Page 61 of Love on the Run

“I think it was the altitude. I was dizzy and nauseated.” Her tongue was dry and too big for her mouth. “I came in here thinking I needed to vomit, but I passed out.”

The man with dark hair and a red uniform crouched in front of her, studying her from all sides. “Is this where you hit your head?” he asked, pointing just above her right temple.

“Yes.” Exhaustion spread over her like a weighted blanket. Could she just lie here until she felt better? Beau’s arms tightened around her.

“You mentioned your wrist,” the man said, gently examining it with small touches. “There’s a little swelling, but I don’t think it’s broken. We’ll need to get you in for x-rays to be sure.” He pulled out a pen light and pointed it toward her. “Can you follow my light?”

She did as he asked, one thing after another, giving answers when prompted and resting during his exams.

Soon, she was being lifted and carried to a gurney with Beau at her side. He kept a hold on her as she slowly returned to her senses.

“I can walk. I think I’m fine now. I feel better,” she said.

“Well, I’m not fine, so you’re going to get checked out,” Beau said with finality.

That made her chuckle, but the movement jostled her enough to aggravate the pain in her head.

He stayed quiet on the way to the hospital and while the paramedics transferred her to the emergency department. She didn’t really feel like talking anyway. If only she could close her eyes and slip into a restful sleep for just a few minutes.

Once nurses started asking questions, Beau recounted most of the events when she got tired oftalking. All she had to do was confirm what he said, and it was a great relief.

When they were left alone while they waited for her tests, she let her eyes close. Beau didn’t so much as move in the chair beside her bed, but it was impossible to miss his presence. Knowing he was with her allowed her to rest.

Someone eventually returned to take her for x-rays and CT scans. After a long, boring wait, she was diagnosed with a sprained wrist and a mild concussion and released with a wrist brace and pain-relieving medication.

Beau sat quietly next to her in the back of the taxi as they made their way back to Freedom, but he glanced over at her every few minutes.

Her head still ached, but her pride took the biggest hit. Not only had she failed to snowboard, she’d skipped out before even trying. Then, she passed out. In the bathroom, no less. Poor Beau had to rescue her from the nasty floor.

Joanna met them at the entrance when they returned. “How are you feeling?”

The kind woman wearing a flowing lilac blouse and black pencil skirt gave a warm welcome as Anna stood from the back seat of the cab.

“Much better.” Anna lifted her braced hand. “Sprained wrist and mild concussion.”

Joanna clutched her hands to her chest. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better.” She handed Beau twocards. “This is my direct number. Call me if you need anything. Our employees are aware of what happened, and they’ll do absolutely anything for you. No need to leave the room until you’re ready.”

“That’s so kind,” Anna said as she leaned onto Beau’s sturdy side.

“The other number is for you to call whenever you’re ready to eat. There’s a menu for The Liberty Grill in your room, and you can order anything you want and as often as you want at no cost.”

Anna brushed her hair behind her ear and winced. She’d forgotten all about the tender spot on her head. “You don’t have to do all that. I promise I won’t be filing a lawsuit. None of this was the fault of the resort. I just got a bad taste of altitude sickness.”

“It’s not about that. I’m sorry you had to spend part of your vacation with an injury. We want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.” Joanna reached out and grasped Anna’s hand, and the warmth spoke of more than just protecting her job. “Aiden and I will be praying for you, but if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to call me.”

Okay, the emotional toil of the day must be getting to her because it took everything Anna had not to let the tears fall. “Thank you so much. That’s really all I need.”

Joanna smiled and turned to Beau. “They’ll be waiting on your call at the Grill. I’m sure you two arehungry after the day you’ve had. If you want something warm and comforting, I recommend the potato soup.”

Beau said his thanks to Joanna and wrapped his arm around Anna, tucking her close to his side. His strength was a huge help, and he guided her directly to the elevator where she leaned back against the wall. They’d been taking the stairs for the majority of their stay, but Anna happily accepted the ride after a day of fighting for balance.

When the elevator dinged and the doors opened, Beau reached for her, wrapping his arms behind her back and legs. Seconds later, her stomach dropped as he lifted her into his arms.

“What are you doing?”

He stepped out into the hallway and headed toward their room. “I’m not risking another fall.”

Unable and unwilling to argue, Anna rested her head against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

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