And honestly, that makes me feel better than his explanation for why it’s possible Matt had nothing to do with this. I can’t imagine someone as serious as Walker would joke if he was afraid Tobias wouldn’t be okay.
“So you’re saying maybe it was just an accident?” I can’t keep the hopeful edge out of my voice.
“I’m saying it could have been an accident.” The line of Walker’s mouth turns grim. “We probably won’t know for at least a few days, because they can’t question the guy who hit us.”
It takes my brain a second to register his meaning. “Hedied?”
Walker tips his head in a single nod.
I hadn’t even considered the status of the person who hit Tobias’s truck. Not beyond my fear it was Matt. Even then, it hadn’t occurred to me he wouldn’t survive. I was too busy being afraid Matt’s final words to me were true. That he really was going to take everything that mattered to me.
And while Tobias might not beeverythingthat matters to me, he is the bulk of it. There are a few poodle and Bradshaw brother shaped bits mixed in there, along with parents who aren’t mine and friends I’m learning to lean on. But without Tobias, I would be empty.
And coming so close to losing him has me desperate to see his face. To touch him. To tell him exactly how I feel.
He’s been so open and honest with me, and I’ve held back. He’s been all in from the very beginning, waiting patiently for me to come around.
I need to tell him how much that means to me. How muchhemeans to me.
And I need to show him just how all in I am.
My legs are steady, brain clear as I stand from the chair. “How long did they say he would be in surgery?”
“A few hours, last time I heard.” Walker looks me over. “You okay?”
I smile, hoping it will ease the concern pinching his brow. “I will be.”
Stepping toward the sliding doors, I pause, remembering the whole reason Tobias and Walker were out in the first place. “I’m sorry you didn’t make it to the station.”
A hint of sadness flickers across his face. “I’ll figure something out.”
I nod, hoping he's right. I’m only an hourinto facing someone I love being in a car accident, and not knowing exactly what happened is making it hard to sit still. I can’t imagine how Walker feels after twenty-five years of no answers.
Going out into the hall, I let the police know he’s ready to continue talking to them. Then I go in search of Maren. I need her to do something for me.
Because the second Tobias wakes up, I’ve got a lot to tell him.
34
Tobias
“How are you feeling?” The feminine voice that pulls me from sleep is pleasant, but not right. “Are you in pain?”
“Who are you?” I lift my brows, trying to get my eyelids to rise along with them. I’m groggy in a way I’ve never been before and struggling to orient myself.
“You just came out of surgery. I’m your recovery nurse.” She sounds closer now as she repeats her earlier question. “Are you in pain?”
“Where’s Brooke?” I lick my dry lips, trying to work up some moisture in my mouth. “Is she okay?”
“Brooke is just fine.” The nurse laughs a little. “She’s asked the desk about you every fifteen minutes for the past four hours.”
I relax a little hearing she’s safe. “When can I see her?”
“As soon as you tell me how your pain level is and let me check your vitals.”
“My pain is fine.” I manage to get my eyes open, blinking a few times as I try to focus. “Hurry up and take my vitals.”
The nurse huffs out another laugh. “You two are a perfect pair, aren’t you?”
