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“Yeah, sweetheart, we can.” I hugged her. When she squeezed me back, pressing her cast into my ribcage, I groaned. “Gently.”

Chapter 52

Jack

My mom had been at the hospital most of the day, lending her support. She wanted to come with us, but I convinced her to wait a day. I swore we’d follow the doctor’s orders, thanked her for being there to support us, then hinted I wouldn’t mind a pan of lasagna for dinner tomorrow. I bit back a groan when she hugged me goodbye so she wouldn't insist on coming home and taking care of me, us.

Jamie drove us home after the hospital discharged us. We were all starving, so he grabbed burgers on the way.

Meg picked at her fries and ate two small bites of her burger before giving up. She was so exhausted, she almost face planted on the table more than once. I was grateful Jamie encouraged her to eat a few more bites so she could take her pain pills before going to bed. If I had tried, she would have accused me of telling her what to do and I didn’t have the physical or emotional strength to argue with her anymore tonight.

I walked Meg to my bedroom. “You can wear one of my t-shirts tonight. We can pick your stuff up tomorrow if you’re feeling up for it.” She nodded as she sank down on the bed.

“Thanks.”

I offered to help her change. She hesitated, glanced at her cast, then up at me. I could see her struggling to decide.

“I promise not to peek.” I almost winked to lighten the mood, but thought better of it. Winking might make me seem like a creeper.

“Okay. Thanks.”

I helped her stand and turned her around so I was behind her, then lifted off her shirt, careful not to bump her newly cast wrist or the deep purple bruises on her face. My t-shirt slipped over her head easily as I helped her put it on. After getting her settled, I went to the hall bathroom and got cleaned up. It wasn’t easy or painless.

Meg woke up when I came back in. I kissed her goodnight, then grabbed a pillow and walked towards the door, thinking she’d be more comfortable if I slept in the living room. Plus, I didn’t think she’d want me to sleep in the bed with her.

“Where are you going?”

“The couch, so you can rest comfortably.”

She looked at my arm, then my chest. “Oh.” The word barely reached me.

I walked back and sat on the edge of the bed. After a long, uncomfortable pause, I asked. “Meg?” I waited for her to make eye contact. “Would you like me to stay with you?”

She nodded and asked. “Do you mind?”

I didn’t. In fact, I preferred it. I eased myself onto my back. “Come here.” I motioned for her to snuggle up to my left side and wrapped my good arm around her.

The stress of the day melted away as I felt her head getting heavier on my shoulder as she fell asleep.

“I love you.” I whispered as I closed my eyes. Thank God she wanted me to stay because nothing had ever felt as right as holding her while she drifted off to sleep.

I woke up the next morning, surprised I’d slept in so late. Not wanting to disturb Meg, who was still curled up against my side, I reached for my phone. My arm and ribs screamed in protest. I tried to hold back my “oomph” but failed and woke Meg up.

She panicked and bolted up to a sitting position, pushing off my bruised chest.

“OW!” Her cast crushed my bruised ribs. Ignoring the pain the best I could, I sat up and tilted her face up so she met my eyes. “It’s okay. Shhhh, you’re okay. You’re here with me. Take a deep breath.” I struggled to keep my voice even. My ribs were throbbing, and it hurt to breathe. “Sweetheart, do you know where you are?” I waited as the seconds ticked by. Meg took a few quick breaths and looked around the room.

“Jack? I’m so sorry. I didn’t know where I was. And then,” She sniffled. “Then it all came rushing back.” A few tears escaped.

“Shhh.” I brushed the hair away from her face and pulled her into a hug. “It’s okay. You’re safe now. I promise.”

When her stomach growled, I suggested we get up and grab breakfast.

Jamie made scrambled eggs and sausage and insisted on serving us. “Enjoy it while you can,” He laughed.

“Thanks Jamie.” Meg said as he poured her a cup of steaming hot coffee. “For everything.”

“You’re welcome. Now eat up. You need to take your pain meds-”

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