Page 54 of Unexpected Adventures

Chapter Thirteen

I manage to move slowly toward Sylvia’s room, stopping in front of the door. I lean in as if to hear what could be going on in there, but there’s nothing. Before I begin to overthink the situation, I swallow—mostly my pride, because my mouth has gone dry and there’s no saliva to soothe my suddenly parched throat. Then I turn the knob and enter.

I’m greeted by the beeping and humming of machines. The sight of Sylvia’s form looking so frail against the stark white sheets. Of Shaun’s forgiving blue eyes as he stands and makes his way to me… I try to choke back a sob but it erupts anyway, and Shaun is right there, gathering me in a hug.

As I cry against his chest, he tries to soothe me by rubbing up and down on my back with one hand while the other is caressing my head. “Hush, Abby, it’ll be all right. Everything’s going to be okay,” he says softly.

I clutch his shirt and cry harder, wondering how this man can be so kind after the crap I pulled earlier. And why am I all of a sudden breaking down and embarrassing myself? Why am I leaning so heavily on him when I was so adamant about holding my own and beingfine?

“Aw, Abby, please stop crying.”

“I can’t help it. I was such a jerk and I can’t believe you’re here and still trying to comfort me when you should be mad and pushing me away and how did you get here before me and even know where to go?” I ramble on, barely coming up for air.

Shaun chuckles. “Take a breath. I left before you, remember? And I managed several calls while driving… hands-free, mind you. So, after calling Sherri who then called Denise who then called Heather and then Denise called me back, I found out Sylvia was admitted here and decided to surprise you. So, surprise.”

I sob even harder, if that’s even possible, and clutch even tighter to Shaun. He’s too good to be true. No one could possibly be this thoughtful and kind and caring. Could they? But he’s here, and he’s holding me and trying to comfort me, so, he must be.

“I’m gonna need a new shirt,” he teases.

“Sorry not sorry,” I tease right back, causing him to laugh.

“Here, let’s get you some tissues, okay?” Shaun guides us to the bathroom, releases me, and unspools tissue, since there’s nothing else available. He starts to wipe my face, and to say I’m beyond embarrassed is an understatement. So, I take over and try to avoid his gaze.

“Shaun, I am sorry.”

“Hey, Abby, I get it.” He places his hand beneath my chin and lifts my face so I have no choice but to look at him. Only I keep my eyes closed because I don’t want to see his gorgeous face and know just how much I screwed up. And it really is embarrassing for him to see me like this. I can just imagine my swollen, red eyes and blotchy face.

“Abby,” he starts softly. “You’re beautiful. Please open your eyes and look at me.”

There I go again, mouthing my thoughts without even realizing. I am so gonna get myself into trouble one of these days.

“Abby,” he coaxes again.

Rather reluctantly, I open my eyes and I’m staring into his. And he’s smiling and cupping my cheek. He then leans forward to place his lips gently on mine. And his kiss is so sweet, so reassuring. And so undeserving.

I pull back and shake my head, breaking contact with him. “I don’t deserve you,” I whisper.

Shaun frames my face and forces me to look at him. “Yeah, you do.” He grins and gives me a quick kiss. “Let’s get you cleaned up and go check on Sylvia. We’ll talk more later.”

I nod my head and he pulls back, unwinding more tissue and handing it to me. After wiping and splashing my face with cold water and wiping again, I’m ready. Well, not really, but I have no choice. I walk with Shaun over to Sylvia’s bedside just as her eyes flutter open.

“Abby, what on earth are you doing here?” Her eyes drift from mine up to Shaun’s.“And who is that behind you?”

I reach her side, taking her hand in mine. “I came to make sure you were all right. And this is Shaun.” I look over my shoulder at him, continuing, “Shaun, Ms. Sylvia Montgomery.”

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Sylvia. Sorry it had to be under these circumstances.”

“Yes, well, it won’t be for long. Where’s Millie?I want out of here. Abby, where are my clothes?” She seems to gather more strength with each passing second.

“Sylvia, you can’t leave just yet, the doctors, they…”

“Yes, well the doctors can go take a flying leap. I want to go home.”

I suppress a laugh, but not Shaun. That brings a smile to Sylvia’s face.

“It was just a silly fall. I’m fine and I want to go home. These doctors make a big deal out of every little thing.” She tries to pull back her covers, stopping short when I ask her a question.

“Do you remember what happened?”

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