Page 94 of Hollow State

"I might be in shock."

"I know that feeling." Liam smiled. "It's a good one. And I've known Darwin a long time. Most people think our friendship is complicated because of Sarah. But it's not."

"I can see that."

"I've never seen Darwin so happy or so in love," Liam said. "In a couple of weeks, we can confirm."

"Oh, my God. He's going to want to name this child Windows and Gideon is going to think it's some weird freaking retro name."

"I won't allow that." Liam stood. “Ready?”

“I suppose.”

He opened the door.

Darwin lay propped slightly against white pillows, one arm taped with IV lines, hospital gown loose around his shoulders, skin pale beneath the awful fluorescent wash of recovery lighting. His glasses were nowhere to be seen, and that made him look younger. Softer. More vulnerable than she had ever seen him.

His eyes opened when she came in.

“There she is,” he said, voice rough and slow. "Most beautiful woman ever."

"You're blind without your glasses," Wynn said.

"And yet, I know exactly who I'm looking at." He winked. "Come here."

Liam pushed the wheelchair close to the bed. “You’d better behave yourself.”

“I always behave." Darwin smiled.

Liam snorted. “Right. You made my nurses and medical students blush.”

"I doubt that." Darwin lifted one finger without raising his hand. “Leave me and my girl alone.”

Wynn eased herself from the chair onto the edge of the bed. Liam steadied the IV pole, then stepped back.

“I’ll be right outside,” Liam said.

"Thanks."

The door closed softly behind him.

Darwin stared at her as he took her hand. “I love you,” he said.

Tears burned hot behind her eyes. “I love you, too.”

“I mean it,” he said.

“I know you do.”

“No.” His brow furrowed, and he seemed deeply offended by his own inability to make his words and intentions line up under the fog of the painkillers. “I mean I love you in the big way.”

“The big way?” She bit back a smile. Not that it was funny. She just had no idea what he meant. He was so cute all drugged up. "That sounds like a circus."

“Don’t make me laugh. My insides object.”

“Then stop being funny.”

“I don't know why everyone in this hospital believes I'm a comedian.” His eyes drifted closed then opened again. “I’m serious.”