Page 95 of Pieces of Us
She gives me a small smile. “Melonie’s out of surgery. No internal bleeding, nothing beyond the concussion on the MRI. We set her ankle in a cast, and she did well. She woke up about ten minutes ago.”
I feel like I can actually breathe now. “Can I please see her?”
“You can.” She pauses and waits for my attention. “Now, Linc, she’s been through a lot today. She has bruises, her ankle was broken, she’s fighting a concussion. She’s on some medication for the pain. She will probably be in and out of sleep.”
“That’s fine. I won’t throw any parties in there. I just really need to see her.”
She slowly nods. “Come on, I’ll take you to her.”
I open the door to Mel’s room as quietly as I can. When I see her, my heart sinks. There’s a cut stitched up on her forehead, a bruise on her shoulder where the seatbelt was, and a cast on her ankle.
I walk toward her, and her eyes find me. “Hi, pretty boy.” Her voice is quiet, and her eyes are sleepy.
“Hey, bubbles.” She smiles as best as she can. I sit in the chair next to her bed and gently slip my hand under hers. The warmth of her hand in mine lets relief wash over me.
“How is Millie?”
“Mel, she’s so perfect.” I reach up and rake my hand through her hair. “You did so good.”
“They told me I could see her in a few minutes.”
I slowly raise her hand to my lips.
“I love you so much, Mel.”
“I love you, too. Today was really scary.”
“It was.”
“I was afraid I was going to die. I was in so much pain, and I couldn’t open my eyes. All I could think about was leaving you and Millie.”
“Mel—”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I loved you sooner.” I reach up and wipe a tear from her cheek.
“It’s okay, Mel. We both could have said it. But things happen how they’re supposed to happen. You allowed me the space to learn how to love you the way you needed me to. And if I had pressured you with what I was feeling, I would have pushed you away. We wouldn’t be where we are right now if we changed the past. What matters now is we have Millie and you’re going to be okay. I say things worked out pretty great.”
“You’re always such an optimist.”
I look into her eyes. “I’m sorry I can’t keep an organized fridge.”
She gently slaps my hand and smiles at me. “There’s still time to work on that.”
“Yeah, we have time.”
There’s a soft knock on the door. Nathan opens it and wheels Millie in. Melonie’s face lights up, and she focuses on the cart.
“Mel, if you would like to do skin-to-skin, we can lower the top of your gown a little. Linc, can you go wash up again?”
I rise from my chair and softly kiss Mel’s hair. I go to wash up, and when I return, he has me stand next to Mel in case she needs help.
“If you experience pain, please tell me. You can give her to Linc or myself. And don’t overexert yourself. You need a lot of rest right now.”
“Got it.”
He hands Millie to her, and she looks down at our daughter, eyes full of love.
“Oh my God. Hi, baby girl.” Her voice is shaky. “I missed you.”
