Page 90 of Boots & Scars

"She's stable," Holly whispered. "They said she needs rest. But Cooper?"

I looked at her expectantly.

"She's bruised up pretty bad," she said.

I nodded, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. Everly lay there, looking so fragile against the stark white sheets. Her face was bruised but peaceful in sleep.

I moved closer and took her hand in mine, feeling its warmth. My chest tightened with a mix of anger and guilt.

"I’m here," I murmured softly. "I'm not leaving you."

Holly stood up then and placed a hand on my shoulder. "She'll be okay," she said.

I nodded again but couldn't tear my eyes away from Everly’s face.

For now, this was all that mattered—being here with her and making sure she knew she wasn’t alone anymore.

Holly gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before she quietly left the room, the door closing behind her with a soft click.

I was alone with Everly now. The hum of the surrounding machines seemed to amplify the silence, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

I pulled a chair close to her bed and sat down, my eyes never leaving her face. She looked so young, even with the bruises marring her skin. Guilt gnawed at me, sharper than any physical pain I'd ever felt on the ice.

"Everly," I began softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm so sorry."

The words felt inadequate, but they were all I had. My fingers gently brushed against hers, seeking some connection, some way to bridge the gap that my own mistakes had created.

"I've never had anyone like you in my life," I continued, my throat tightening with emotion. "I never thought I was worthy of it."

I paused, swallowing hard as memories of past failures and regrets flooded my mind. "You see these scars?" I said, touching the rough patches on my face. "They're nothing compared to the ones inside."

I looked at her peaceful form and shook my head slowly. "I don't understand why you love me," I admitted. "But you do... and that scares me."

My voice wavered as I fought to keep my emotions in check. "But I promise you," I said, gripping her hand more firmly now, "I'll do whatever it takes to earn it."

Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't wipe them away. They were a testament to everything I felt for her—everything I'd been too afraid to admit until now.

"I'll be better," I vowed quietly. "For you."

Everly stirred slightly in her sleep, a soft sigh escaping her lips. It was a small movement but enough to give me hope.

"I love you," I whispered, leaning in closer. "And I'm not leaving you again."

The room seemed to hold its breath along with me as I watched over her, silently praying that she'd wake up soon and give me another chance—another chance to prove that maybe, just maybe, I could be worthy of her love after all.

At that moment, the door swung open with a loud creak. Everly's mother stormed in, her face twisted in anger and fear.

“Get away from her!” she screeched, her voice cutting through the stillness like a blade.

I jerked around, eyes wide, and stood up quickly. “Mrs. Hawthorne?—”

“You need to leave,” she spat, stepping closer to the bed, her gaze never leaving me.

“I’m not leaving her,” I said firmly, my grip on Everly’s hand tightening. I wouldn’t abandon her now.

“After what you did?” Her voice rose with each word. “Everyone knows the truth about you, Cooper Sinclaire. You're an abusive, unfaithful has-been. And with a mother like yours… I shouldn’t speak ill of those not present. But I can kick you out of my daughter’s room.”

“I love her,” I said, my voice steady despite the chaos in my mind.

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