don't know how to explain it, but you make me feel safe. You make me feel…like I can heal."
Edd stood there, stunned for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. "Marie…I—" He stopped, swallowing hard, then stepped closer, cupping her face gently with his hands. "I feel the same way. I've been so scared… scared of losing you. I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone either."
Marie's eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked up at him, and before Edd could say another word, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips softly to his. It was a tender kiss, full of all the things they hadn't yet said but felt so deeply.
When they finally pulled away, Edd rested his forehead against hers. "You have no idea how much I've been worrying about you. When you were taken… I thought I'd never see you again, Marie. I can't—I can't go through that again."
Marie gave him a small, understanding smile. "You won't have to," she promised. "I'm not going anywhere."
Edd exhaled, a shaky breath as he held her hand tightly. "Good. Because I'm not leaving you alone for a long time. You're coming home with me, and I'm going to make sure you get the rest you need. I'll be right there by your side."
Marie chuckled softly. "So, you're insisting on being my personal bodyguard now?"
"Absolutely," Edd replied with a grin. "I don't care if I'm being overprotective. After what just happened, I don't think I'll be able to let you out of my sight for a while."
Marie's heart swelled at the earnestness in his voice, and she squeezed his hand. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Together, they made their way out of the hospital, Marie leaning on Edd for support, both physically and emotionally. He opened the car door for her, helping her in before sliding into the driver's seat. As they drove back to the apartment, a sense of peace settled between them. They didn't need to say much; their feelings had been laid bare, and now, they both knew they weren't alone in this.
When they arrived back at Edd's apartment, he led her inside, making sure she was comfortable on the couch before sitting beside her. He took her hand again, holding it gently in his lap.
"I'm never letting anything happen to you again," Edd whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand.
Marie smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "I know, Edd. And I'm never letting go of you either."
