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“You were shot. You had surgery,” she said, re-connecting the tubes to the IV and taking my vitals.
“How long has she been here?” I asked, looking over at Bailey, who was still sound asleep.
“She spent the night. She was very concerned and refused to leave, so I got her the chair and the blanket.”
“She was concerned?” I asked. I could hear the surprise in my voice at her admission.
“Yes, very. I sat with her for a while last night after she came up. She was extremely upset. We talked for a while. I took her mind off of things. At least I think I did. You know, you’re a lucky man. You have a very special girl there.”
I looked over and just took her in. She was so beautiful, and I thanked God that she was here with me. She was my everything. I just wished I had realized it sooner than I did because I feared it took me too long.
“I know,” I whispered.
The nurse smiled. “Get some more rest. The doctor will be in after breakfast. Did you need anything?”
“Maybe a little water?”
“Sure thing.”
Once she returned with a cool glass of water, I had a few sips and then relaxed back against the pillow and closed my eyes. The pain in my side was a little unbearable, but instead of focusing on that, I looked over to Bailey. I’d been watching her for a while when she finally opened her eyes, looking confused, and then a look of joy came over her face.
“You’re awake. Thank God,” Bailey said, throwing the covers off her lap and getting up, coming over to my side. She gently sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to move it too much.
I grabbed hold of her hand and smiled.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, gripping my hand tight in hers.
“Okay, a little sore.” I groaned, gripping my side. “Okay, wait, a lot sore. What happened?”
“You were shot. I don’t know much more than that. Ryan and Dave said they’d be by later today.”
I looked at Bailey as a look of concern washed over her face. I’d seen that look before, the same look that she had when she walked out on me five years earlier. I felt the panic rise in my chest as she now avoided my eyes.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Nothing. I was so scared. I thought I would never see you again.” She looked up at me, eyes full of tears.
“Bailey, no tears. It’s okay. I’m all right.”
Bailey’s eyes were full of tears. I carefully shifted myself over and tapped the mattress beside me. She didn’t hesitate. She climbed up onto the bed and carefully curled into the opposite side of my injury and rested her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her and pressed a kiss to her forehead, trying to calm her.
“I’m okay.” I whispered.
She let out a sob. “I know. I was just so afraid I was going to lose you.” She sniffled.
* * *
“You just stay there. I’ll come around and help you,” Bailey said as she climbed out of the car and ran around to the passenger’s side to help me out.
Even though I was perfectly capable of getting out of the car alone, I waited for her to come around and open the door. With my bag slung over her shoulder, she helped me to the front door and waited while I slipped my key in the lock.
When I stepped inside, it surprised me to see Cara, Ryan, Dave, and a bunch of other guys from the station standing in my living room.
“Welcome home,” Cara said, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me.
“Thanks. It’s good to finally be out of there. Thought I was going to have to make a jailbreak.” I chuckled as I shook hands with a few of my fellow officers.
Bailey was oddly quiet, and even though she was polite with everyone, I knew something was bothering her, and I was sure I knew exactly what that something was. She smiled and then placed her hand on my shoulder. “I’m just going to take this bag down to your room, then I’m going to start some of your laundry while I’m here.” She whispered in my ear.
