55. Liam
Declan, Caetlin, and I sit in the office of the hospital psychiatrist. My leg hasn’t stopped bouncing since I left Emily with Sarah and Paige. We’ve been discussing the best course of action regarding Emily’s lapse and how to prevent it from happening again.
I refuse to believe she intentionally tried to overdose.
When she lost consciousness and started seizing, I felt my heart completely shatter. I thought she was dying before my eyes, and I fucking froze. I didn’t know what to do or who to call until one of the guards came running in.
I had apparently been screaming her name and for help, but I don’t remember doing it. I don’t remember anything but the emotional turmoil that was attacking my body and watching Emily convulse in my arms.
The guard had called Dr. Robbins who administered Narcan before an ambulance arrived and rushed her to the hospital.
I lost my mind and threatened to blow the brains out of every person in the vicinity when they denied me being able to ride with Emily in the ambulance. It wasn’t until Caetlin arrived and cooled me down that I was okay following them to the hospital.
“Does that sound like an acceptable plan for everyone?” Dr. Nelson asks, glancing at the three of us.
Caetlin and Declan both turn to me, and I realize they’re asking me for confirmation.
The plan is for Emily and I to live on our own, and identify any and all her triggers. Declan had mentioned moving off the property completely, but I don’t want to take Emily away from her garden. Dr. Nelson agreed.
So, we will be moving to one of the guest houses on the property that is close enough to the mansion that we won’t be completely alone but also far away enough to allow Emily some privacy.
Declan has removed me from any missions until further notice so I can focus on helping Emily.
She will have a team that will work with her along with Dr. Morrison to ensure she has round-the-clock care but with the stipulation of not being suffocating for her.
I made sure they understood what would happen if Emily felt any negativity with their presence.
I turn toward Dr. Nelson and nod. “Aye.”
Declan and Caetlin both nod and settle into their seats.
“Excellent. I have no doubts that Emily will make vast improvement with the plan we’ve discussed. She has a large support system and that makes a huge difference.”
He stands and holds out his hand. The three of us take turns shaking his hand and saying goodbye.
Caetlin’s small hand presses against my back and she sets her head against my shoulder. “Thank you, Liam. Thank you for much for being here for Emily.”
I wrap my arm around her, and we continue down the hallway. “Of course, Caetlin. Emily is my life.”
She smiles warmly, squeezing me closer to her body.
Reaching Emily’s room, Declan clasps a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.
“I’m going to take Paige and head home.”
I nod and we enter the room.
Sarah and Paige are sitting in the couch next to the window adjacent to Emily’s bed. Their eyes are puffy and red-rimmed. Paige sniffles and Sarah daps her eyes with a tissue.
Declan is at Paige’s side within three strides and pulling her into his arms.
“I’m okay Declan,” she says, swiping at the tears that flow down her face.
His using his forefinger to lift her chin and kisses her lips gently.
I walk over to Emily’s side and push back the strands that have fallen over her forehead.
“Hi,” she whispers, looking up at me with warm, soft eyes.
“Hi,” I smile and lean down, pressing a kiss to her skin.
Declan and Paige say goodbye to Emily before leaving with Sarah in tow.
Caetlin hugs her tightly and whispers in her ear before kissing her and stepping out.
The next half hour is spent discussing what we planned with Dr. Nelson. Emily doesn’t say much during the entire conversation, but she doesn’t have to.
Her body language and facial expressions reveal her emotions. Shame, sadness, grief, and frustration flash across her face quickly and repeatedly.
She dips her chin causing her hair to fall from behind her ear.
“What are you thinkin’?” I ask, moving to sit on the bed. She shifts, making room for me.
She shrugs but keeps her eyes trained on her fingers that she fiddles on her lap.
“My mind is thinking too much for me to really pinpoint something specific.”
I nod in understanding and place my hand on her thigh and rub my thumb up and down the fabric of the hospital blanket.
“Do I need to stay here?” she whispers.
“Dr. Nelson would like you to stay for a few days while you’re recovering.” She raises her head, her eyes pivot between mine. “Still feeling groggy?” I ask, pushing her hair behind her ear.
“A little.”
“You need your rest.” I smile softly.
She releases a deep breath and turns to face the window. The natural light casts a glow across her eyes, causing them to appear translucent.
I pull one of her hands from her lap, intertwining my fingers with hers. Her gaze moves to our hands and her brows pinch.
“Are you leaving?”
I shake my head despite her not looking at me. “Never.”