Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
T he next morning, Levi had a spring in his step and a satchel in his hand as he waited for the hospital’s revolving doors to open into the lobby. He moved down the hallway of the small hospital to Rachel’s room.
He’d been relieved when he spoke to Dr. Roberts this morning and learned he’d release Rachel today—as long as she had someone to look after her. Her virus was no longer contagious.
“Is my entire family enough?” Levi asked jokingly.
“As long as that includes your mom, then yes.” Dr. Roberts said.
“I couldn’t keep her away if I wanted to.” Levi released a short breath.
He stepped into the hospital room, then hesitated. Instead of the ashen-faced woman he’d found in the stuffy apartment last night, he saw the woman who made his heart quicken. Her cheeks bloomed with the color of a young woman who’d grown up in the mountains. She was home. For good, he hoped.
Was he?
He pushed that thought aside. For now, he’d enjoy Rachel’s recovery .
Her gaze lifted from the tray of scrambled eggs, English muffins and crisp bacon. Her eyes bright, she was a welcome sight.
“Am I in the right room?” He glanced at the sign next to the door.
“If you’re looking for me, then yes.” She laughed.
Her words struck him. He’d looked for her in every woman he’d been with. Now he knew why he couldn’t settle. His heart longed for Rachel Bonneville, whose laugh was like a chorus of angels.
“You’re looking better.” He loved to hear that joyful sound.
“What a coincidence.” She looked relieved. “I’m feeling much better.” Her expression turned serious. “Thanks to you.”
“And Madeline.” He smiled at her softly. “We were concerned when you didn’t answer your phone.”
“I could hear it ring.” She shook her head as if remembering. “I thought I had answered it, but when it kept ringing, I guess I was dreaming that, too.”
“That can happen when you’re feeling delirious,” he said softly.
“I guess that was what I was feeling. I hope I never go through that again.” She shook her head as if to remove the strange feeling from her mind. “Dr. Roberts said you would be my ride home today. Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m not taking you home.” His tone was soft but firm.
“What do you mean?” Momentary confusion knitted her brows.
“I mean, you’ve just been released from the hospital,” he said simply and clearly. “We discussed this last night, but maybe you don’t remember.”
She looked thoughtful. “No, I don’t.”
“I’m not taking you to your apartment where there’s no one to help you while you recover.” When her frown deepened, he said, “You’re coming back to the ranch with me. Madeline is looking forward to your stay there.”
“It will be nice to see her again.” Her smile slight, she lifted her gaze to his. Gratitude shone in her eyes. “But I don’t want to be a burden. I can call Paige?—”
“You can call her, but she works all day. Someone should be near you around the clock for at least the first day. You gave us quite a scare. You’re too important to us—to me—to leave you alone in your apartment while you recover and try to take care of yourself. The offer stands. You’re welcome to stay at the ranch until you’re better. Whatever you decide, I’ll accept.”
There—he’d said it. He was glad he had. The emotions he’d trapped inside his chest for the past fifteen years had been released, and he felt free.
That brought her face up as he expected. He thought he’d made his feelings clear, but if he needed to explain himself, he would.
“I’m grateful for your concern,” she said, her smile slight, but gentle.
He’d almost been disappointed. He had wanted to explain himself. Not just for her. His need to express what he felt throbbed inside his chest. He’d kept it buried for too long. Right or wrong he had to release it. He’d suffer the consequences. If it meant she’d walk away? How he’d deal with that, he didn’t know, but he’d find a way—as he did with every life decision he made. He’d always been a risk-taker. If he let Rachel walk away, that would be the risk he’d regret for the rest of his life.
As if needing to change the subject, her gaze shifted to the satchel he carried.
“I can stay at the ranch for a day or two,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll feel better by then.”
He wasn’t so sure, but he’d respect her decision. He’d cherish her presence for however long she stayed.
“Mom helped pack a few things.” He rested the satchel in the chair by the door. He needed to discuss something that would lessen the impact of what he’d declared. “Despite the haute couture hospital garb they pass out here, I thought you’d be more comfortable in street clothes.”
“Your mother is an angel.” She pushed the over-the-bed table away. “I had planned to wrap myself in a hospital blanket.”
“No need. These jeans and the work shirt are the envy of Sweet Mountain,” he said. “Everyone who sees you will know you have taste … at least in your mouth.” The previous discussion may not be forgotten, but it would wait for another time. She was recovering from an illness. Once she regained her strength, they’d have the discussion they should’ve had years ago.
He exhaled slowly. It felt good to tease her as he had when she was a kid. She’d feign annoyance, but she’d banter right back. Her strength was one of the qualities that drew him to her. The light in her eyes reflected God’s character and love.
“I’ll let you change,” he said, knowing they both needed distance to mull over what he’d confessed.
She’d been surprised, which in turn surprised him. Had he been that successful at concealing his feelings for her all these years? He almost wished he’d failed in that effort. His goal had been to succeed at everything he attempted. He laughed inwardly. He succeeded at that, too.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
The stillness in the room pounded between them. Once again, they’d reached an impasse. Rachel was his friend. They should be able to talk this through.
Give me the words to get past this point, Lord.
The quiet dragged on and with it his desire to tear it down, but without God’s wisdom he would say nothing. He needed guidance and knew enough not to depend on his need to say something he’d regret later.
He didn’t trust his voice. Instead, he nodded and stepped from the room. He was relieved when his phone rang. He had to push thoughts of Rachel far back into his mind to a place where they didn’t complicate his life. He answered the call and tried to focus on the decisions that needed his full attention, but thoughts of Rachel, looking vulnerable as she lay in the hospital bed, pulsed in his mind.
Never had she needed protection. She was quick to defend herself and others, but the compassion he felt toward her was overwhelming. He wouldn’t stand back any longer. He’d be there for her. He valued her independence. He would wait in the wings. She wouldn’t need him, but when she was ready, he’d stand by her side.