33. Thirty-Three #2
“Hey, baby,” I take over when it’s obvious Anna’s too distraught to keep up the chatter.
“Your sister’s right. I need you to wake up and start working on your recovery so we can get married and start the rest of our lives together.
Apparently, my mother expects grandbabies ASAP, and you know how much I hate to disappoint her.
” I exchange a weak smile with Anna, who glances up at me at the mention of potential future nieces and nephews.
“The doctor says you were lucky. He also said you’re incredibly stubborn, and I’m so glad you are because I can’t imagine a future that doesn’t include you.
Please, come back to me, baby. Your sister’s not the only one who needs you.
We all do. More than you could ever know. ”
The next few hours are the longest of my life, as we sit in silence and wait for a sign that he’s regaining consciousness.
When his eyelids finally begin to flutter, we both jerk upright.
We hold our breath as we stare down at him, willing him to open his eyes.
Anna gives an audible gasp when his fingers twitch against her hand, and suddenly, I find myself looking at a set of familiar cerulean irises.
Jake blinks a few times, visibly struggling to clear the cobwebs from his mind before a faint smile settles on his dry lips.
“Hey,” he croaks in a raw voice, and Anna immediately offers him a cup of water.
“Hey, handsome. Welcome back. How are you feeling?” I ask, lifting his hand and placing a kiss on the fleshy part of his palm.
“Like I was shot at close range,” he rumbles, shaking his head like he can hardly believe that this is his life. “My very own psychotic stalker. Who would’ve thought? I mean, I always knew I was amazing, but I didn’t think I was that special.”
A manic laugh bubbles out of Anna before it turns into a heart-wrenching sob that has Jake’s eyebrows knit together in concern.
“Hey now, sweet girl,” he coos, gently pulling her toward him and bringing his forehead to hers while he rubs a big palm over her back.
“It’s alright. I’m alright. I’m sorry I scared you, but I’ll be back on my feet in no time.
” Anna gives a loud sniff and wipes her nose with the back of her hand.
Her lower lip still trembles with emotion when she gives her brother a single nod.
“Is she gone?” he asks, rolling his face toward me and pinning me with a blazing look. Apparently, the time to make light of the situation has passed, and the fierce protector who didn’t hesitated to take a bullet for me makes an appearance.
“Yes. It was instant.”
“Good,” he says without a hint of remorse.
I understand his lack of compassion. Jessica has been the bane of our existence for close to a decade, and I certainly won’t shed a tear over her.
Do I feel regret over the loss of a human life?
Sure. The whole thing is godawful and tragic.
But if she hadn’t killed herself, I’d forever be looking over my shoulder, terrified she’d pop up out of nowhere to finish the job.
I would’ve been forced to live out the rest of my life feeling unsafe.
“I briefly spoke to the police while you were in surgery, but made it clear I wouldn’t be giving an official statement until I knew you’d be okay. I’m sure they’ll be paying you a visit soon to get your side of the story.”
“Jesus, we’re going to be the talk of the town for years,” he muses, closing his eyes like the mere thought causes him great discomfort. Dropping his head back into the pillows, he looks bone-weary when he tells me, “I’m sorry about the party. I know how much you were looking forward to tonight.”
I shoot him an incredulous look. Like I give a damn about the party.
“We can celebrate our engagement when you’re back on your feet. All that matters is that I still have someone to get married to. Things could’ve easily gone the other way.”
“You need to stop trying to die on us, big brother. I’m tired of sitting at your bedside, wringing my hands while I wait for you to wake up. This is the second time you’ve put me through this, and I really don’t care for it.”
Jake lifts a hand and gently tugs a section of hair behind his sister’s ear in a caring gesture that makes my chest ache.
“I’m sorry, squirt. Believe me when I say I never wanted to find myself back here, either.
But I promise I’ll do my best to let this be my last near-death experience.
From here on out, my life is going to be so mundane and boring, watching paint dry would be the more exciting option.
And someday—when I’m old and senile?you’ll find yourself wishing I’d kick the bucket already, just so you won’t have to wipe my hairy ass anymore. ”
Anna pushes away from him with a disgusted sneer .
“Ew, I’ll leave that particular job to your future wife. Thank you very much.”
Jake barks out a laugh that has him hiding a flinch as he presses a hand to his sternum. As if sensing his discomfort, the nurse chooses that moment to pop her head into the room and informs us that it’s time to let the patient rest.
“Sleep,” I instruct, pressing a soft kiss to his lips and giving him a stern look. “That’s an order.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replies, giving his baby sister a one-armed hug before his eyelids flutter shut.
My poor baby is exhausted. I give him one last lingering look before we make our way back to the waiting area to update our friends and family.
My mother immediately wraps me into a warm embrace that quickly turns into a pile-up of people I love and trust. Safe in the knowledge that my fiancé is going to be okay, I promise myself I’ll never needlessly complain again.
From this point forward, I’ll treasure every moment with him and never forget just how lucky I am to have him in my life.