Page 24 of Honey Bun
Doctor Lichtenberg took over and waved a nurse in. “Okay. We’ll need to start with painkillers.”
A nurse came in with needles. Maddie squeezed her eyes shut and held out her palm. “Hold my hand, Arman.”
“Absolutely.” I immediately did as she asked. For as long as she let me, I would take care of her. I wondered how different my life might have been if she’d stayed near me. Maybe I’d have been happier.
Both doctors and the nurse all were focused on the procedure. When they were done, Madeleine was sleepy. She hobbled into the car, and I helped her.
After I drove her home, I carried her to her room. As I opened the door, Aurora jumped off a window seat and joined us. I placed Maddie on the bed and helped with her shoes as her daughter fixed her blankets and pillows.
Maddie yawned. “How did I get here?”
Aurora kissed her mother’s cheek. “Arman carried you up the stairs. You didn’t tell me you needed surgery, Mom.”
Technically, this wasn’t my family, so I stood, put Maddie’s sneakers in the closet, and said, “I’m leaving now.”
I turned to go, but Maddie said, “Wait.” I turned back and I saw the two of them holding hands. “Aurora… something happened when I gave birth to you that caused me pain. Now, I’ve had an operation to fix it, and in six weeks, I’ll be fine. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you first, but you don’t have to worry about me.” I kept my distance, but Maddie glanced at me. “Arman, thank you.”
Aurora hadn’t moved from her mother’s side. “Next time, tell me. You’re all I have.”
They hugged, and I swore I’d ensure that neither of them ever encountered pain again.
As she let her daughter go, Maddie said, “I will.”
I tiptoed to the door and whispered to myself, “I agree.” Aurora deserved to be treated better, but seeing her with Maddie made my knees weak. They were the closest thing I had to my own family. I would do everything in my power to keep them safe.
I joined my brothers for a movie and then went to bed early. This had been a family vacation, but all I wanted was time with Maddie.
The next morning, I woke up early and knocked on her door. It swung open, and I saw her sleeping alone. I’d assumed Aurora would be here still. I was about to step back out, but Maddie waved me in.
I squared my shoulders and stepped in. “How’s the patient?”
Her smiling face had a glow of happiness. “Morning, Arman. I’m feeling fine.” She sat up in bed as if she hadn’t just had surgery.
“We can cancel sailing and the carnival tonight.”
She shook her head. “No. It’s our last night here in town. Tomorrow, we’ll move to New York with you. And I’m happy to get out of bed.”
That was true. Normal life would start the next day. I would find out then exactly how well we worked together in my regular life. “No helping me with the anchor, then. I won’t let you hurt yourself.”
“I want to go fast today.”
And I wanted her safe. I saluted. “Whatever you want, as long as you’re healthy.”
Aurora came into the room, which was my cue to leave. She said, “Mom? You’re up. I left to get my breakfast. You need to rest today.”
“I’m fine. I just told Arman not to cancel anything.” Maddie pressed her hand on my shoulder to keep me close. “We’re all going out later.”
I nodded at her, but then Aurora met my gaze and said, “I’m going to finish my book, but keep her safe, Arman. I’m counting on you.”
Truer words were never said. I said, “I’ll guard her with my life.”
As I headed out, Aurora walked me to the door. “And thanks for taking care of her yesterday. We’ve probably needed you around for years.”
The past was the past, but from now on, the two of them were important to me. I’d be there for both of them.
Chapter Seven
Madeleine
