29. Cameron
Jax’s words roll through my mind the entire drive to Seaside. I know Lizzy’s special. If I have my way, I’ll turn this summer arrangement into something permanent. She’s it for me. She has been since that day in the coffee shop.
I was stupid and let her go before, but I won’t make that mistake twice.
As soon as I get the chance, I’m gonna tell her exactly how I feel.
But first, I need to make sure Emilia’s okay.
It’s barely five in the morning when I finally walk through the door of the hospital room. The lights are off, and the sound of monitors beep in the distance. I’m surprised to find Lanie resting on the lounge chair beside the bed.
Where is Elizabeth?
I can’t imagine her leaving Emilia’s side.
Maybe she’s in the bathroom?
As I look around the room, it hits hard—the guys were right.
Without a doubt, the Lancasters do love my daughter.
Not only did they drive all that way just to make sure I know I have a support system, Lanie’s spent the entire night at the hospital.
Hell, the entire family’s gone out of their way to be there for both Emilia and me.
I don’t know how I’ll ever thank them or let them know how much this means but somehow, I’ll find a way.
When I turn the corner in the room, and my daughter’s hospital bed comes into view, my heart combusts on the spot.
There’s Lizzy, lying on her side, barely staying on the bed, with her arm wrapped under Milli’s head.
Milli’s snuggled up next to her, holding Lizzy’s arm like a security blanket.
Milli has covers on her, but Lizzy’s on top of the blankets.
She’s wearing my pajama bottoms and her green hoodie.
The brevity of what she’s gone through hits me like a ton of bricks.
She literally dropped everything and put my daughter’s needs above all else.
Despite the chaos of the last twenty-four hours, both look so peaceful and perfect—minus the hospital bed and monitors in the room.
I almost hate to disturb them, but my need to be near them is unbearable.
Walking beside Milli, I brush the hair back from her face and kiss her forehead. She smells sweet and innocent. Suddenly, all is right in the world. Now that I can see for myself that she’s okay, my legs almost buckle from the weight I’ve been carrying.
God, I’ve missed her. I don’t know what I would’ve done if something worse had happened. I can’t imagine what she’s been through. It kills me that I wasn’t here for her.
When I pull back, the movement wakes Lizzy.
“Hey, you,” I whisper, leaning in further and brushing a kiss over her lips.
“When did you get here?” She blinks, looking around.
“Just a few minutes ago,” I admit. “Sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”
“You got here when you could. That’s all that matters,” Lizzy assures me, then tries to extricate herself from my octopus of a daughter.
Personal space is nonexistent when it comes to sleeping beside Milli.
By the time Lizzy’s standing, I’m already at her side.
Pulling her into my arms, I hug her fiercely.
It feels like forever since I’ve held her, and I can’t get enough.
Inhaling deeply, I’m finally able to relax.
She feels like a warm spring day after the storm.
I’m not sure what I would’ve done if she hadn’t been here with Emilia.
I have so much I need to tell her, but that can wait. For now, I just need her in my arms.
When Emilia moves, Lizzy breaks our hug and replaces the bedrail behind us. This simple gesture makes me fall even harder for her. Here she is sleep deprived and exhausted beyond belief, but she still makes Milli a priority.
The click from the bedrail stirs Lanie. She darts her eyes around and when they meet mine, she gasps. “Oh, you’ve made it.”
“Yeah, thanks to Jax and Finn. I can’t thank you all enough for being here. It means the world to me having you all step up like you have. I don’t know what I did to deserve you all in my life, but I’ll be forever grateful.”
Words can’t even express how I feel for the entire Lancaster family. No one has ever been in my corner like this, and I’m still unsure how to process it.
Lanie stretches and stands. “It’s not a problem. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Liz or Emilia for that matter. Now that you’re here, and they won’t be alone, do you mind if I head out? I could use some good sleep.”
Lizzy reaches for her sister and pulls her into a hug. “Thanks so much for everything, Lane. I love you.”
“Love you, too, Liz. I’m only a phone call away. Let me know if you need anything.”
The moment the door clicks shut, I hear the one voice I’ve been going out of my mind over. “Daddy, is that you?”
Rushing to her side, I reach for her hand. “I’m right here, sweet pea.”
“I had an owiee, and they fixed it,” she says, pulling at her hospital gown. “See, I have a mark.”
Her mark is covered by a bandage, but I’m sure I’ll see it soon enough. Feeling utterly useless for not being here, I ask, “How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?”
“I’m thirsty,” she croaks out.
“Let me get a nurse and ask what you can have,” Lizzy says, jumping into action.
“I can do that,” I offer, but she shakes me off. “Just stay with her. She’s missed you.”
Again, this woman puts Emilia first.
If I weren’t already head over heels in love with her, I certainly would be now.
Emilia draws my attention when she moves, and a little grunt escapes.
“Hey now, Mills. You gotta take it easy.”
“Help me get my blankie?”
I get it and cover her up. Leaning in, I kiss her forehead once again. “I’ve missed you, sweet girl.”
“Me, too, Daddy. Will I go home today?”
Shit. I have no idea. “I’ll have to talk with the doctors first. We want you to be strong and healthy before going home.”
“My Iz will know. She takes care of things,” Milli states matter-of-factly.
Guilt flows through me. I should know this. Hell, I should’ve talked with the doctor. With everything happening so fast, I never got the chance. I’ve been so focused on getting here, it never crossed my mind to reach out to the surgeon.
Before I can respond, Lizzy pushes through the door. “They’ll bring us something as soon as they can.”
“Good. Have you heard anything from the doctor since her surgery?”
“No, they’ll do rounds at seven. I’m sure we’ll hear more then.” Walking straight to Milli, she squeezes her hand. “This little sprite was so brave and strong last night. She’s on antibiotics and if all goes well, she’ll likely go home later this evening or tomorrow.”
“Did they mention how long it typically takes to recover and what her restrictions will be?”
“She just needs to rest and take it easy for a few weeks. We should cancel her swim lessons until her doctor releases her. Milli, it’s really important you don’t lift anything heavy or ride your bike for a few weeks. It could hurt your tummy.”
“I’m too sleepy to ride.” Milli yawns.
Running a hand along her hair, Lizzy smiles lovingly at Milli. “Get some rest, Mills. We’ll be here when you wake up.”
“K, Iz. Love you.”
“Love you, too, Mills,” Lizzy whispers and leans in to kiss her forehead.
I knew they shared a bond from the moment they met. But witnessing how easily they express their love for one another takes things to an entirely new level—for all of us.
A sudden burst of emotion rips through me and nearly brings me to my knees.
Gripping the bedrail beside me for strength, I blink back unshed tears.
These two are everything to me. My life may be crazy and chaotic, but one thing has never been clearer than in this instant.
I’m one thousand percent without a doubt in love with Elizabeth Lancaster.