Page 96 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2
I didn't want to be anywhere near James' mother. I couldn't handle her negativity and her harsh glances. She never said it, but I knew she blamed me. I had somehow broken her perfect daughter-in-law. What she didn't seem to realize was that this was who Isabella was all along. Manipulative, conniving, toxic. I didn't do that. And if anything, James' mother fueled her behavior.
I looked back up at the doctor. "But he's going to be okay? He's going to wake up?"
"It's looking good." She gave me a reassuring smile.
I nodded. "Okay. I'll be back in a few minutes." I glanced once more at James before leaving the room.
Porter and Briggs were both outside James' hospital room, with their arms folded across their chests, looking very much the part of security guards.
"Is it true?" Briggs asked. "He's moving?"
"He's been tapping his index finger and thumb. The doctor said it was a good sign. He's going to wake up." It was the first time I had said those words, and a smile spread across my face.He's going to wake up!
Briggs closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. For some reason I wouldn't have guessed he was a religious man. But he seemed to be thanking God right now.
"I'm going to go get some breakfast. Do either of you want anything?"
"I'll come with you," Porter said.
"No, that's okay. I'm just grabbing something to eat."
"I'm coming with you." He nodded at Briggs and started walking toward the elevator.
Briggs smiled at me and I quickly followed Porter. I was happy to have them both around. I still felt on edge. Every now and then, I'd get this eerie feeling that someone was watching me. I glanced over my shoulder before stepping onto the elevator.
Porter was silent as the elevator descended.
"Thank you," I said. "For staying outside the room. And making sure no one came in."
He nodded and looked down at the ground.
"He's going to be okay, Cole."
He looked up at me and smiled. "I still prefer Porter."
"James is going to be so surprised that I was able to trick you into telling me your first name."
"I was trying to cheer you up."
I shrugged my shoulders. "It still counts."
He shook his head as the doors dinged open.
"What would you like to eat?" I asked as I stepped off the elevator.
"I've already had breakfast, Penny." He leaned against a wall and folded his arms.
For some reason I had thought he'd be eating with me, not just watching me. But he had called me Penny instead of ma'am or Mrs. Hunter. That was a good start. "Are you sure?"
"Rob is over there," Porter said and nodded toward a table in the center of the cafeteria.
I turned my head. I knew the doctor had told everyone the good news already, but I hadn't seen Rob yet. I had requested to be alone with James while she told everyone. I just needed to be close to him. I always needed that.
Rob was sitting with Daphne. She had her hand on the side of his face and they were smiling at one another. Seeing Rob like this made me so happy. I liked Daphne. She seemed so grounded and that was exactly what Rob needed. I had never seen him look at anyone the way he was looking at her right now. He was in love. I would never ask him if he was, because I wouldn't want him to freak out about it. But that's what I was witnessing right now.Love.
I didn't want to intrude on their moment. I had already monopolized his time in the past week and a half, begging him to stay with me and James. I hadn't even thought about the fact that he was probably missing her. Actually, I hadn't thought about anyone else at all. I touched my stomach. I needed to eat. When James woke up, I wanted to tell him that we were having a healthy baby. After breakfast I'd ask to have the ultrasound.
I turned toward the line of food.
