That was a hard pass.
“It’s okay, Mom, it’s only a few days. I want to be on my own soon. I don’t want anybody fussing over me anymore. I love you all, but I’m feeling good.”
“Well, I’m still visiting every day while Simone and Roger are at work, so you’re not getting away from me that easily,” Frankie announced, daring anyone to contradict her.
“Of course.” Colette gave a tight smile, her gaze wandered to Marshall’s.
He planned to return to the ranch once she was settled at Simone’s. She hoped they wouldn’t be separated for long, but theconversation hadn’t happened yet. Just the idea of it made her nervous. It was hard for her to say exactly what she wanted.
The doctor wove through her friends and family, as they were catching up and Simone rushed everyone out the door.
“We’ll get your room ready. Marshall is going to drive you to our place,” Simone said, her words barely making it from the hallway.
Her parents gave her a kiss and a hug and reminded her of what time they were going to stop by the next day.
Aurora squeezed her shoulder. “Be brave, sis, the hard part starts now. Mom is gonna put the mother in smother for the next little while.” Her sister left, chuckling at her own joke.
Colette sighed. So much for having some time alone.
The doctor checked her wound; the stitches having been removed the day before.
The site of her new scar was puckered and tight. Even though the wound had closed, she could still feel the tug of the injury every time she moved.
After going over the precautions she would need to take and emergency symptoms that would require her to return to the hospital, he signed her discharge forms. A nurse came to review wound care procedures, recovery expectations, and limitations.
Colette was glad her employer was understanding. She wouldn’t be feeling normal for a little while. Sitting up for long periods of time was tiring.
It was basically a prescription for reruns ofThe Golden Girlsand rotting on the sofa.
The nurse finished her paperwork and handed a stack to her “husband”. He thanked the woman, then sat back on the bed.
“Are you ready?” he asked, resting a hand on her thigh.
Colette nodded, attempting to mask the sadness within. The reality of her leaving the hospital and Marshall returning to theranch was just hitting her. It would be hard not to see him every day.
“Yeah,” she said softly. “I think so.”
“It won’t be forever,” he said as he squeezed her thigh. “Just until we know you’re in the clear.”
“Then what?” she asked tentatively. Was she ready for the answer to that question? Not really. Could she go any longer without knowing? Also no.
“I’ll help you get back to your apartment. You’ll be comfortable there,” he explained, his mouth turning down into a frown. “I don’t want you far from the hospital. We discussed this. You need to be in the city for your follow-up appointments. Frankie is looking forward to taking care of you now.”
She watched his hand as it gave her a comforting squeeze. It wasn’t the answer she wanted. Then again, she wasn’t sure what answer she expected.
“And after that? When I’m all better, then what?”
“Then it’ll be up to you what you want to do,” Marshall said, his tone grim. “I’ll never ask you to give up your life here for me. It’s too much sacrifice. I love you too much to ask for that. You can still do your job from here when you’re all better.”
Colette opened and closed her mouth; her words stuck. Pain slashed through her at the thought of a long-distance relationship. It sounded like torture. He tipped her chin with his finger.
“Don’t look like that. We’ll make it work,” he spoke softly.
A heavy sigh released from her lungs. “I don’t want to just make it work.”
“What do you want then?” he asked, his breath caught in his chest. The fear in his eyes broke her heart.
She sniffed, a sheen of tears welling in her eyes. “I want to go home.”
