“Of course. Drink slow,” Dr. Kennedy warns.
My mom brings me a small pink plastic cup with a straw, placing it between my lips. I do as I’m told even though I want to gulp it down. I’m so thirsty. I lean my head against the pillow and sigh, whimpering when the ache and pain become too much.
“Are you in pain?” Elias asks. “We can get you more medicine.”
“My head hurts really bad. What did you do in there?” I grumble, which causes everyone to laugh.
“Sorry, sweetheart. I had to fix it so I wouldn’t lose you. You’ll be in pain for a while, but I’ll be right here with you. Okay?”
Mom cups my jaw, her eyes red and swollen from crying. “Me, Amber, Victoria, Winston, and so many of your friends here are going to help take care of you both. You two will need to be in the hospital for a while, but after that, we already have a system and a schedule for when you can go home. Everything’s going to be okay. You’ll be okay. You’re okay.” She sounds like she’s trying to make herself believe it if she says it enough.
“I’m okay, Mom. I’m fine.” I place my hand over hers, giving it a weak pat, and then I lose all energy, dropping my arm down onto the bed again.
“Is everyone else okay from the accident? Was there anyone else? Was it my fault?” My eyes widen in horror. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive myself if I caused the accident and ended up hurting someone…or worse.
“The police are wanting to talk to you actually,” Elias informs me. “But no, it wasn’t your fault. Someone rear-ended you, pushing you out into the intersection. You were at a red light, so when you were pushed, the person who had the green light smashed into you.”
“Are they okay?”
“They are.” Those two words from Elias allow me to relax.
“That’s good,” I say, blowing out a breath.
“The person who rear-ended you was drinking and driving, though, so they will be held accountable,” he adds. “Can someone push me closer to her bed?”
Winston and Dr. Kennedy do as Elias asks, pressing our beds together so it’s easier for us to touch.
“No funny business.” Winston shakes his finger at me.
I snort. “I’m sure my casts are such a turn-on.”
“They are. I can’t wait to sign them.” Elias smirks, kissing every fingertip. “I’m just happy you’re here. You scared me, sweetheart. I thought…” He swallows, his eyes becoming glassy.
I’ve never had a partner care so much before. The only thing I can do is squeeze his hand, letting him know that I’m here.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“No. Don’t. It isn’t your fault. Don’t apologize. I’m just so glad you’re okay. If anything happened to you…I don’t know…I don’t know what I would have done, Olivia. I haven’t been that scared in years. The only thing I could think about was the plans we made.”
Pinching my brows together hurts, so I do my best to relax. “The movie night?”
Everyone in the room laughs, Elias too, and he tightens his hold on my hand.
“No, but I am glad you remember that. That’s a relief. I mean, I was excited about those plans too, don’t get me wrong.”
Another round of laughter echoes from everyone. I would laugh too if I had the energy. Instead, I smile at him.
“Future plans,” he says. “The life we want. Children. How we told each other our dreams and I want that with you, always, forever, Olivia. I want us to chase the future we want together, and I want our dreams to become reality. I want you. Only you.”He pats his leg and curses. “Shit. Winston, can you bring me my pants? They’re on the chair.”
“You bet.” Winston hands him his jeans and Elias digs through his pockets, pulling out a box. It’s small, red velvet, and the corners are worn.
I might be half out of it, but I know an engagement ring box when I see it. “Elias?”
“I love you. I want to make all of your dreams come true?—”
“I got the pregnancy test back!” Nurse Jackie bursts into the room with a big smile on her face. “Sorry. We got backed up so the test took longer than anticipated. It is positive. I’m sorry. I have to go see another patient. Congratulations!” And just as quick as she came in, she’s gone.
I gasp, placing my hand over my stomach. “That’s impossible. It’s…it’s so early. How…how?”
