It takes several hours for them to cease the sedation completely, and when they’re done, Mellie still isn’t awake. The doctor waves me over and nods at her.
“We’re seeing eye movement,” he explains. “That’s a good sign. It can take a while for her body to be completely free of the sedation, especially since it’s been a month, so it can take several days for her to wake fully.”
I stare at her closed eyelids, savoring the rapid back and forth movement. She’s alive, and I have to focus on that.
“I’ll be in and out regularly to check on her, as will other members of the team.”
“Is there anything I should be watching for?” I ask.
“Any signs of distress,” he replies. “The monitors will alert us, but you know her better than anyone and might be able to pick up on subtle clues that can give us a little heads up if something is wrong.” He reaches into his white coat and pulls out a card. “I know I’ve given this to you before, but I wrote my personal cell number on it just in case you need anything.”
“Thank you,” I say, taking the offered card. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“You can thank me when you get my bill,” he replies with a chuckle.
Not to mention the money the club spent to ensure your full focus is on Mellie and Mellie alone.
Zombie and I are left alone with Mellie, and I return to the side of the bed to sit next to her. I’m careful not to disturb any of the wires connected to machines and monitors, but I have to be close to her.
A few hours later, Zombie returns to the clubhouse, and Mellie still doesn’t wake. She doesn’t wake on the second or third days, either.
But on the fourth day, something happens. Her eyelids flutter, and I see her beautiful eyes for the first time in thirty-four fucking days.
“What happened?” she croaks, her voice hoarse from lack of use.
My stomach drops at the confusion in her tone. I remind myself of the doctor’s warning, but it does nothing to reassure me.
“Lyric,” Mellie says as she slides her hand to mine. “What’s wrong?”
I prop up on my elbow to stare down at her. “What did you just say?”
“Drink,” she says. “Then talk.”
I grab the bottle of water I set on the side table and unscrew the cap. Holding it to her lips, I help her sip the liquid slowly.
“So good,” she says with a sigh. “Now, Heath Jenkins, tell me what’s wrong.”
I cup her cheeks and press a kiss to her chapped lips.
“Not a damn thing,” I whisper when I pull back. “Not a goddamn thing in the world is wrong.”
EPILOGUE
MELLIE
Four months later…
“You’re all clear.”
I smile at the doctor. This is officially my last follow-up appointment since Cray Cray and Peach kidnapped and beat me. It’s also my wedding day.
Finally.
“Told you,” Becs says from the chair reserved for family.
While I was in a coma, lockdown was lifted, and Becs and Marlene returned to the clubhouse full-time. Pilot also moved in his girlfriend, Kerri. Apparently, Lyric almost losing me made the brother question why the two of them were still only meeting up occasionally. The three women, along with Savvy, Patti, Lulu, and Star, will stand with me during the ceremony.
“You did,” I say.
