I hold my breath as he says, “Everything looks great.” I release that breath with a whoosh. “You’re cleared to leave.”
“Oh, thank God,” I murmur.
“However,” he says, “I’d like for someone to keep an eye on you over the next twenty-four hours.”
“I can do that,” Shane chimes in.
Turning to him, the doctor says, “Okay, great. Any changes in the way she feels or the way she behaves, I want her brought back here to the hospital immediately.”
Shane nods. “Absolutely.”
I’m just excited that I can go home…with the man I love.
Iwatch over Willa throughout the next twenty-four-hour period like my life depends on it.
In a way, it does.
She is my life now.
I love her that much.
We had a mellow day, which I felt was called for under the circumstances. I made us breakfast, lunch, and dinner and insisted Willa not lift a finger.
She didn’t, but at dinnertime, she griped, “Oh, come on. I can do something to help. Maybe fluff the rice at least.”
We were in the kitchen. She was seated at the table, and I was by the stove finishing up with cooking.
Turning and pointing my spatula at her, I replied with a stern “No. Rest is important right now.”
As I turned back to plate the chicken and rice meal I’d just made, I heard her huff. I knew she was upset, but this really was for the best.
When I set her dinner down in front of her, I guess she finally saw it my way, seeing as she smiled and murmured, “Thank you. This looks and smells yummy.”
She dug in then, and I was happy to see she had a good appetite. In fact, she actually seems to be back to 100 percent.
Still, I have something I want to talk with her about. This evening is the perfect time, seeing as we’re now hanging out bythe pool, just chilling in our favorite loungers.
After Willa reiterates once again how good dinner was, I reply, “Thanks.” And then I say, “Hey, I want to run something by you.”
“Hmm, what’s that?” she asks.
I clear my throat. “What would you think about heading back to Phoenix sooner rather than later?”
Her brow creases. “Why? We still have eleven days left.”
“I know.” I blow out a breath. “But I’d really like for you to see one of our neurologists who work with the team. They really are the best in Phoenix.” I snort. “Hell, they’re some of the best in the country even.”
Reaching over, she takes my hand. “Shane,” she says on a sigh. “I am fine. You heard what that doctor said at the hospital. All my tests and scans came back normal.”
“They did,” I agree. “But I’d feel better having you checked again in Arizona. Can you do that for me, babe? Just to give me peace of mind?”
She nods. “Okay. But can we stay a few more days? Maybe fly back on Monday?”
“I can live with that,” I reply, since I can.
It’s a good compromise. I’m just pleased she’s agreed to see one of our neurologists. I’m sure she’s fine, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
We talk a while longer, just about little things. But at some point, holding hands is not enough. Willa ends up curled up in the lounger with me.
