Page 102 of Tangled Trust

"Ella!" I call out. "Oh Lord, what has he done to you?"

"Carter?" she whispers.

"Yes, my love. It’s me. You’re okay. I’m here now."

"Oh, Carter. I thought he was going to kill me."

"It’s going to be alright, my love. The cops have Drake in custody."

Officer Scott calls an ambulance, and I ride in the ambulance with Ella when it arrives.

"Our baby," Ella whispers.

"Don’t worry about that now, my darling. I’m sure our baby will be fine. If our child is half as strong and stubborn as you are, I know all will be well," I smile and kiss her gently on the lips.

"Ouch," Ella winces, and she touches the place where the bastard busted her lip.

"I’m sorry," I say.

"Kiss me again, Carter. I want to make sure I’m not dreaming."

29

ELLA

Ithought for sure Sebastian was going to kill me, yet here I am in a hospital bed, holding a 3D image of Carter and my healthy baby.

"You’re a very lucky woman, Ella," the doctor says. "You have survived quite an ordeal and come out the other side relatively unscathed. How are you feeling?"

"Like I’ve been in a cage fight," I groan.

"That would be the cracked rib."

"Yet another memento from my time with my ex," I grimace as I try to sit up without screaming in pain.

"Here," Carter says, "let me help you, my love."

"Thanks, babe."

He pulls me up gently and slides a pillow behind my back for support.

"Ever think of entering the nursing profession?" I grin.

"If all my patients are as gorgeous as you, then I don't see why not," he chuckles.

"Yeah. Wait until those bedpans need changing," I tease, sounding like an old smoker when I cough. "Ouch, damn it!"

"I can see I’m no longer needed here," the doctor smiles. "Let me know if there’s anything you need, Ella."

"Thanks, Doc. I’m okay."

"When can I take my beautiful patient home?" Carter asks.

"I’d like to keep an eye on Ella for one more night. Tomorrow should be fine."

"I’ll be okay, Carter," I smirk once the doctor is gone. "I’m used to getting my ass kicked. I’ll be back on form in no time."

"That was the last ass whooping you’ll ever have. I promise you that, Ella."

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