Page 50 of Letters From a Broken Heart
“Easton!” I try to sit up and face him, but he tugs me back down.
“I talked to my dad the entire time you were getting your biopsy done. He agrees with me. She needs to apologize and make an effort to prove she means it. Apparently, since Jack died, she thinks she can say and do whatever she wants without consequences. I'm not putting up with that and neither is he. You’re the most important person in my life and I won't allow her to be that rude to you.”
“I'm sorry you have to deal with this because of me.”
“It has nothing to do with you, Taylor. It’s all her. Now, can we close our eyes and get some sleep while we wait for the results?”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“They’re sure everything is ok?” Mr. Maxwell glances at me in the rearview mirror.
The hospital kept me overnight and I'm more than excited to be going home. I just want to curl up with Easton and forget about the last twenty-four hours.
“That’s what they’re saying. There’s a chance of my body rejecting the heart at any time though.”
“But the chances of that happening go down the longer you have the heart,” Easton adds.
“I'm glad you’re ok, Taylor. You gave this old man quite the scare.”
“Eh, I wouldn’t call Easton old quite yet.” I nudge his shoulder, making Mr. Maxwell’s loud laugh fill the car.
When the car pulls into Easton’s driveway and parks, I slowly get out and wait for Easton before I try to walk to the house.
“Do they know what caused this?” Mr. Maxwell asks.
“Stress,” Easton growls. “The extra stress on her body caused vasovagal syncope. It made her blood pressure drop and her heart rate to slow.”
“I’m fine, Easton.” I place my hands on his cheeks and force him to focus on me. He instantly grips my hips and doesn’t let go. I don’t miss the way he clenches his jaw at the thought of me passing out again. “I'm ok. You saved me from falling and it being worse, but I'm ok now.”
“I can't lose you, Taylor,” he whispers as he drops his forehead to mine.
“You’re not going to. Not as long as I have anything to say about it.”
We stay in that position for a few moments as he tries to collect himself. I don’t blame him one bit. This scared both of us. I need to make sure I'm not around so much stress.
Mr. Maxwell follows us into the house and places something in the fridge. Then he’s standing awkwardly in the living room.
“Just say it, Dad.”
“Your mom wanted to come, but I wouldn’t let her. I told her she needs to give both of you time and she couldn’t be around Taylor for a while. She made some casserole for you and I stuck it in the fridge.”
“She’s the one that caused this,” Easton growls again.
“I know and I’ll make that well known to her too. I'm on your side, East. Remember that. I only want what’s best for you and Taylor.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Taylor, I love you and I hope you feel better. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll be here immediately… I'm so happy the two of you are together.”
“I love you too.” I stand and wrap Mr. Maxwell in a tight embrace. He holds onto me for a few seconds longer than I’d expect, but I’ve always loved his hugs so I don’t mind one bit.
“You take care of my son,” he murmurs only loud enough for me to hear.
“Always.”
He says goodbye and Easton walks him to the door. They have a quiet conversation before the door opens and closes. Soon he’s settling onto the couch next to me and wrapping his arms around my waist.
“You scared the crap out of me, baby. Please don’t do that again.”
