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He could not make sense of what she was saying. His brain felt sluggish, and he just couldn’t seem to form any words. She seemed even closer now, and Carter wondered if he was floating to shore. He plainly heard, “I love you,” and knew he had to respond to that. He forced his eyes open, and though things were blurry, he could make out Scarlett’s face.
21
Scarlett
She was telling Carter about her day, not really paying attention to what she was saying, as she stroked his hand. The doctor had told her it was a strong possibility that Carter could hear her, and she refused to leave him in there alone if there was the smallest chance he could. So she’d been there almost every day for a month. Spending all her free time with him.
Scarlett stopped speaking abruptly as Carter’s hand tightened weakly around hers. She looked down, expecting it to be a muscle spasm, but hoping for more. His eyes were open, and he was staring at her. He didn’t seem to be too confused, and she was sure he recognized her. Before she could react, even to press the call button, Dr. Goff came hurrying in the room.
“He’s awake,” Dr. Goff said in a shocked tone, confirming Carter’s consciousness with a small penlight.
“Carter.” Scarlett leapt from her chair, still holding his hand. “Do you know me?” she demanded.
Carter blinked fuzzily, trying to make his mouth move so he could answer. He knew who she was, and he was remembering the last time he’d seen her.
“Give him a moment,” Dr. Goff cautioned. “He’s still trying to process everything.”
Focusing on Scarlett, Carter said his first word. “Sorry.”
“Sorry?” she asked, puzzled. “Why are you sorry?”
“Hurt you. Made you leave.”
“I came back.” Tears streamed down her face. “It wasn’t important.”
“Heard you.”
“You heard me talking to you?”
“Yeah. Floating and talking.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too,” Carter told her with his last reserve of strength before closing his eyes again.
It was several days before Carter was strong enough to have a long conversation. When Scarlett arrived at the hospital, she found Carter sitting up in bed, eating. His complexion was no longer so sickly, and he looked less haggard. “We need to talk,” he said abruptly.
Her stomach tightened with fear. She’d been expecting a confrontation with him, but had hoped it could wait. “What about?”
“Us, and the events that have happened.”
“I’m sorry about what my father tried to do,” said Scarlett, dropping her gaze. “I came to warn you, but of course, it was too late.”
“Your father has caused more trouble than he should have been allowed to. I listened to him, and I was a fool. I owe you the apology. I know now that he was lying.”
“Yes,” Scarlett said firmly. “It was all lies, whatever he told you.” She waited for him to recount the conversation, but he remained silent. Sighing, she said, “Fine, don’t tell me then.”
“I won’t tell you because it isn’t important,” Carter dismissed.
“And to protect me,” Scarlett said softly. “Have you heard about the fire?”
He lifted a brow. “Fire?”
“Terini Manor was burned to the ground,” Scarlett informed him matter-of-factly. “My father refused to leave his ancestral home, and there’s been no trace of his body.”
“What was the cause of the fire?” Carter asked suspiciously.
