“He choseme,” I countered.
His expression hardened. “You were never a choice to consider.”
“I know you believe that. I know that’s your stupid code. But he’s your best friend. Could you at least give him a chance to explain? Because he really did try to stop it. I’m the one who made the first move. I’m the one who pushed him to cross the line. If there’s anyone you should be mad at, it’s me.”
Merrick paced to the window. “You think it’s that simple? Flip a switch, forgive a brother who broke the code?”
“Itisthat simple. He loves me. I love him. Just think about it, OK?”
His expression softened, just for a fraction of a second. “I’ll consider it.”
Hatchet strode in a moment later with a plastic tray filled with Jell-O cups and a ginger ale.
“Doc says liquids only,” he announced, setting the tray down. “Non-caffeinated.”
Merrick squeezed my hand. “I’ll come check on you in a few hours.” He shot Hatchet a look as he left, still sharp-edged but maybe a degree less murderous.
I scooted toward the edge of the bed, biting back a wince as hot fire lanced through my abdomen. Schooling my face neutral as it dulled into an ache, I patted the spot beside me.
Hatchet hesitated. He flicked his eyes to the monitors and then back to me before sliding beside me carefully, like he was afraid I’d break.
I peeled open the raspberry Jell-O and dipped my spoon in it before taking a bite. The sweetness hit my tongue. I swallowed hard, my throat burning as it slid down, then held the spoon out to him.
He took a bite. “I’ve had more hospital Jell-O than anyone ever should at this point.”
“At least you’re not the one hooked to monitors this time.”
He brushed a hair behind my ear. “I’d take your place in a heartbeat.”
We traded bites in silence.
He cracked another open and handed it to me. “If you close your eyes and use your imagination, the lime tastes like a margarita.”
I took a bite and closed my eyes. “I think I need more drugs. It just takes like plastic.”
Hatchet huffed a laugh. I offered him another bite, and he shook his head.“Move in with me.”
My heart stuttered. “We’ve barely been together a month.” I searched his face, finding the plea in his eyes. The pain from the night before.
“I never want to wake up without you by my side again.”
I considered what it would look like. Making waffles while Jessa hassled Hatchet. Chaos bullying me for a piece of bacon.Coming home from a long shift at the hospital and curling up on the couch with him. Weekend hikes and alone time when Jessa went to a friend’s house for a sleepover.
“OK,” I agreed. “But only if Jessa is fine with it.”
He scoffed. “Jessa would rather live with you than me. She’ll love it.”
* * *
The next morning, bright sunlight slanting through the blinds woke me before the bustle of morning rounds. And, right as visiting hours opened, Kenna, Rhetta, and Eva breezed in, arms loaded with balloons, books, and what smelled like contraband tacos.
“Hadley said not to tell Dr. Patel about the breakfast tacos,” Rhetta said conspiratorially.
Eva plopped into the chair beside me. “You look like you died.”
“I did,” I said dryly.
“Yeah, Merrick told Reaper, and he told me.”
