Chapter 13
—Reed—
Simone was at Kasey’s bedside when I returned from visiting the baby. I’d swapped with Kasey’s parents, and while they were torn about leaving Kase’s side, they were bursting to meet their granddaughter.
“How’s she doin’?” I asked Simone, taking up vigil on the opposite side of the bed.
She hummed. “Same ol’. Though, her eyes seem to be flickering more than they were yesterday. I hope that’s a good sign.”
“Surely.”
I smoothed my hand over Kasey’s hair and needlessly adjusted her bandages. It was my new favorite thing to do in the hopes it comforted her as much as it comforted me.
“I’m back, babe. Me and Simone.” I glanced up at my brother’s girl. She gave a small smile in reassurance while massaging fragrant oil into Kasey’s hand.
I watched for a moment, then snickered as I kissed Kase on the temple. “She’s taking good care of you, darlin’. And she’s been visiting our little girl. She’s doing good. No more scares. Though I’m always feeling guilty about not being able to do more for either of you.”
“You’re doing great, Reed,” Simone quietly interjected.
“Thanks, S—” I froze, and my eyes flared. The seconds ticked by as I held Simone’s gaze. “Did you feel that?” I whispered, barely audible over the thumping pulse in my ears.
With hazel eyes as wide as my own, Simone shifted forward and hissed, “What?”
“Kase squeezed my hand!”
She gasped. “She did? Did she really?”
“Yes!” I exclaimed, gripping Kase’s fingers harder. Adrenaline flooded my veins, pushing my blood pressure high and punching each breath from my lungs. “Nurse! Nurse! She’s waking!”
Simone gently shook Kasey’s shoulder as the nurse charged across the room. I moved aside, allowing enough room for her to work while still being close.
“It could just be reflexes…” the nurse murmured, leaning over her sleeping form and opening each eyelid to flash her flashlight into them.
I shook my head. “It was a definite squeeze. Like, an intentional one.” I cupped Kasey’s cheek and stroked her smooth skin. “Babe, if you can hear me, squeeze my hand again. I felt it before. Try again, darlin’,” I urged, only to be left broken when it didn’t happen again.