Chapter 56
FIFTY-SIX
CALLUM
- Present Day -
“ I ’m sorry, but you’ll both have to leave now.”
It’s not the doctor’s voice this time, but the soft tone of a woman. Throwing a quick glance over my shoulder, I see it’s a nurse wearing a sympathetic expression as she takes in the two large men hovering over the tiny, fragile woman asleep in the hospital bed.
Gently brushing my fingertips across her forehead, I lean down to place a reverent kiss against her temple, and just breathe her in.
Even cloaked in the sterile scent of the hospital, I can still smell her , the hints of jasmine and honeysuckle from her favorite shampoo that she’s used for as long as I can remember filling my lungs as I breathe her in.
I press my head to hers, and whisper in her ear, “I’m not going anywhere, Shorty.
We’ll be right here when you wake up. Just .
. .please, come back to us.” The words are a slip of the tongue.
I hadn’t meant to include Jonah, but somehow I couldn’t exclude him either.
I don’t even know if she can hear me right now, but I couldn’t leave her without her knowing.
. . knowing that she’s not alone; that I’m not going anywhere. That we aren’t going anywhere .
“ Sir,” her voice remains gentle, but there’s no mistaking the underlying tone of authority in that one word as she speaks to both of us.
I shift, intending to give Sutton one last kiss goodbye, and my eyes connect with Jonah’s.
I swear my heart leaps into my throat as my gaze unexpectedly connects with his own, his face mere inches away as he kisses her other temple.
The reluctance in his expression mirrors my own as we both slowly withdraw, following the nurse into the hall before she abruptly stops, turning to address the both of us.
“ Fiancé and . . . brother ?” The doubtful note in her voice is the only indication of her skepticism as her professional demeanor maintains a well-practiced, neutral expression.
“Er…” Heat travels up my neck, and suddenly I feel uncomfortably warm, my face flushing at the unspoken implication.
“Right, then.” Cutting me off, she nods sharply.
“I’m Nurse Sinclair, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on your .
. . loved one tonight.” Her expression softens as she looks between the two of us.
Trapped in her gaze, I can’t tear my eyes away to see how Jonah’s handling her scrutiny.
“Are there any other immediate family members that should be notified at this time?”
“No.” We answer in unison.
“He – er. . . uh,” I can feel him looking at me, and this may be the first time I have ever heard uncertainty in his voice, but I don’t acknowledge it as he continues, “ Their parents died in an accident a few years back.” Jonah’s words are solemn.
“And our sister is out of state for work right now.” I go along with Jonah’s statement.
Lips pursed, I can feel her assessing us before she continues. “Alright, gentleman. As I said, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Ms. Farley tonight. Visiting hours reopen at 8 A.M. I strongly suggest you both go home and get some rest -” She cuts us off with a look as we both begin to protest.
“However, as it seems more likely that you will both choose to stay, may I recommend the visitor’s lounge on the 7th floor?
They tend to have more comfortable chairs and better coffee.
There’s also the cafeteria down on 3rd. The main kitchen is closed for the night, but there‘re grab-and-go options available if you need a quick snack, and the dining room is open all night.”
A look of sympathy crosses her face and she steps forward, reaching out to place a hand on each of our arms. “We’ll take the best care of her.
And I promise we’ll call you right away if there are any changes.
Now, go get some rest. Or at the very least, go get some caffeine.
It’s going to be a long night if you’re sticking it out.