CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
THE NEXT MORNING, Jeff held Evan in his arms as he walked down the hall toward Tara’s hospital room, his stomach jittery.
He’d been talking to Evan’s physician when Kurt called to say Tara was awake and asking for him. Jeff couldn’t get there fast enough.
She’s going to be fine.
He’d believe it when he saw her with his own eyes. She’d been in surgery forhours, and then in recovery. And no one had been able to tell Jeff anything because he wasn’t family.
Sleep had been elusive, his mind conjuring all kinds of scenarios, both good and bad. Instead, he’d focused as much as possible on Evan and his dad, and during the late hours, he’d stayed in contact with Kurt and tracked the news.
Muffin was in police custody, and her husband was already tryingto distance himself from her actions even as he announced that he had no plans to run for President.
Kurt and Caitlyn had done a quick turnaround after returning from Boston, and flown to Wilmington last night. Kurt brought with him a medical power of attorney Tara had given him at some point, which meant the hospital staff could share her condition with him. He’d been keeping Jeff apprisedof her general status—protecting her until he knew what Tara wanted—and had alerted Tara’s parents, who were expected to arrive this afternoon.
Jenna and Mick were already making plans to drive up once Jenna’s doctor cleared her to travel.
Did Tara realize how many people loved her? Did she believe that Jeff was one of them? He’d meant every word he’d said to her on the floor of that bathroom,but he might have to convince her.
“Is Miss Tara hurt bad?” Evan asked, hanging on to Jeff’s neck with his good arm.
Not as bad as it had looked. Jeff’s heart had almost stopped when he saw the blood, and in that moment he’d known: He would face down any obstacle to have her in his life permanently.
What if she didn’t feel the same?
“Yes, but she’s going to be okay,” Jeff said. She couldhave fucking died. “The doctor says she’ll be able to go home in a few days. But she’s probably in a lot of pain. And tired, so we won’t stay too long.”
“We should get her some socks.”
Jeff smiled. God, he loved this kid so much. “Good idea, bud. I’m sure she’d love that. You can pick out some when we get back to your room.”
“Okay.” Evan smiled.
Jeff’s steps slowed as he approached theopen door to Tara’s room. Kurt’s deep voice came from within, the words unintelligible. Jeff’s ears buzzed at the sight of Tara sitting up in the huge bed, her dark hair spread across the pillow, face sallow, dark circles under her eyes.
He stood there for a moment, unable to breathe.
“Dad.” Evan tugged at Jeff’s neck.
Tara looked up and smiled. “Hi.”
He tried to respond but nothing cameout of his mouth. He cleared his throat. “Hi.”
“We’ll give you a moment.” Kurt gestured him inside and squeezed his shoulder as he passed.
Caitlyn followed. Tall and tough with red-brown hair and clear green eyes, she was what Jeff had always thought of as his type, and gorgeous to boot, but he only had eyes for Tara. “She’s strong.”
He met her gaze for a second and nodded. “I know.”
Caitlyn gave him an encouraging smile and left the room, closing the heavy door behind her.
For a moment, he could only stare, unsure which of the five million questions whirling through his mind he should ask first.
Evan wriggled and Jeff set him down.
“Hi, Miss Tara!” His son walked up to the side of her bed and took her right hand. “I’m sorry you got hurt.”
With a tired smile, she said,“Thank you.”
