Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
" N ow, Jules, remember to monitor your blood sugar closely," the nurse said, handing her a packet of instructions. "Avoid strenuous activities for a while and make sure you're eating balanced meals. And don't forget to check in with your doctor regularly."
"I know, Beth. Thanks for taking such good care of me. I promise I'll be careful."
Nurse Beth grinned. "You'd better be. We don't want to see you back here anytime soon. Except maybe for a visit with some of those delicious muffins of yours."
Jules chuckled, but her heart ached a little. She was eager to get home, to see Fish, and to start mending what had been frayed by the recent scare. As she'd lain in bed the past two days, she realized she didn't have his phone number. She'd never needed it because he was always around, never more than a shout away.
Jacqui had told her what he was up to the last two days. The thought of him working tirelessly at the bakery, preparing everything for her, brought a warm glow to her chest.
She turned to head for the exit but was instead greeted by the familiar and unwelcome scent of expensive cologne. Jules' smile faded as Amari approached the station, his usual confident stride making her bristle.
"Let me take those," Amari said smoothly, reaching for the discharge papers Beth had just handed her.
Jules resisted the urge to roll her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "I'm good. I've already been discharged. So I'm no longer under your care."
Amari ignored her, taking the papers and quickly scanning them. "You're not driving yourself home, are you? You shouldn’t be doing this alone."
"I’m not alone," she snapped, her irritation bubbling over. "I have my family, and I have my husband."
"I haven't seen him around during your stay. Not surprising, though. He didn't seem like the staying around type. That's why I was okay with you pretending to marry him."
Jules glared, staring around. For someone who didn't want the world to know she was married, Amari didn't seem to care about them knowing that her relationship had an unconventional arrangement. It was likely because he wanted to break her and Fish up.
But no one was watching them. Jules and Amari's relationship was clearly old news. There was much more interest in her and Fish. Amari would've blown everything if others had heard that little quip. Which is probably just what he'd wanted.
Amari's expression tightened when no one glanced their way. "Fish isn't capable of taking care of you the way you need. You know that. I can help you, Jules. We can still work things out."
How could he be so blind? "Amari, this isn't about you or your ego. This is about me and what I need. And what I need is to be with my husband. I don’t want to date you anymore. I'm a married woman, and I plan on staying that way."
Amari's eyes flashed with frustration. He reached for her again, but he was yanked back by his collar.
"Do not put your hands on my wife, or you'll become a patient here before your next breath."
Jules's heart leaped at the sight of Fish. A wave of relief and happiness washed over her. Then she noticed the hospital staff and patients staring at them. They'd glanced up now, all right.
Amari blustered, his face red with embarrassment and anger. "I let you marry Jules," he spat out, his voice trembling with indignation.
Fish’s lips curved into a sharklike grin. "That's right. You let me marry her. And it was the smartest decision you ever made because, as brilliant as you are, you were stupid to let her go." Fish's grip tightened, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You'd be even more foolish to think I'd ever let a prize like Jules slip away once I got my hooks into her. Jules is a woman worth fighting for, and if you come near her again, I'll make sure you're laid up in this hospital."
With that, Fish snatched the discharge papers from Amari's hands. He turned to Jules, his expression softening as he scooped her into his arms. She considered telling him that she could walk, but the safety and warmth of his embrace were too comforting to resist. Letting her head dip back, she smiled up at him. She felt far more taken care of than she had in the last forty-eight hours.
The scent of antiseptic and the sterile atmosphere gave way to the fresh, crisp air outside as her husband carried her outside. Jules felt the strong, steady rhythm of Fish’s heart against her, the warmth of his body seeping into hers. Each step he took felt like a promise, a vow to protect and cherish her.
She nestled closer into his arms, her heart swelling with gratitude and joy. "I missed you."
"I'm sorry I wasn't here." Fish looked down at her, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and adoration. "I missed you too, Jules. More than you can imagine."
The tension in his muscles loosened as he carried her with ease. His scent, a mix of soap and the faint aroma of fresh paint, filled her senses. It was a grounding, comforting smell that made her feel at home.
"You know it wasn't your fault."
Fish raised a brow at her words.
"Not entirely. I should've told you more about my condition. But I liked that you didn't treat me like I was sick. I'll explain more about the do's and don'ts so that it won't happen again."
"It won't happen again. I'm going to make sure everything is perfect and easy for you from this moment on."
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the parking lot. Jules heard the distant sounds of traffic and the chirping of birds, the world moving on around them. But in that moment, all that mattered was Fish and the love they shared.
"I love you, Fish."
Fish gently set her down, his hands lingering on her waist, the warmth of his touch seeping through her skin and settling deep in her chest. His movements were deliberate, as if he was savoring every second of being close to her. He bent his head slowly, his gaze locked on hers, silently asking for permission. Always asking for permission.
She gave it to him with a soft press of her lips against his. The kiss was tender at first, a gentle exploration. It quickly deepened as something ignited between them. His lips were warm, and the moment they touched hers, it was like a sugar rush—a sweet, dizzying sensation that flooded her senses. But unlike the sugar spikes she’d known all her life, this one didn’t come with a crash or a warning beep from her monitor. It was a rush that filled her with warmth and light. This kind of sweetness would never harm her.
As his lips moved against hers, Jules felt herself melting into him, her body responding to his in a way that was both exhilarating and comforting. His kiss was a perfect blend of passion and tenderness, of strength and gentleness, and it wrapped around her like a warm blanket on a winter's night, making her feel safe, cherished, and completely swept off her feet.
She leaned into her husband, her hands sliding up his chest to rest on his shoulders, feeling the solid muscle beneath her fingertips. There was a reassurance in his touch, a promise that he would always be there for her, no matter what. The kiss deepened, and she lost herself in the sensation, in the way he made her feel—like she was the only woman in the world, the only one who mattered.
When they finally pulled apart, her breath came in short, exhilarated gasps. She looked up at him, her heart racing, her lips tingling from the contact. With Fish, she was safe, and this kind of rush, this sweetness, was something she wanted to savor forever.
"Take me home."
"Not yet." His voice was a breathless growl that made her toes curl. "I have a surprise for you first. It's at the bakery."
He wanted to show her that it was finished. That was fine with her. She'd follow him anywhere—except up another mountain.
Fish opened the car door for her, helping her in before getting in himself. As they drove away from the hospital, the tension of the past few days completely faded. The road ahead seemed brighter, filled with possibilities and the promise of a future together.
As they drove toward the bakery, Jules felt a sense of peace and happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Fish by her side, she felt ready to face anything. Together, they were unstoppable.