Page 52 of Sin Bins and Second Chances
“Her mom’s looking to catch the first available flight.” Beau nods.
I tug at the collar of my t-shirt, as if it’s suffocating me. I can’t quiet the rushing thoughts. I just want to be with her.
As we walk into the waiting room, I notice the rest of Daisy’s family sitting around and quietly talking. The doctor steps in shortly after and everyone is quick to stand and approach him.
“She’s stable,” the doctor begins, “but she’s lost a lot of blood. She’s not out of the woods yet, but she’s young and healthy.”
“What can we do?” Lily speaks up.
“If you think it will help, pray.” The doctor walks out of the room.
I replay every word in my head. Stable. BloodLoss. Critical Condition. Fuck, I almost lost her. I run my hand through my hair. Everyone takes a seat, but I find myself unable to. I can’t sit still, so I pace.
“Son,” Wyatt walks up to me. “Let’s go for a walk, I could use some coffee.”
I give him a nod and walk by his side down the hall.
“Our Daisy is a fighter and stubborn. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you,” he tries to reassure me. “She’ll be alright, I have no doubt in my mind. She’s too stubborn, like her father.” He chuckles.
It’s enough to have the corner of my mouth lift into a half smile. “I can’t lose her. I love her. She’s my everything, sir.”
He nods as we reach the coffee machine. “I know. She’ll pull through. In the meantime, was there something you’ve been meaning to ask me?”
I know what he’s hinting at. I nearly went to his house the day before we left for the game to ask him. It feels weird knowing she’s lying in the hospital bed right now.
“Life is too short. She needs you, just like you need her.”
I swallow. The ring is currently hiding in herroom and she doesn’t know it. It’s hiding at the top of her bookshelf where she can’t reach. I wanted to make sure it was available when the perfect moment came up. With the way I’ve been spending every moment when I’m not at the rink at her house, I knew it would happen there.
“Would—”
“Yes!” He interrupts me. “Welcome to the family.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t even get to finish asking for your permission.”
“Would it have mattered if I said no?” His brow arched.
“No, sir. She’s my soul mate. I wouldn’t have given up trying to get your approval after, though.”
As we walk back to the waiting room the nurse is telling everyone that visiting hours are over. I can’t leave though. I need to be by her side. I have to remain available and here.
Daisy’s grandfather steps up, his voice calm but firm. “You’ve got two options here, sweetheart. First, the entire family annoys all of your nurses all night for updates while we all remain here in this waiting room. Or second, you let her fiancé stay at her bedside where he promises to stay out of theway and quietly keep us informed so y’all don’t have to put up with all of us.”
The nurse hesitates before nodding. “Just one.” She sighs.
I know it’s only because of him that I’m staying. Everyone leaves after I promise to send them any updates, although they don’t expect any until the morning. The nurse quietly escorts me to her room.
I hesitate for a second in the doorway before approaching her bedside. Her small body looks even smaller, frailer. She’s got a bandage wrapped around her head and another at her shoulder.
“This isn’t official,” the nurse begins. “Her vitals are strong. She lost a significant amount of blood, but her color is already looking better. She got a little banged up. Believe it or not, she’s not the worst one that was brought in from that accident.”
“She’s all I care about.” I round the corner and move to stand at Daisy’s side. My hand instinctively moving to gently hold hers.
“I understand. We’ll be monitored from outside, the doctor is due to come in and check on her first thing in the morning.”
Ipull the chair a little closer and take a seat without letting go of Daisy’s hand.
“You can press the call button if you need something.” The nurse quietly leaves the room.
