AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She looks both different, and the same.
Her hair is longer, and her eyebrows that she always took so much time with have grown fuller and untamed. The only reason I know that is because I’d sit on the bathtub, talking to her while she’d sit on the bathroom counter with her feet in the sink, leaning toward the mirror as she plucked errant hairs out with tweezers.
Some of the best conversations we ever had were in that space. She told me about how she’d always felt like the parent in her relationship with her mother, and how she’d confided in me about how she was scared to be a mother. Despite all of that, it was there we’d decided to try for a baby.
How could she have been pregnant and not told me? How could she have kept it a secret? Why would she have left me to think she’d never be coming back?
“Chance?”
My head pops up as I hear my name. “Dr. Summers, how’s it going?” I’ve been with him in many capacities relating to our jobs.
“Better for me than for you.”
“Copy that,” I reply and shake my head. “What can you tell me about her condition?”
“She’s got some swelling, and she’s in shock. There are a couple of bruised ribs as well. We really need to wait for her to wake up, and then we can assess properly. The next few days are critical. I think you understand what I’m saying.” He puts a hand on my shoulder before continuing. “We’re gonna do the best we can, but she’s got to wake up first.”
“I get it,” I assure him. “I’m not expecting you to have answers. I understand how this goes.”
“I appreciate it.” He gives me an encouraging smile. “We’ll do the best we can.”
He leaves as quietly as he came.
The room is silent, save for the beeping of the machines keeping track of her vitals.
“What the fuck happened, Delia? Let’s fix this.”
She doesn’t wake up, even though it’s the only thing I want… to see those hazel eyes one more time and to know she’s right here with me. It’s been awful being alone, and all I’ve wanted is to have my partner back.
I just didn’t realize it’d be like this.
CHAPTERFIVE
Delia
Two and a halfyears earlier
When I walk into the hospital, my anxiety reaches levels it's never been to before. Looking around I see all the members of Bradford station number one. It's a reminder of what could have happened with Chance today.
"Hey, I'm glad you were able to get here," Cameron says as he walks toward me.
I scoff nervously. "He's my husband, where would you expect me to be?"
He seems to take offense from what I've just said. "I didn't mean anything by that. Some women in our lives just don't like to be reminded of how dangerous the job actually is. You'd be surprised how many relationships end because of an injury like this."
It's like he knows what I'm thinking, what I'm planning. Hearing him say what he just did gives me pause. Am I being too hasty? Instead of making plans without Chance, should I include him? The logical side of my brain tells me yes, but my heart?
It’s absolutely terrifying.
“Trust me,” I give him a shaky smile. “I can handle it.”
Only I can’t, and I’m drowning, doing my best to desperately hold it together. No one seems to notice as I have a seat and wrap my arms around my waist. It’s not cold outside, but in this hospital, and in my chest, it’s freezing.
“You want something to drink?” Cam asks, as he has a seat next to me. “Some coffee?”
In the back of my mind I know caffeine isn’t good for the baby. “Hot chocolate if possible? I’m trying to cut back on caffeine.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I’ll be back in a few.”
