Page 85 of I Knew You
“I don’t need a wheelchair, husband,” I said. I put my hand in his. “Let’s go get this over with.”
Mission Hospital wasa bleak place for me, filled with terrible memories. Yet everyone inside was friendly and helpful as they checked me in and prepared me for surgery. Bram followed me everywhere. He left me alone to change into my surgical gown, but that was the only moment he left my side. He put the socks on my feet. He even placed the surgical cap on my head, carefully tucking my hair into it.
A little while later, Hunter’s familiar face appeared in the doorway of the curtained waiting area. I was stunned to see him.
“Hello there, Julianna,” he said, holding the curtain. He was dressed in non-descript blue scrubs, his hair neatly tied in the back. He looked as attractive as he ever had. “I heard today was the day, so I wanted to stop by and see you beforehand.”
“You shouldn’t have come if you didn’t have to be here,” Bram said from his seat beside my hospital bed.
I looked over at Bram, mouth agape at his rudeness. He sat back against the small chair, his muscular arms across his chest, his expression flat.
“Hi, Hunter,” I replied amiably. Hunter had paled slightly at Bram’s comment. “It’s so nice of you to come by. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s not a big deal. I’m sure Doctor Kaveh will be here in a little bit. I think your surgery is scheduled for ten?”
“Yes,” I confirmed, smiling at him.
Bram, however, had not warmed. He put an arm over the bed and picked up my hand. Hunter tracked his movement, and I could see he got the hint. My cheeks were on fire.
Hunter flashed his award-winning smile. “You’re Julianna’s friend, right? From the community dinner?” he asked Bram. Hunter took several long steps forward and held his hand out for a shake. Bram hesitated, but I let go of his hand and prodded him to return the gesture, which he did.
“Yes. Bram Winchester. Except now I’m her husband, not just her friend.”
Hunter’s eyes clouded with confusion. “Hunter Kearsley. I’m the physician’s assistant for Dr. Kaveh.” He looked once, then twice, at the name on the whiteboard beside my hospital bed:Julianna East Winchester.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing,” I blurted. Bram’s brow furrowed as he watched between my response and Hunter’s surprise.
“Well then,” Hunter replied. “Seems congratulations are in order. That was…super fast.”
Bram reached back over and retook my hand. “Couldn’t for everyone to know she’s mine.”
Did his voice get lower?
“I don’t think she’ll be calling you again, if that’s what you’ve been waiting on,” Bram finished.
“Oh my God,” I muttered, hand flying to cover my face, wanting to crawl under my hospital bed.
Hunter chuckled. “It’s okay, Julianna. You’re good with this one. He’s nervous for you.”
“That’s why he’s acting like an ass,” I snapped. I was addressing Hunter, but giving Bram a dark look. He completely ignored me, his eyes not leaving Hunter.
This was too much.
Hunter was handsome, but Bram was devastatingly so.
Hunter was kind, but Bram was selfless.
Hunter would have been a catch, but he wasn’t Bram.
“But I think I’ll keep him, anyway,” I tacked on.
Hunter looked at me and winked. “You’re in the best hands.”
“Thank you again for stopping by.”
When Hunter left the little room, I peered over at Bram.
“Was that necessary?”
