Page 96 of Champagne Nights

“Like I said, good man.” She smiled.

Aubrey moved over as I climbed in next to her, held my arm out while she snuggled against my chest, and fell fast asleep while I stroked her hair.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Aubrey

Slowly opening my eyes, I squinted at the sun that peered through my window, and I visually took in the room as I lay there wrapped in Ethan’s arms. Staring at his face, I found that he was more handsome than I ever imagined. He was a beautiful sight. Bringing my hand up, I lightly traced his lips with my finger. Lips that kissed mine with meaning and passion. His eyes opened, and he looked at me as the corners of his mouth curved upwards.

“You’re staring at me.”

“Get used to it.” I smiled.

“Never.” He kissed me.

Ethan climbed out of bed as I sat up. He went into the bathroom, washed his face, and then went to get us some coffee. I lay there, my vision just a little bit clearer. It wasn’t much, but to me, it was everything. The door opened, and Dr. Marchetti walked in.

“Good morning, Aubrey. How are you feeling today?”

“Morning, doctor. I’m okay.”

“And your vision?”

“A little bit better than yesterday.”

“Good. I need to check your eyes. The light might bother them a little bit, but I need you to hold still and try not to blink.”

He shined the small white light into my right eye first and then in my left. I was nervous that he was going to tell me something wasn’t right.

“Everything looks good.” He grinned. “On a scale of one to ten, ten being the best, tell me how you feel.”

“I’d say an eight.”

“All your vitals are completely normal, so I’m going to let you go home today.”

Ethan walked into the room with our coffees and sat them on the counter.

“Did I just hear you right, Dr. Marchetti?” he asked. “You’re letting Aubrey go home today?”

“Yes. She’s doing great, and there’s nothing more we can do here, so why make her uncomfortable? She’ll do much better in her own surroundings and out of this hospital bed.”

“Thank you, Dr. Marchetti.” My grin widened.

“You’re welcome, Aubrey. I would like to put your case in the journals, but I’ll need your permission.”

“That’s fine.”

“Great. I’ll go get the paperwork for you to sign and you should be out of here in about thirty minutes.”

After he walked out of the room, Ethan approached me and wrapped his arms around me.

“Are you ready to face the world?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I lay my head on his shoulder with concern.

“Since we can leave today, I would like just to drive our rental car back to New York. It’s only about a three-and-a-half-hour drive. What do you think?”

“I think that’s a great idea. I’d much rather sit in a car than on a crowded airplane.”

---