Page 110 of Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

“He’s got a concussion,” the doctor said.

“How bad?” Merritt asked breathlessly. “Does he need surgery? Is there internal bleeding?”

The doctor smiled. “He has a bruised jaw, busted lip, road rash, and a dislocated shoulder. All in all, it could have been a whole lot worse. He’s a very lucky man. I think he’s got one hell of a guardian angel looking out for him.”

Merritt exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over her features. She reached out and gently traced the bruise that was forming along my jawline with the tip of her finger. “You’re telling me,” she murmured.

“So when can he go home?” Merritt asked, her hand finding mine and squeezing it gently.

“Given the circumstances, he should probably stay overnight for observation, just to ensure there are no complications from the concussion or any other unseen injuries,” the doctor explained, flipping through notes on his clipboard. “I would say two days at least. That will tell us more. Sometimes injuries we don’t initially see will sneak up. It’s better if he’s here so we can monitor him closely. We’re working on getting you a room upstairs.”

The doctor left after that.

“See,” I said. “I’m good.”

“I wouldn’t say good. You’re alive and mostly in one piece.”

“He said I have a guardian angel,” I said quietly. “Maybe Gary.”

I heard her sharp intake of breath. She nodded. “I think that’s a fair guess.”

Riggs popped in not long after, leaning against the doorway with his usual smirk. “You look like crap, man,” he said, strolling in like he owned the place.

“So do you,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. “At least I have an excuse.”

Merritt smiled at Riggs. “I’ll give you two a minute,” she said. “I’m going to grab some coffee. It’s going to be a long night.”

“You can go home,” I said. “You heard the doctor, I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not fine. You’re being observed. I will be observing you being observed.”

She turned and walked out just like that.

Riggs dropped into the chair next to the bed, crossing his arms. “She’s a keeper, that one.”

“Don’t I know it,” I said, leaning back against the pillows.

He nodded toward me. “You need anything? Clean clothes, food?”

“Yeah, that’d be great,” I admitted. “Doc says I’ll be here at least overnight to keep an eye on the swelling and all that.”

Riggs nodded. “I’ll bring some stuff by in the morning. Try not to scare her off before then, huh?”

I smirked. “I’ll do my best.”

Two nurses came in looking like they were on a mission. “Alright, Mr. Warner, we’re taking you upstairs.”

“Wait, my girlfriend…”

They didn’t wait. They were unhooking things and rolling me away.

“What room is he going to be in?” Riggs asked.

“Four fifteen.”

“I’ll find Merritt,” Riggs called out. “Try not to crash again in the meantime.”

Ten minutes later, I was in a private room in a bigger bed that was far more comfortable. The pain in my shoulder was still there, but it was more of a dull ache. I closed my eyes and sent up a silent thank you to the universe. I felt like I had gotten a second chance at life. At happiness. With Merritt.