Chapter 36
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Everleigh's knee jiggled nervously, and Knox’s arm tightened around her shoulders. Across from them, her mother was the picture of genteel Southern grace. Her hands were folded in her lap, legs crossed at the ankles as if she were awaiting tea instead of news of her husband's wellbeing.
They had been sitting there for almost two hours already, and each minute that passed became more tense than the last. They were ensconced in a private waiting room, and the sheer lack of activity set Everleigh on edge.
There were no distractions, nothing but the constant tick tick tick of the clock as one minute rolled into the next.
Knox pulled her a little closer and pressed a kiss to her temple. “Do you need anything?”
Everleigh tipped her head up to his. “No, thanks.”
Concerned, dark eyes studied her. “Are you sure? I can go get you a coffee or something if you want.”
“I'm fine.” Just the thought of putting anything into her stomach made her sick. She wouldn’t be able to eat or drink anything until she knew whether her father was okay.
He seemed to sense exactly how she felt, because he nodded knowingly. “Everything will be fine.”
She appreciated the sentiment, but he couldn’t be sure.
It still didn’t seem quite real. Just a few hours ago, he had sat across from her at the country club.
The next thing she knew, he was sprawled on the floor, his face bright red, glistening with sweat.
And his eyes… God. She didn’t think she’d ever forget that look in his eyes.
It was the face of a man who knew in that moment he was going to die.
A shudder rolled through her, and she closed her eyes in an attempt to block out the memory.
Knox pulled her even closer, his strong arms enveloping her, lending silent support.
She tucked her head against his chest and breathed him in.
She loved the smell of him, the feel of his chest beneath her cheek, the way he held her like he never wanted to let her go.
She knew he despised her father, and she was sure that he would rather be anywhere but there. But he’d never once complained, never left her side, and she appreciated it more than she could say. She shifted slightly, burrowing her nose into the crook of his neck. “Thank you.”
Her words came out barely more than a whisper, but the slight tightening of his arms told her he’d heard. Warm lips pressed to her forehead for a soft kiss before she felt his chin rest on the top of her head.
Suddenly, the heavy wood door swung inward, and a doctor dressed in a pair of dark blue scrubs stepped into the room.
His expression was grim, and she knew before he even opened his mouth that the prognosis was bad.
She jumped to her feet, followed a second later by Knox.
Her mother rose much more slowly and gracefully, as if she had all the time in the world.
Everleigh trembled as the doctor approached, his lips twisted into a forced smile. Oh God. She knew that look. Knox must have sensed the same thing, because he settled a hand on her waist and pulled her into him.
The doctor turned to her mother, addressing her.
“Mrs. Beaumont, I'm Doctor Branson.” He tipped his head. “Mr. Beaumont sustained a mild burn along his esophagus, which has led to some swelling. In addition to that, your husband experienced a cardiac event in the operating room. We resuscitated him, but we’ve had to place him on a ventilator to give him the necessary oxygen.”
A wary hopefulness spread through Everleigh’s body as his words sank in. Her mother’s lips were thin and pale, the only sign of distress in her pretty face. “What...” Her voice cracked, and she started over. “What does that mean?”
“He’s currently stable, but we’ll need to monitor him for the next several days. We’re still trying to determine the exact cause, but it appears that your husband may have had a reaction to something he ingested. We’ve ordered a toxicology report, so we should have more information soon.”
“O-okay.” Her mother’s hand fluttered toward her throat. “What now?”
“He’s heavily medicated, however”—he glanced between the three of them—“I can allow one of you in to see him briefly.”
Almost as one, Everleigh and her mother turned, wrapping their arms around each other. Her mother clung to her, and Everleigh could feel the fragility in her posture. “Go,” she whispered. “We’ll wait here for you.”
Her mother pulled away, already composing herself, then followed the doctor from the room.
Everleigh stood there, frozen, staring off into space.
She felt Knox’s steady presence right behind her, the slight brush of his body against hers, letting her know that he was still there.
Part of her wished she could be there too, see him for herself, but she knew it was more important that her mother go to him.
Finally, she turned to Knox. Without a word, he pulled her back to him, wrapping her up tightly and tucking her head against his chest. Shifting his weight from foot to foot, he gently rocked her side to side for several minutes before she pulled away.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
She wasn't honestly sure. “I don't know,” she admitted.
He framed her face with both big hands, his eyes serious. “I'm sorry,” he murmured.
Despite the tumultuous relationship he had had with her father and everything that happened in the past, she sensed the honesty in his words, and it brought tears to her eyes.
Her chest hitched on a sob, and Knox slid his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in tight, tucking her against his broad chest as the tears slipped free.
He held her tight, rocking her slightly back and forth as he whispered soothing noises next to her ear.
She felt shattered inside, like he was the only thing holding her together.
She knew she needed to be strong for her mother, and she drew in a shuddering breath as she tried to fight the fear and worry spreading through her heart.
Knox kissed her forehead, her temple, his hands wandering up and down her back, holding her securely.
When she finally calmed, he tipped her face up to his.
“We’ll get through this, one step at a time. ”
She nodded, placing all of her trust in him. “Okay.”
Twenty minutes later, her mother returned to the room. She looked exhausted and reassured all at once. “The doctor says we can come back tomorrow during visiting hours. I guess we should…” She wrapped her arms around her waist, looking forlorn.
Knox cut in. “Let me drive you ladies home.”
“But our car…” Her mother trailed off when Knox gave a slight shake of his head.
“You've dealt with enough today.” His dark eyes filled with concern. “Please, I'd feel much better if you let me drive you home.”
Her mother nodded jerkily, looking smaller and more unsure than she had ever seen her before.
“I'll arrange for someone to pick up your vehicle later,” he said as he settled one hand on Everleigh's waist and offered his other arm for her mother to take. After a moment, she slipped her fingers around his elbow and allowed him to take control.
A strong, guiding presence, he led them toward the car where he held the passenger side door for her mother and waited for her to get in. Once she was settled, he took Everleigh's hand and led her around to his side and helped her into the backseat.
The drive home was painfully quiet and felt like it took forever, though it couldn’t have been more than a half hour.
Relief filled Everleigh when her parents’ home came into view, immediately followed by regret and a sharp twinge of sadness.
Her father should be there with them; he should be walking next to her mother.
Instead, he was lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life right now.
Once Knox had escorted them safely inside the house, he paused next to the door. “Do you want to come home, or would you rather be with your mom?”
Truthfully, Everleigh wanted to be with him, but she knew her mother needed her. “I…” Her voice broke, and she tried again. “I should be with her, for a little while at least.”
Knox nodded his understanding. “All right. I’ll let you two get settled, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait.” Everleigh grabbed for him, fisting her hand in the material of his shirt before he could leave. “Stay.”
His head tipped to one side, a question in his eyes, and she drew a deep breath. She knew exactly what she was asking and how hard it would be for him. But she wanted—needed—him there with her. “Please stay with me tonight… Here.”
A series of emotions flickered rapidly over his face, and he was silent for several seconds before responding. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She released his shirt and twined her fingers with his. “I’ll feel better with you here. I don’t want to be alone. Will you please stay?”
“Of course.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Whatever you need, sweetheart.”
Her mother had already disappeared, presumably heading to bed after a long and exhausting evening. Everleigh threw a smile at Letitia, who hovered near the kitchen. “Knox, this is Lettie.”
He inclined his head but never released her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Nice to finally meet you.” Lettie bobbed her head, a tiny smile curving her mouth.
Heat climbed up Everleigh's cheeks at her knowing look, and she cleared her throat. “Knox will be staying with us tonight, Lettie.” She briefly explained about her father’s incident, skimming over the darker details.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Miss Everleigh. If either of you need anything, please let me know.”
“Thank you. Could you please make sure the alarm is set?”
“Of course, miss.” Lettie bobbed her head, then left the room.
Knox squeezed Everleigh's fingers. “Are you ready for bed?”
It was already well after midnight, and the events of the day settled over her shoulders like lead.
She nodded then led the way to her room.
Inside, Knox locked up behind them, then did a quick sweep of the suite while she got ready for bed.
Once he’d deemed it safe and secure, he stripped and slid beneath the sheets.
Almost immediately, Everleigh reached for him. She wanted to curl up in Knox’s arms, let him soothe all the worries away and make her forget about everything that had happened. At least for a while.