What she didn’t understand was why?
For years, Ellena had prayed for his return. She’d begged God to bring him back to her and make the sexy, strong protector see that what happened all those years ago wasn’t his fault.
From the guarded look on his face, she knew instantly that wasn’t the case. So whywashe here?
Is it possible?
Her heart beat a little harder, the incessant beeping in the background picked up its pace.
Had her accident finally snapped him out of whatever self-imposed hell he’d sentenced himself to three years ago, or was it something else?
The papers.
The thought hit with a crushing blow. Of course, that’s why he was here. He came to finalize the divorce.
If she wasn’t already sporting a shiny new gash there, Ellena would’ve face-palmed herself right in the middle of her forehead.
You know, Doc. For such a brilliant woman, you really can be an idiot.
“Elle?” Gabe took a hesitant step forward but stopped before he got too close. His dark brows turned inward with concern. “Sweetheart, what is it? Are you hurting? Do we need to get the nurse to bring you more pain meds?”
His barrage of questions, along with the alarm in his voice, snapped her out of the emotional delusion. Part of her couldn’t help but relish in the fact that he was so worried after all this time.
The other part wanted to tell him to go to hell.
Gabe had no right to be concerned about her well-being or any other aspect of her life. Not anymore.
He gave up that right the day he walked out the door and never looked back.
“W-what…” She cleared the crackling sound from her throat. “Why are you here?”
Of all the things she’d thought to say to him if and when the time ever came, andthat’swhat she’d come up with? Seriously?
She’d thought ofsomany brilliant one-liners and smart, witty comebacks. All created during the fabricated conversations she’d imagined over the years.
While she’d stood alone in the shower, crying and missing him so much she thought she’d physically die from the pain. During her evenings and weekends when she’d be cleaning her house or folding and putting away the laundry.
Hundreds of imaginary conversations had taken place, and in every single one Ellena had said exactly what she wanted to say, when she wanted to say it.
But now that he was here, in the flesh, all she’d come up with was ‘Why are you here’?
The only solace she had was that Gabe looked even more uncomfortable than she felt.
Serves him right.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, his troubled stare remaining locked with hers. “The hospital called. Apparently, I’m still listed as your emergency contact.”
God, she’d missed that voice. Just hearing it again was almost enough to make her want to…
Wait.What?
“No, you’re not.” Confused, Ellena slid her gaze back to Jenna’s. “You are.”
The hospital updated their entire system a few months ago requiring all employees to re-enter their information. Including emergency contacts.
Changing hers to Jenna had been the second official step Ellena had taken in her attempt to move on from her failed marriage. The first step had been taking off her wedding rings, which had nearly shattered her.
“No one called me.” Jenna shrugged innocently.
