“But how is she already up and about while I’m still in bed. That was only earlier today or yesterday, right?” He didn’t think he’d been out that long. It was still daylight outside. The injuries hadn’t been that severe though he could still feel the pain in his ribs and the pulling on his shoulder. So it hadn’t been that long.
Carter looked uncomfortable again. “You took a nasty spill down the stairs and cracked your head as well as a few ribs. You’ve been out for four days.”
Mike gaped. Four days? He’d never been out for so long.
“I’ve been with you every day since I got discharged,” Destiny told him. Mike tightened his grip around her waist showing her his thanks. No one had ever stayed with him before. They guys checked in on him, but no one had ever stayed.
“Which is why I told you to go home and get some rest.”
“I couldn’t leave, knowing you got hurt because of me.” Mike silenced her with a soft kiss. He wasn’t up for anything more than that now.
“None of this is your fault. It’s Ron. He was behind everything.”
“I know. I overheard him when I went to Grandma’s, talking to Milly about all the failed attempts to kill Grandma and me. Ron heard me and the mugger was at the front door when I tried to leave. They dragged me to the bedroom and Ron jabbed me in the neck with a needle.”
“He gave her a strong sedative,” Carter added.
“I woke up in the hospital. Grandma and Mom were there. Then Carter explained what had happened. Mom feels terrible that she let someone like that into our lives. She’d love to formally apologize to you when you’re feeling up to it.”
“She doesn’t need to.” That woman had hated him since day one. He doubted that had changed even if her boyfriend was the criminal.
Destiny didn’t push him on the subject. “Well, all the same, she’d like to.” They stayed like that for a while. Just lying together and talking. He hadn’t even noticed Carter leave the room.
“He’s finally awake!” Cora squealed from the door, Liam standing right behind her with Carter and Kinsley. Good lord, his room was getting crowded quick. He’d never had so many visitors before. “How’re you feeling?”
“Good.” And he was. His head didn’t hurt. There was pain in his shoulder and leg when he moved them, but he held the woman he loved and was surrounded by his family. Everything was perfect.
“What do you have there?” He titled his chin toward the casserole dish she was holding.
“Corn on the cob with Parmesan cheese.”
“Pregnancy cravings,” Liam whispered behind his hand.
“It’s delicious.” Cora turned to Liam and scolded.
“Sure babe,” Liam placated her, wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Let me help,” Destiny said, easing off the bed. Mike started to protest her loss, but she looked so comfortable amongst his friends he didn’t want to spoil the moment.
“Incoming,” Ben announced, walking in like he owned the room, carrying his own platter, Hannah right behind him with more food. The rest of his teammates and girlfriends followed all carrying food.
“What is all this?” Mike asked confused.
“It was my idea,” Destiny admitted sheepishly. “You asked me to the barbeque, which didn’t happen because of Ron, so I called up Cora and arranged to bring the barbeque to you when you woke up. Carter called her when he stepped out of the room. I hope this is okay.” She looked uncertain as she wrung her hands.
Mike smiled, holding out his hand for her. Destiny took it and sat down on the edge of the bed. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “This is a great surprise.” And he meant it.
“Do you mind if we crash the party?” Good lord, who was showing up now? The room was already over max capacity.
Everyone turned to see Carol and Patty standing there.
“Mom, Grandma, what a surprise. Of course you are more than welcome.” Destiny left him to hug her grandma. She was looking well considering she had just been in the hospital herself a few days ago. Without people poisoning her that made all the difference in the world. Patty turned her cheek to accept Destiny’s kiss. The woman still dressed like she was going to a fancy dinner instead of a small-town hospital.
Patty glanced over at him, he didn’t miss the look of fear in her eyes. Did she think he was going to be a dick about her boyfriend shooting him and trying to kill Destiny? It wasn’t her fault. Ron had been good about hiding his habits and shady nature.
She stiffened her spine and approached him, looking like a queen. At least she wasn’t looking at him like a bug to be squished for once. “Michael.”
“Mike,” he corrected as usual. Michael felt so formal. After all he had every intention of them being family before long.
