Page 69 of Floored By Love

“He wasn’t conscious, Luke, when they did that.”

“Has he been awake at all, Noah? Does he even know what happened?”

“No, he hasn’t. He doesn’t know,” Shane said solemnly.

I heard him talk to Noah for a bit quietly, then he said, “I’m heading back to the hotel, Luke. I’m gonna shower, grab a quick nap and get some things for us. Do you need anything?”

I shook my head. “Thank you, though.”

Watching them kiss goodbye made my heart ache a little. I had a lot to say. I hoped it would be enough.

18

Lucas

A gasp startled me awake. I noticed the seat next to me was empty. Noah wasn’t there anymore and Shane wasn’t back yet, but as my vision cleared, I could see someone in the doorway.

Cam’s mother, Heather.

She rushed over to the bed, followed by a nurse. She ran her fingers through his hair and clutched at her collar. I stood up, unsure if I should stay or go.

“When will he wake up?” she asked the nurse.

“The doctor took him off the sedatives a few hours ago, so it should be sometime today. He’ll be thirsty when he wakes up and he’ll likely have some throat pain, so just press this button when he does. And I’m sure he’ll want to talk, but for these kinds of patients we recommend this for a few days, so the throat can rest.”

She handed Heather a notepad and a pen.

“Thank you. Nurse…?”

“Judy, ma’am.”

“Thank you very much, Judy.” The nurse left. Heather continued to stare at Cam. I wasn’t sure she even noticed me.

“How long have you been here, Luke?”

“As soon as I heard, Mrs. Kane.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and ignored the twelve text messages and five missed calls. “About ten hours.”

“I told you, you can call me Heather.”

“Sorry...Heather.”

She finally looked at me. “Are you sure I’m the one you need to say sorry to?”

“Yeah.” I scoffed, walking over to stand next to her. “I’m guessing he told you.”

“He didn’t have to. I figured it out.”

I looked at her, trying to read her mind. I didn’t have to try very hard. She opened her arms, and I gladly accepted her hug. After a few seconds, she pulled away from me and smiled.

“For his sake and yours, say what’s on your mind and in your heart. Every moment is a gift,” she said, her expression growing somber. “And it can all be taken away too quickly.”

She grabbed Cam’s hand and clasped it between hers, a single tear running down her left cheek. She broke the silence a minute later, when she asked, “Is anyone else here? Did they all leave?”

“Noah was here when I fell asleep, but I’m not sure where he went.”

“He went to get some breakfast for you, and he’s glad he brought an extra coffee.”

“Noah!” Heather shouted, as she ran over to embrace him.