39. Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Thirty-Nine
DYLAN
I crossed my arms and leaned back in the chair, letting my head fall back against the cold plastic and closing my eyes. My arm only needed six stitches, and thankfully they were quick about it so I could be in here with Hattie before they took her back for a CT scan.
At the sound of a throat clearing, I straightened, finding Rhett standing at the entrance to the small ER unit.
Before either of us could say anything, Hattie’s sisters, along with her mom and Bella, appeared behind him. Knowing the front desk ladies, they likely let more people than typically allowed back here, but the rest of the family was probably still in the waiting room.
“Where is she?” Bella stepped up next to Rhett, scanning the room.
“She’s getting a CT. Should be back in a few minutes.”
“What happened?” Ashley asked with a worried frown, her blond hair pulled up into a messy bun.
I filled them all in on the details. I’d given them a quick summary through text and told them we were heading to the hospital, but I’d expected an inquisition when they arrived.
“Can we talk?” Rhett tipped his head toward the hallway. “Outside.”
With a nod, I stood and followed him out of the room. This conversation could probably wait, but we might as well get it over with. And frankly it wasn’t going to change anything. If he wasn’t okay with me dating his sister, then I’d have to hold out hope that he would eventually come around. Because Hattie was my future.
He turned the corner and stopped just down the hall, spinning to face me.
“Look, man,” I spit out quickly. “I know you’re pissed?—”
He held up his hand. “I’m not mad.”
I cocked my head. Then what the hell were we standing here for?
“It’s obvious you care about her. I saw that earlier.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I just wanted to apologize for the way I acted. I didn’t mean to come at you like that. I was freaking out.”
“It’s fine. Emotions were running high.” This definitely wasn’t how I saw this conversation going, but fuck, I was elated. “You’re good with Hattie and me?”
He smirked. “Yeah. Couldn’t ask for anyone better for her. There are details I never, ever want to hear about.” He patted my shoulder. “But I’m happy for you both.”
“Thanks, man.”
Back inside the small room, I immediately sought out Hattie, who was already studying me with questions in her eyes.
“Everything okay?”
I nodded and gave her a soft smile. “Yup. Everything’s perfect.”
There were far too many people in the room, and every one of them was asking Hattie questions about tonight’s events.
When she flinched and brought a hand to her head for the second time in the last ten minutes, I addressed the room.
“Alright, guys. Hattie needs to rest. She probably has a nasty headache, and all the lights and sounds are probably making it worse.” I stepped off to the side and waved toward the hall. “If you want to hang out in the waiting room, I can update you once she’s spoken to the doctor.”
After another round of questions and assurances that I would come out to give them an update once I had it, they were gone, and I took my seat next to Hattie’s bed and entwined our hands.
“Thank you.” She squeezed my hand.
I brought hers to my mouth, brushing my lips across the back. “Of course.” I stood and climbed into the bed next to her, wrapping my good arm around her shoulders and guiding her to lay her head on my chest. “I’d do anything for you.”
I planned to show her that every day for the rest of our lives.