Mom brushes back my hair. “Take all the time you need, darling. We’ve told Dr. Harris, we’ll take care of Dax’s medical bills.”
I look up at my parents, adoration in their eyes. “So, what does this mean for the two of you? You’re divorcing?”
Dad puts an arm around Mom, and she leans into him. “We’ll officially separate for the time being,” Dad says. “We have a lot to work through, and going through a divorce with such bitterness won’t be good for either of us.”
“Your father agreed for me to stay on at Ashworth Estate,” Mom adds.
“I can’t see it being awkward,” Dad says, his expression undecided on whether he should laugh or cry. “There are wings in the manor I haven’t been in in years.”
I exhale hard. “Whoa. Okay. I’m glad you two are finally talking and figuring this out.”
“I’m sorry to have put you in the middle,” Mom apologizes with anguished eyes.
“Me too,” Dad says. “I know I haven’t made things easy on you or Ash.”
“Thank you for saying all this.” I get out of the chair and open my arms. “And thank you for helping and accepting Dax.”
“We know how much you love him,” Mom says, wiping under her eye.
My heart squeezes and I blurt, “Dad, you have to let Murphy stay on at the manor. It’s my fault those guys robbed us. I gave Dax a swipe card for the service entrance.”
Dad looks over at Dax, sleeping. “And he gave it to them?”
“They threatened his safety.” I gulp. “And my safety. He didn’t have a choice. Have you heard what Sheriff Lennon is charging his brother with?”
“I know.” Dad nods and puts an arm around me. “So, Murphy has continually shown loyalty to you? A man who’ll protect my daughter at all costs is someone I need to keep around the manor.”
A tear spills from my eye. “Thank you, Dad. And what about Dax? He protects me too.”
“Wait,” Mom pipes up. “Are you asking for him to move in too?”
I nod, reaching out to grasp her hand.
My parents exchange a look and return smiles in my direction.
“In a separate wing, of course,” Dad says.
Exhilaration rushes through me as I hug my parents. They kiss and hug me, and I’m overwhelmed with the surge of warmth and love. They tell me to call if Dax or I need anything, and leave me to wait by his side.
With the heavy weight of my emotions, I flop my head on the bed. I watch Dax’s side profile as he sleeps, and sigh. My hand runs up and down his arm, careful not to nick any tubes attached to him. I squeeze his hand and continue to lay my head next to him.
As my breathing grows heavy, I focus on the beeps of the machines by his bed. I trace a finger around the rose on his hand and close my eyes.
“That tickles,” he mutters croakily.
I shoot up to sitting, whipping my head in his direction.
He rubs his chapped lips together and squints his eyes open.
“Oh my gosh!” I squeal. “You’re awake.”
His eyes scrunch closed. “Ouch. My head.”
“Whoops, sorry,” I whisper. I get up and edge away from the bed. “I’m just going to get Dr. Harris.”
He opens his eyes and gradually lifts his hand. “No, come back.”
I hang a head out the door and spy Trisha in the hallway. I motion to her, calling out, “He’s awake.”
