Page 110 of His North Star
“The nurse said you’d better go visit now before they ask us to leave for the night,” Gregory said to me.
Denise shook her head. “I’m staying the night.”
“Mom,” Charlie protested, “he doesn’t even know we’re here. Let’s go to Ty’s and get some rest. We’ll come back first thing.”
I slipped away while they argued. My feet slapped against the floor. They were too loud. Too irreverent. My chest burned, stomach clenched.
Pausing outside of his room, I inhaled, steadying myself for what I was about to see. No matter how banged up he was, he was still Ty. Softly opening his door, I paused to let my eyes adjust to the dim lighting. He was almost unrecognizable. Between the cords, IVs, monitors, bandages, sheets, and everything else, Ty resembled a mummy. The top of his eyebrows to his collarbone were the only parts of his skin visible. The strong, confident Ty I last saw had diminished.
A fragile man had taken his place.
And yet, love, so real and raw, flowed through my heart, warming my chest. Ty was my sun, moon, and stars. Myeverything.
It didn’t matter if Ty was the strong man who hiked with me only two days before or the person in front of me who was broken and in need of healing. I loved him. Which was exactly what Ty told me. He loved me even when I was shattered.
My hand shook as I reached out to wrap my fingers around his. “Ty,” I choked out, “I’m so sorry I wasted time. I should have told you last night how I feel. Please do your best to get better, because I can’t live without you. Please,” I pleaded as tears streamed down my face. “I love you. I’minlove with you.
“Ever since I turned fifteen and found out you only liked me as a sister, I’ve been dating guys to get over you. It never worked. In my heart, I always held a spot for you, hoping that somehow, someday, we’d be able to be together. You said you were a jerk to Lys for stringing her along. What am I then, because you may have used one person, but I did it to multiple? Another part of me that’s broken and damaged. But I want to do better, be betterwith you. Ineedand want you, Ty. I’ve wanted you for so long. Let’s be better together.”
An older nurse knocked on the door softly as she entered the room. “I need to check his vitals.”
I moved away from the bed, swiping at my wet cheeks. “Of course.”
In a kind tone she asked, “How long have you been engaged?”
Did everyone know my fib? News traveled way too fast among the staff. “Oh”—I sniffled—“um, not long.”
“He’ll pull through. You’ll see.”
“Thanks.”
She offered me a warm smile. “Young love is endearing.”
I cleared my throat. “I kind of like him.” A wobbly smile lifted my lips.
She chuckled. “That’s sweet. And I’m sorry to have to do this, but he needs rest. You can come back tomorrow.”
I stood, my heart thudding. I leaned over Ty’s too-still form, placing my lips on his scratchy cheek. “I love you.”
CHAPTER 29
Me:Sorry to bail out again [frowning emoji] Thanks for covering work.
Landon:You can make it up to me later. Tell Ty I hope he feels better soon.
Me:Will do. How’s Claire doing?
Landon:So far, so good.
Phew. At least work was going well, despite my absence. Technically, I shouldered the responsibility to train Claire since I covered at the front desk and manned the guest events, which is what Claire would be helping with. Landon had graciously stepped in during my time at the hospital. I’d skipped the last three days of work. I wasn’t necessarily needed at the hospital since Ty’s family had stayed as well, but you couldn’t pry me from that room.
Me:That’s great.
Landon:It will be when she’s fully trained. I smell freedom on the horizon [smiley face emoji]
Me:[laughing face emoji]
Yesterday, as I sat with Ty while his family went to get lunch, snippets of our life ran through my mind.
