“Physically, yes. I’m sure you’re aware there are certain risks involved with any surgical procedure. But, barring any unforeseen circumstance, she should be fine.”
Jake gave his thanks and reached for the door, but the doctor’s next words stopped him.
“That young woman was put through hell.”
Jake turned and spoke over his shoulder. “I know.”
“I won’t lie. She doesn’t look good. The bruises and swelling will all go away with time, as will the cuts and scrapes. Some will most likely leave scars. Her back...” The doctor shook his head. “Tell me you got the bastard who did this.”
A muscle in Jake’s jaw bulged just thinking about it. Surprisingly, the doctor looked almost as pissed as he felt.
“I did.”
Jake and Dr. Wyrick shared a look, and Jake knew the doctor understood exactly what he wasn’t saying.
“Good. Now, go be with that young lady. She’s going to need a lot of support to get through this. And I’m not just talking about her physical injuries.”
“She’ll have it. Trust me.”
With one final nod, the doctor turned and walked away, leaving Jake at the door alone.
He took a deep breath, attempting to get his emotions under control before going in. Olivia didn’t need the raging storm still bellowing inside him. She needed his help and support. His love.
Pushing everything else away, he slowly entered the room. His heartbeat stalled when he caught his first sight of her.
The blood had been cleaned off, amplifying the bruises covering her face. Her left eye was still swollen but looked as though it had gone down slightly.
Her right arm was in a white cast from below the elbow down, and a sling held it in place as it rested on a pillow across her belly.
Her other arm was wrapped in gauze where the cut had been treated and sewn. An IV tube ran from beneath the tape on the top of that hand, up to the fluid-filled bag hanging on the metal stand positioned near her.
Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. The doctor had said she didn’t look good, but he’d been wrong.
The bruised and broken woman lying before him was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.
Jake moved toward the left side of the bed, sliding a plastic chair as close to her as he could get it. Mindful of the IV, he reached through the metal railing to take her hand into his.
He exhaled long and slowly, as though touching her gave his lungs permission to breathe again.
He brought her hand to his lips, keeping it there. She was too cold. Too still. He needed her to wake up.
The doctor had said she would be okay, but until she opened her eyes, until he heard the sweet sound of her voice—
He used his shoulder to wipe a tear from his cheek. She’d been through so much. More than any one person should ever have to endure. Her sleeping image blurred as he leaned over the railing to kiss the top of her head.
Squeezing his eyes shut, Jake rested his forehead against her cool skin. He knew his tears were raining down on her, but he couldn’t bring himself to move away.
“I love you, baby,” he said with a broken whisper. “Come back to me soon, okay?”
Kissing her again, he could taste the saltiness of his sorrow. With her limp hand still in his, Jake sat back down. He wiped the tears from his face, but they just kept coming.
With his head hung low, Jake’s entire body shuddered as he wept. He prayed for her forgiveness, and guidance on how to help her get through this.
Sometime later, Jake woke with a start. A soft moaning caught his attention, slapping the rest of the sleepy cobwebs away.
Olivia was having a nightmare. Jake watched her brow furrow. He felt her fear when the small hand he was still holding squeezed his tightly. Her legs began moving about as if she were running from something. Or someone.
Olivia mumbled something incoherent. Jake stood and began carefully caressing the bruised skin on her cheek with the back of his knuckles. He kissed her temple and whispered sweet, soothing words.
