Chapter 52 NANCY
I RECOVERED WELL OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. Mum stayed with me through the day while Alex went to the office to tide things over before returning to spend each night beside me. I slept soundly, nuzzling into his neck, Alex tucked in on the opposite side of my injuries.
Each day, my broken rib felt a little better, but I was told my ankle, which had required a plate to be fitted, would take longer to heal. Alex had already arranged for a physiotherapist to work with me at his home gym.
When Rohan came by on his rounds, he seemed happy with my progress.
He said I’d need to make a few lifestyle changes to live well without a spleen, but many people did so without an issue.
I couldn’t thank him enough for saving my life, and I suspected he’d helped Alex pull the right strings to organise the private room with limitless visiting hours.
I made a mental note to ask Ayesha what he liked to show our appreciation properly.
Ayesha and David visited over the weekend, sharing updates and relaying the latest office gossip. I was gutted I’d miss a month of the audit, but David reassured me everything was in hand and I’d be welcomed back as soon as I was ready.
Kim came by most days after work, often accompanied by William. We played cards while the brothers showed us the best counting methods for Blackjack. To our amusement, Kim took notes.
It was over a week before Jemima and AJ visited.
They put on a good front, but I could tell things were strained.
I knew I couldn’t put off discussing what had happened at the garden party forever, but I didn’t bring it up.
I needed all my strength for that ‘chat’.
I only hoped we could return to how we were, though my gut told me otherwise.
Evan was the last to visit. He fumbled with his words and looked more uncomfortable than I’d ever seen him. I smiled and took his hand. “You’re my guardian angel, you know.”
“No, Ms Cooper, just a man in the right place at the right time,” Evan said humbly as the edge of his lips rose into a smile.
I cosied up with Alex to watch Quantum of Solace the evening before I was discharged, but while I was engrossed in the twisting plot and spicy chemistry between 007 and Agent Camille, Alex seemed distant. “You okay? You’re very quiet.”
When he looked over, I could see something was on his mind. He took the remote from my hand, paused the movie, and stood. “Nancy, I’ve been meaning to… That is to say…” He ran his hands through his hair and began to pace.
His unease made my stomach churn. “What’s going on?”
He swallowed, then his face was resolved. Coming to my side, he took my hand. “I want to take care of you.”
“You have already.” I smiled gratefully.
“No, I mean I want to be the one who cares for you. I want you to live with me.”
I considered for all of a moment, but that was all it took to know it was exactly what I wanted too. “That’s a big step, but it doesn’t frighten me.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” Alex said softly. “Because I have something else I want to ask you.” He lowered onto one knee and removed a heart box from his pocket.
“Alex?” I trembled.
He smiled reassuringly and opened the lid. Inside was the enormous emerald engagement ring he’d shown me all those weeks ago as he pleaded his case.
“Nancy Cooper, you’re the most brilliant, gorgeous, and authentic woman I’ve ever met. My heart his yours, always. Now I’m asking if you’ll have my hand?”