“Lionel drugged you. You got a nasty bump on your head, and a little cut on your neck, but otherwise, you’re okay. The doctor said you can go home tomorrow.”
I settled my hands on my belly. “The baby?”
“Baby looks good, honey.”
“How long have I been here?”
“About eight hours or so,” Flash said. “Not sure how much he gave you, but it knocked you out pretty good.”
I pulled on the oxygen thingy in my nose finally able to relieve the itch. “Where’s Lionel?”
“Dead.”
“What? Oh my god, what happened?”
“Story for another day, Tate. Let’s just get you home, okay?”
Before I could pepper him with questions, my parents walked into the room and my mother let out a squeal of relief.
“Oh, honey, you’re awake,” she cried, rushing to the bed, and pulling me in for a hug.
“Do you know what happened?” I asked, and Flash gave me a warning glance.
“The police said a man took you hostage and he was shot by law enforcement in the struggle to rescue you.”
“Oh.” I had a feeling that wasn’t the full story, but I had every intention of getting the truth once Flash and I were alone.
“We’re just glad you’re okay,” Dad said, hugging me gently.
“Knock, knock,” Hayden said, pushing the door open. “Your siblings are descending.”
I chuckled as Hayden, Theo, and Ronan filed into the room.
“Even, Ronan,” I mused. “Wow, you must have been worried.”
My big brother wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. “Don’t ever do that to me again. But remember, I’m not too old to still beat up your bullies.”
I squeezed him tight. “Oh, I won’t ever forget.”
He made his way to Flash and shook his hand, then it was a little chaotic as a doctor came in to check on me and run vitals.
“I really want to go home,” I begged after the doctor determined I did not have a concussion.
“We have several nurses in the family,” Flash said. “They’re on deck to watch for any issues, so if she needs to come back to the hospital, she will.”
The doctor nodded. “Okay, I think that’ll work. I’ll get your paperwork together. You can go ahead and get dressed.”
I turned to Flash. “Do I have clothes?”
“Yeah, baby, I grabbed some.”
“We’ll step out,” Mom said.
My family left the room and Flash set a backpack on the bed.
I swung my legs off the side of the bed and grabbed his hand. “I’m just gonna ask you one question, then I promise I’ll leave it. For a while, anyway.”
He raised an eyebrow, stepping between my legs. “One.”
