Chapter 32
I gasped softly as the nurse finished dabbing the stitches. Twenty-eight spread out across my lower abdomen. A tetanus shot and concussion later, I was ready to flee this room. The entire damn hospital. I hated them.
“Remember what the doctor said,” the nurse spoke softly, finishing the bandaging. “You have a concussion. The only reason we’re letting you go is because Mr. Connor has some paramedic training with him being a firefighter.”
“I know,” I said, swinging my legs off. “I’m sorry. I just hate hospitals.”
“We get that a lot around here. I don’t take offense,” she laughed.
I heard Trevor’s voice in the hallway. The jerk hadn’t even had to get on a stretcher. They’d just taken him to another room for a quick concussion assessment. How unfair was that?
“Thanks, Dr. Halmer,” he said calmly in that stupid beautiful voice.
“You two just take care of each other. I’ll wanna see her in about a week to remove the stitches, although she’ll probably talk you into doing it.”
Trevor laughed as I came to the room’s doorway, watching him shake the young doctor’s hand. I tugged the slightly snug shirt down that the hospital had found for me to go home in.
“I’m ready to get out of here.” I spoke as he turned to face me.
“Let me get a wheelchair, Jesus.” he spoke, stepping over to me worriedly.
“Trevor. I’m fine. Other than stitches and a hell of a headache, I’m fine.” I pushed his chest gently.
Huffing out a breath, blowing his bangs off his forehead, he glowered down at me.
“Okay. Don’t get mad…”
“That’s never a good way to start a sentence.” I said, interjecting, feeling nervous suddenly.
“I just didn’t want you shooting up off the bed before the doctors and nurses were done with you.” he argued, gently. “But, when Lucas and I came in, a nurse stopped us because she thought I was bringing Lucas to the hospital.”
“Was he hurt?” I blurted out, worriedly.
“No…” Trevor’s voice trailed off. “They thought he was here for Becks…”
“WHAT?” I practically yelled. “What’s wrong with Becks?”
“I don’t know, I just know she’s up in labor and delivery.”
“Well, I’m not leaving until I know she’s okay.” I spoke, walking outside the emergency room doors and over to the elevator doors, pushing the button. I fought off a sick feeling at the last time I’d been here, when Becks had been hurt and Paul had been killed. I drew in a shaky breath as Trevor’s arm came around my shoulders pulling me tight against his body, like he was reading my mind.
“I’m right here, Mon,” he whispered.
“I know,” I spoke softly, leaning against him. “I just hate it here.”
He squeezed me gently as we entered the elevator, pressing the floor for labor and delivery. I watched the number three light up as it carried us up, my stomach dropping like it always did in these damn things.
“Becks will be okay” Trevor continued speaking as the doors opened. “Her and the baby will be fine.”
I nodded, leading him out of the elevator and heading towards the nurses’ station.
“Can we help you?” The male nurse looked at us.
“We’re here for Rebecca Marshall.” I spoke, my voice shaky.
“You’re the sister!” he exclaimed, nodding. “Monica?”
I breathed a sigh of relief that Lucas and Becks had put me down as family.
“Right. And this is my husband, Trevor.” I said, nodding.
“Great. I’ll come around to open the door and bring the visitor’s badges. You’ll need to wear them the entire time you’re on this floor and check out when you leave. We like to keep our babies and mommies safe.” he said, disappearing out the back of the station.
“Husband?” Trevor’s voice was low as I spun to face him.
“I know, I’m sorry…”
Then his lips were crashing down on mine, fingers threading through my hair that had long since come down from my ponytail, angling my head to kiss my deeper.
“Oh….ahem…”
I pulled back, blushing, as Trevor’s darkened green eyes stared down at me.
“Sorry to interrupt,” the nurse continued.
“It’s fine. Sorry about that,” Trevor said, still looking at me, “Newlyweds.” he shrugged then, breaking eye contact and smiling at the nurse.
I snorted before I could stop myself, covering my mouth as I laughed.
“You two are adorable. Oh my God.” said the nurse. “Sign me up for a man in uniform.” he joked, opening the door wider with his hip as we stepped through.
Trevor choked, blushing, as I threw my head back and laughed loudly.
“They are a different breed.” I acknowledged.
Making sure the door was securely locked behind him, the nurse moved in front of us, walking quickly.
“I’m Zachary, preferably Zach,” he spoke, glancing back over his shoulder. “Mrs. Marshall is currently in the delivery room, this is our waiting room. Help yourselves to the drinks or snacks or there are vending machines down the hall, bathroom across from them. We’ll keep you updated as we can.” he spoke, gesturing to the cozy waiting room lined with plastic chairs and couches.
“Delivery room?” I asked, worriedly. “It’s too early…” I trailed off.
Zach reached out, patting my shoulder understandingly.
“It is,” he agreed. “But she’s in the best place she can be for her and the baby now. Plus, her own tall-dark-and-handsome came sprinting in here to be with her a few hours ago.”
My hands covered my face, trying to hold back my tears, as I heard Trevor wrapping up the conversation with him. He guided me over to the couch to sit and I grimaced as I sat down, the stitches pulling slightly.
“I know it’s no use trying to talk you into going home—”
“You’re right, it’s not.” I interjected.
Trevor quirked an eyebrow, “I am going to get you something to drink…not coffee, water first.” He said sensing my argument. “And something small to eat. There’s nothing we can do right now. You’re going to eat and drink something.”
I crossed my arms. I’d missed this. Someone taking care of me. I still wasn’t used to it being him again. Even though we’d been living together for a few months. Paul had always been the one to do it, combatting my stubbornness.
“Ok.” I conceded. “Are the girls okay? Still at Nan’s?” I asked. I was worried about Lacey. Telling her about her friend being gone. Losing someone so close to having lost Paul. My eyes teared up thinking about it and a tear slipped down my cheek. Trevor crouched in front of me, brushing it away with his thumb.
“They’re fine. Last I checked they were watching some teen flick with Nan and she had a pallet all made up on the floor for a sleepover. She’s living her best life right now and so are they. I assured them you are fine and I am fine. They’re just worried about Becks and the baby too. I didn’t say anything to Lacey or the other two about Jackson. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Together.”
I nodded, sobbing softly, even as he pulled me into his arms. It’s like he’d read my whole mind and handled everything. The adrenaline and chaos of the evening was wearing off and I hurt more than I was letting on. I was scared once again that I would lose my best friend and the sweet little baby she couldn't carry to term. I clutched Trevor tighter against me, holding on.
“So…husband, huh?” he asked softly, chuckling.
I jerked back, turning red. “I’m sorry about that. I just wanted you with me, and if they were only letting family—”
His lips tipped up in a grin.
“I’m not sorry,” he teased. “I like the way that sounded. My husband.” his thumb trailed over my lower lip gently. “We’ll have to see about making that official.” his voice lowered, going quieter, even as my breath caught in my throat. “I’m gonna go get your snack. Water or juice?” he asked, standing.
My mind was whirling with what he’d just said.
“Juice,” I requested, gaping at him.
“Got it,” he said, turning and exiting the waiting room, leaving me alone.