Page 138 of Brassy Bigwig

I squeeze my eyes closed as more tears run over onto my cheeks. I know full well there is a chance he’s not leaving this hospital alive.

“Don’t worry, D. If you go, I go.” Sobs wrack my body, and my speech is barely audible. “I’d follow you… t—to…”

I begin to make the same declaration he’s made to me before, but I can’t get the rest out. The mere thought of him not making it is too much for me to bear. I’m not strong enough to go on without him. I squeeze his hand, probably too hard as I need something to hold onto. It feels like the ground is crumbling beneath my feet, and I’m about to get sucked into the abyss.

“… Bott—bottom… of the deep…”

Now I’m hearing things.

I can hear your voice in my head, D. It’s calling out to me, and I want to run to you, to save you. To bring you back to me so we can find our happily ever after.

“…To the bottom… of the deep blue sea…” a voice sounds somewhere in the room, followed by an exhale you’d make after over-exerting yourself.

My head snaps up, and I don’t believe my eyes as I latch on to his.

His eyes.

D’s alluring, wonderful gray eyes.

“D? Oh, my god.”

“Théa,” he whispers again.

“You’re awake, you’re okay.”

Quicker than I’ve moved in the last twenty-four hours, I plant my lips on D’s and just about die when I feel them move against mine. Standing over him, I shake my head, still in disbelief.

“How are you? Can I get you anything? Let me call the doctor in here.”

“No, wait,” he requests.

I remember how everyone acted when I first woke up and how much I hated it, so I try to take it down a notch.

“Don’t leave. I just… want to hold you.”

“I’m here, D. And I’m not going anywhere ever again.”

* * *

Two Weeks Later

D was in the hospital for a week before his doctor would release him. In the week following his release, his parents were here, and we also had many visits from friends and work colleagues who came by to give D their well wishes in person.

I got along with his mother, Camilla, very well. She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. She insisted on cooking all of our meals, and I don’t think I’ll ever taste anything as good as her food so long as I live. I tried to help out and pick up a few tips, but she shooed me out of the kitchen every time.

His father, Estevan, is just as handsome and charming as D is. Egan even flew up for a quick two-night stay but needed to get back home to close out a business deal. D’s family wanted to stay in a hotel down the street, but we insisted they utilize the guest rooms here in the penthouse.

Before they left earlier, they thanked me for making their son happy. The way Camilla held both of my hands in hers and stared pointedly into my eyes, I could tell how grateful she was that her son has someone in his life who truly cares about him.

Now that everyone is gone, D and I finally have the penthouse to ourselves again. As I walk toward the great room, I can’t help but feel thankful to be back here. It took two weeks longer than we planned, but finally, D and I are alone together again. I’m almost nervous about it. We haven’t talked about what happened yet, but I know that conversation is inevitable.

“How are you?” I inquire as I sit on the sofa next to D.

I take off my sling as he slowly turns his body to face me. He still has quite a bit of healing to do.

“You’re here and you’re safe,” he answers with a slight smile that doesn’t meet his eyes.

He combs his fingers through my hair. My gaze stays on his as he takes a deep breath, and his eyes gloss over with tears.

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