Page 84 of I Knew You
“I know you would, but I’m fine,” Julianna said. “My best friend is coming to help, and we’ll probably stay at Grams’ house once I’m released from the hospital.”
My eyes snapped to hers.
“Sounds like a plan,” Whit replied to Julianna. “I can’t believe you’re not asking your husband to care for you.”
“Well, actually…” she said, “I haven’t talked to Bram about it yet, but Kallie needs to wait for a few days before coming, since everything was so last-minute. I was hoping he would be able and willing to?—”
“Yes,” I interrupted her, my mood soaring. She smiled softly at my enthusiasm. “Yes, I’ll take off the rest of the week. I’ll drive you, I’ll be there at the hospital, I’ll?—”
“Keep it in your pants, Dracula.” Whit’s rude interruption couldn’t keep the smile from overtaking my face. She neededme. I didn’t have to try to worm my way into her sphere. I could be there for her and help her.
I knew then that the feeling in my heart, which had been there since I was a teenager, remained.
I knew I loved her.
Chapter Eighteen
Julianna |October 11, 2024
“Bram, for the last time, I don’t need a wheelchair.” My breath came out in large white puffs all around me. The frigid early morning air cut through my layers of clothing and into my bones as I stood outside the parked Jeep in the hospital parking lot.
Bram grabbed my floral overnight bag from the back seat. “I didn’t ask. Stay right here.” Bram’s commanding voice sent shivers of something warm down my spine as he pivoted toward the entry.
I pulled him back to me. His arms went around me, and I sank my face into his shoulder.
He dropped my bag on the damp pavement and gently but firmly pulled me into his embrace.
I was still nervous about touching him, yet being inhis arms felt soright.
“Hey,” he whispered, and his hand smoothed my hair. “Everything is going to be okay.”
I took a deep breath and released it.
“Do you remember the last time we were in this hospital together?” I asked.
His eyebrows shot up, his skin turned pale, and understanding dawned. I was calling him out.
“I do remember it, every single day of my life,” he replied, searching my gaze, his hand touching my face gently. “It’s the worst memory I have. And I have so many that I want to forget.”
“Did you really think kissing me after the wreck was a mistake?” I was embarrassed when tears sprang to my eyes as I repeated his words from long ago.
“No. Never.” He breathed heavily, the white air billowing outward around his mouth. “I lied. Pursuing you then would have been selfish. I was scared of hurting you further. I wasn’t good enough for you. I’m not good enough for you now?—”
“Stop,” I said firmly. “You keep saying that, but you’re wrong. And you don’t have to explain. I just wanted to hear you say you wanted me then as badly as you act like you want me now.”
“None of this is an act.” He took my hand and planted it palm down on his chest, over his heart. My heartbeat stuttered with nerves that had nothing to do with the surgery awaiting me. “You’re all I ever wanted. I never forgot about you. Nothing has felt right since that day I walked away from you.”
My mouth parted in surprise. “That’s so sweet.”
I didn’t know what else to say. I could tell him I had carried a torch for him all my life, too, but that wasn’t true. Yes, I’d wanted him badly during my teen years. Yes, I had continued my adult life, wishing for things that hadn’t happened. But I’d compartmentalized his existence. I didn’t honestly think he’d ever be a part of my life again.
Now, we were married, if only by name. He was caring for me. I was relying on him. We were making our hometown better. I loved his dog. I loved his smile. I loved…him.
What would he do if I told him?
“I’m not trying to be sweet,” he replied. “I’m trying to be real.”
There wasn’t anything left for me to do but press my lip to his, and he welcomed my kiss, eagerly returning the sentiments. I pulled back before we got carried away in the hospital parking lot.
