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“I feel terrible.”
“Don’t. She looked happy.”
“She’s probably getting tired of being around me,” Siren muttered. “And don’t say you are too.”
I smiled. “I’d never tire of being with you.”
“You’re not a very good liar, Smoke.”
I led Siren up the steps to the main winery building. Since she couldn’t have alcohol until cleared by her doctor and I was driving, we declined the offer of a glass of wine while we sat out on the patio and enjoyed our lunch.
* * *
“This was really lovely,” she said when we left the estate and returned to the medical complex. The closer we got, the more I could feel Siren’s anxiety increase. I reached over and clasped her hand.
“Whatever we learn, we’ll face together.”
She nodded but didn’t say anything.
* * *
Rather than go in with us, Maureen offered to remain in the waiting room while Siren and I spoke with the doctor.
“This is healing nicely,” he said after he removed Siren’s bandages and studied her incision. “We can leave these off.”
Siren’s hand went to her shaved head, and her eyes filled with tears. I brushed past the doctor and put my hand around her wrist. “It will grow back.” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed the back of it. “Let’s hear what else he has to say.”
/> She nodded and wiped away her tears.
“As Dr. Mansfield informed you, we see no evidence of a medical reason for your amnesia.”
“Might something show up on the other scan?” she asked while I sat, stunned she hadn’t mentioned this news during lunch.
“I’ve received preliminary results, and no, nothing showed up there either.”
“Which means?” I asked.
“I believe it is only a matter of time before Miss Gallagher’s memory returns.”
“That’s great news,” I said out loud, while inside, I felt like I’d just been given the worst news possible.
“As far as physical activity, I’d like you to begin therapy next week. In the meantime, as long as you don’t overdo it, you can resume sexual relations along with light exercise.”
“Are there any other restrictions?” she asked.
“Only that you take things slow. Adequate rest will continue to be imperative to your ongoing recovery.”
While both Siren and I should be smiling, given the news, neither of us were.
* * *
Rather than unloading the things I’d purchased for her earlier in the day, we packed up what we’d taken into the rental house after Siren asked if we could return to the ranch instead of spending another night in Asheville.
She was quiet, sleeping on and off during the drive back while I spent the time wondering if I should disregard Dr. Mansfield’s warning not to tell Siren the truth about our relationship.
“I’d like to lie down for a bit,” she said once we’d driven through the ranch gates and reached the main house.
“Of course. I’ll bring everything in.”
