CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
KADEN
She nodded her head weakly and I still wasn’t sure if she was with it or not. I just kept holding her hand. It had been over an hour since she had woken up and I still couldn’t believe she was here. Alive. Breathing. Looking around and talking. Her voice was soft and scratchy but it was her voice, nonetheless.
She was propped up in bed, taking sips of water through a bendy straw. I saw in her eyes; she was determined to get better. When her hand wriggled in mine, I loosened my grip, realizing I must have been crushing it.
I just couldn’t believe she was awake and had been holding her tightly. I was scared she would slip away from me again and I wanted to hold her on this side of heaven.
Gracie attempted to push herself up higher on the bed, I immediately leaned over and lifted her up. Even though I’d been gentle, she squeaked in pain. Her eyes slammed closed and she sucked in mouthfuls of air, almost choking as she did so.
My heart lurched. “Shit babe, maybe you shouldn’t move.”
I leaned forward and scooped her lightly against me, her shaking arms wrapped around me.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” Her voice was raspy, but it was heaven to my ears. During the hours I’d sat hoping she would wake; I’d wondered if I’d ever hear her voice again.
“Wouldn’t be anywhere else, babe.” I kissed her forehead.
Her eyes travelled from me to Martha, Brad and the whole room of people. I felt her tense as they stood staring at her. Chris stood like a hovering storm cloud. I felt her unease and sensed her embarrassment. I knew she was well and truly over them and their questions. The documenting and files, murmurs, looks and head nods.
“Okay, everyone out. Gracie needs rest.” I indicated everyone except Brad and Martha.
Chris’ eyes narrowed as he scowled, but I pointed to the door. I didn’t care for one fucking second how his goddamn male ego was feeling. She’d chosen me and if he even tried to make a move on her, I would take him out.
“I’m sorry, but I need to check a few things and make some notes.” The nurse from this afternoon looked at me and I nodded for her to go about her job.
She moved to the other side of Gracie’s bed. “Mrs. Reynolds, how you are feeling?” I watched as she checked Gracie’s blood pressure, I’d lost count of how many times I had watched them do that.
“I want a shower.” Gracie struggled to lift her arm.
“We wouldn’t recommend you showering yet.” The nurse jotted down the numbers. “You’ll be very unsteady even sitting on a shower chair. I guess if you really insist, I can grab another nurse and we could both help you.”
The nurse was polite and was one of the few I had time for especially after the way she’d helped me, I actually liked her manner and passion. She also didn’t frown every time she saw me at Gracie’s side, not like all the others who came in and out. No doubt the hospital gossip hadn’t reached her yet.
“I can do it myself.” Gracie lowered her arm and I threaded my fingers back through hers.
The nurse opened her mouth, but Martha cut her off. “I’ll help her.”
“I don’t need help,” Gracie grumbled. “Where are my clothes? The hospital grown is disgusting. It has blood on it, I can feel it. It’s coming from somewhere and I need it off me off my body now!” Her voice cracked, she sounded panicked and tears were welled in her eyes.
She was flashing back to her body covered in blood on the day of her attack, a classic symptom, I wondered if they understood. PSTD was kicking in and my baby was freaking out.
“Your bandages are waterproof, but I can’t allow you to have a shower unattended. I can get you a new gown.”
Sensing Gracie was determined to try and get up by herself, had me moving fast. I didn’t want her hurting herself more than she already was.
“Brad can you take Martha to get Gracie some fresh PJs and clothes, whatever it is you think she needs, I’ll help her shower.”
The nurse nodded her head, seemingly accepting of my idea.
Gracie’s eyes flashed to mine; I saw panic in them. “It’s okay, I have seen you naked.”
I smiled at her but was well aware of her fear. Fear of me seeing the carnage his attack had left over her body.
Brad nodded and Martha bent down and kissed Gracie’s cheek. She winced in pain at the light touch and my heart broke for her. I watched as they walked out and the nurse followed, leaving Gracie and I alone.
I swear she became mute as soon as they left, she sat staring down at our hands. Finally, she spoke. “You found me, didn’t you?”
