Page 67 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Do you know if he’s allowed visitors?’ asked Kitty.

‘We think so,’ said Brogan.

‘He was in the critical care unit but Caro thinks he’s been moved,’ said Kristy.

‘Critical care?’ Anoushka’s voice wavered and she felt her tears rising again. ‘I’ve got to see him.’ She grabbed her bag from the coat hooks by the door, panic squeezing her chest. ‘I’ve got to tell him, Mum. I’ve got to.’

‘I know, sweetheart. Would you like me to come with you?’ Kitty asked.

‘No, it’s fine, you stay here. I’ll keep in touch.’

‘We’ll look after her,’ said Kristy, giving Kitty’s arm a reassuring squeeze.

* * *

The journeyto York seemed to take forever, with the A64 being bumper-to-bumper for a frustratingly huge chunk of time. All the while, Anoushka was willing the traffic to clear, praying Gabe would be okay. She’d texted Caro, who’d updated her with the ward he’d been moved to following an MRI scan. There’d been no mention of Damon, but it still hadn’t stopped her from worrying about him being involved.Please tell me Gabe’s life hasn’t been put at risk because of me.She felt sick to her stomach at the thought.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, Kristy pulled up at the entrance and Anoushka jumped out. ‘Don’t worry about us, we’ll find you,’ said Brogan.

The lingering scent of bleach hung in the corridors that were bustling with a mix of medical staff, patients and visitors. Finally, Anoushka arrived at Gabe’s ward, stopping at the reception desk where a nurse with a kind face was working at a computer. ‘Can I help you?’ she asked, glancing up from the screen.

Anoushka drew in a steadying breath. ‘I’m here to see Gabe Dublin. Can you tell me if he’s still on this ward, please?’ Her stomach was churning and she battled to keep herself from crumbling.

The nurse smiled. ‘Can I ask who you are, flower?’

‘Anoushka, Anoushka Cartwright.’

‘Anoushka, eh? He’s mentioned your name a few times, that and someone called Rose.’ She smiled again.

Relief flooded through her. ‘He has?’

‘He has.’

‘Is he going to be okay?’

‘He’s a bit tired, but he’s going to be fine. He’s had a bit of a bump to his head; it’s nothing serious but we’re keeping him for another night for observation, just to be on the safe side.’

‘Can I see him, please? I’ve come all the way from Lytell Stangdale over on the moors; I came as soon as I heard what had happened.’

‘Course you can, flower, follow me.’

The nurse headed to a bay, Anoushka close behind. ‘He’s just in here. I’ll leave you to it.’

Tentatively, Anoushka stepped into the room, her eyes going to the solitary bed where Gabe lay propped up on crisp white pillows, a drip leading from his arm. He appeared to be sleeping. She rushed over, pulling up a chair by the bed, her eyes roving over his face. He had a bruise to his cheek, he was pale and dark shadows hung beneath his eyes. ‘Gabe,’ she said softly, but there was no response. She took his hand in hers. ‘Oh, Gabe, I’m so sorry for how I’ve behaved.’ She rested her head beside his, tears spilling from her eyes and running onto the sheet. ‘I’ve been a fool; I don’t know why I acted that way but I’m so glad you’re going to be okay. I’d never have forgiven myself if… if… oh God.’ She sniffed and dashed her tears away. She glanced over at him; even asleep he looked so handsome. Her heart squeezed and she felt an overwhelming compulsion to kiss him. Unable to resist the urge, she got to her feet and gently pressed her lips against his. ‘I love you, Gabe. I love you with all my heart. Please wake up so you can hear me. Please.’

Before she knew what was happening, his eyelashes fluttered and two dark pools gazed up at her. ‘Noushka?’ he said, his voice wavery, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ‘Am I dreaming or did you just tell me you love me?’

A smile broke out on her face. ‘Oh, Gabe.’ Her voice caught in her throat and she flopped back into her seat. ‘You scared the life out of me. I’m so relieved you’re okay.’

‘I’m fine. Think I’ll be avoiding motorbikes for a while though.’ He gave a small laugh.

‘Good.’

‘You didn’t answer my question; the one where I thought I might be dreaming.’ His eyes twinkled at her.

‘You weren’t dreaming, I definitely said it.’ She felt suddenly self-conscious.

‘Say it again, my beautiful Rose,’ he said softly.

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