“Thanks a lot. I’m digging the whiskers, Mr. Jacobs.” I let my hand drift up his cheek; his face was clammy and wet.
“I haven’t felt like shaving, or doing anything else for a while.” Evan kissed the inside of my wrist before he sat in the chair next to my bed.
“I’m sorry, babe. So sorry—”
“Shhh . . . it’s okay, Daisy. You came back to me, that’s all that matters.” The sweet smile that spread across his face broke my heart all over again.
“Hey, I’m going home.” My mother kissed my forehead and cupped my cheek. “I’ll come back in the morning. Evan will stay with you. I love you. Get some rest okay?”
“I love you too, Mom.” She turned to give Evan a quick kiss on the cheek and made her way out the door.
“Okay, kids. All set for your sleepover.” Natalie breezed in carrying blankets.
“Sleepov—” I leaned forward as I started hacking again. Now, the hacking came with wheezing.
“Hey, don’t over-excite yourself.” Natalie came up to the bed and rubbed my back as she smirked at me. “I have the ER night shift tonight, so I thought I’d sneak your man a couple of blankets. Just behave yourselves.” She handed Evan the blankets and winked at me. “Paige told me how hot you guys can get.”
“You’re sleeping here? I don’t understand …” My brow furrowed as Evan opened the blanket and settled back into the chair.
“They’re keeping an eye on your breathing tonight, in case you need to go on a respirator. I could go home and climb the walls, or watch you myself and catch up on lost time with my girl.” The side of his mouth turned up in a smirk. “Natalie pulled a couple of strings for me, so here I am.”
I gingerly turned to my side and tucked my hands under my head. “You are something else.”
Evan shrugged and moved his chair closer to the bed. “I just missed you. And I always sleep better next to you.” He took down the side rail and kissed me. I’d missed those lips so damn much. “Sweet dreams, Daisy.”
“Sweet dreams. I love you, babe.” Evan laughed and settled on his side facing me.
“What’s so funny?” He grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together.
“I love it when you call me babe.”
Forty
Paige
Sun peekingthrough the blinds woke me up. I lifted my head off the pillow. Everything was soaked in sweat, and for the first time in a while, I wanted something to eat.
Evan was asleep, in the most uncomfortable position imaginable. His head rested on the mattress next to my pillow. The side rail was still down so he could extend his arm across my stomach. The poor guy was half falling off the chair trying to get as close to me as possible. I lightly scratched my nails over his scalp. His hair was now longer than his usual buzz cut. I admired him for a few minutes before he stirred in his sleep.
“Daisy . . . what’s wrong? You okay?” His head shot up as his eyes widened. I laughed and shook my head.
“I’m in a pool of sweat, but I’m okay. I wouldn’t mind oatmeal or something when the trays come around.”
“Maybe your fever broke, I’ll go get the nurse, see if we can get my girl something to eat.” Evan kissed my forehead as he stood, and then started for the door.
“Good morning.” Dr. Stephens sauntered in with one of the student doctors. “How are you feeling?”
Evan answered for me. “She’s full of sweat and wants to eat. That’s a good sign, right?” Dr. Stephens and I exchanged a smile.
“Yes, it certainly could be. How’s your throat today?”
“Still scratchy, but maybe I could get some oatmeal?” Dr. Stephens nodded.
“Sure. I’ll tell the nurses to bring you some. Appetite is always a good sign. I actually have some good news already. Your kidneys seem to have improved a bit since the last time I checked them.”
Ugh, I’d forgotten about the catheter bag at the foot of my bed. I was so embarrassed, but if Evan wanted to stick around, he might as well see the worst of everything. I remembered the nurses coming to change it a couple of times during the night.
“The fever may have broken for the moment, so I think it’s time we get this flare down. I’m going to up your prednisone dosage to sixty milligrams. Hopefully, the large dose will start bringing down the inflammation, and help your lungs.” My eyes bugged out of my head.
