As I peer over at him, I can see it in his eyes, a past that haunts him.
“Hey.” Salem’s voice interrupts us, her focus fixed onme. “They said one person could go back now. I had to tell off his mom, but you’re free to see him.”
Heart pounding, I hop up and smooth my dress, ignoring the bloodstain on the hem. A shiver works its way through me as I follow Salem down the hall. It’s frigid in the hospital and I’m not wearing enough layers.
As I enter the waiting area again, I ignore Caleb’s parents. Frankly, I owe them nothing. If they apologized, then I’d consider playing nice, but until then, they can kiss my ass.
The nurse waits at the door, her expression soothing and sympathetic. “This way, sweetie.”
Salem gives my arm a reassuring squeeze as I head for the double doors.
“He’s doing well,” the nurse assures me, her smile kind. “He’s a little groggy and still pretty tired, so he might fall asleep.”
“Is there… is there anything we should be worried about?” I don’t dare allow myself to believe that, somehow, he’s truly okay. I’m used to having the rug yanked out from under me.
“I can’t give any false promises, but his blood work looks good and surgery went well.”
I exhale a shaky breath, the tightness in my chest loosening a fraction. “Okay. Thank you.”
She takes me to an elevator, and we head up to critical care. It’s a step down from intensive care, but it still worries me.
At the end of the hall, shestops. “He’s just in there.”
“Thank you.”
I hesitate outside the door, taking a moment to gather myself. It’s pointless. The second I lay eyes on him, I burst into tears.
His skin is waxy, his blond hair in wild disarray, and his eyes are ringed in dark circles. The nasal cannula only adds to the pitiful sight.
“Baby,” he says softly. “Don’t cry.”
“Don’t cry?” I laugh, though the sound morphs into a hysterical hiccup. “You gotshot, Caleb. Right in front of me.”
He spreads his arms wide, wincing before he can hide the reaction. “I’m doing great. See?”
“Liar.” I cross the small room, only stopping when I’m at his side. I slide my fingers into his hair and down his face. His skin is cool, but he’s real beneath my touch, and that’s all that matters.
He closes his eyes, placing his hand over mine. “I’m sorry about your mom.”
A scoff flies out of me. “She shot you, and you’re apologizing?”
“Yes, because I know she hurt you.”
I shake my head. This man. He’s impossible.
“Still the best day of my life,” he yawns. “I got to marry my girl.”
“You’re insane,” I laugh.
“Insanely in love with you.”
I bite my lip to stifle another laugh. “I’m glad you feel well enough to be so cheesy.”
“It’s the drugs,” he admits, slowly blinking, like he’s fighting sleep. “They make me loopy.”
“That’s okay.” I pull the chair up closer to his bed with my free hand and sit down. “Go to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
He gives me a half smile. “Promise?”
