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The tears in her eyes, the anguish in her voice—it has to mean something. I reach for her hand. “Marry me.”
“Stop it.” She sniffs and pulls her hand away.
I’m exhausted. My eyelids flutter, but fighting it isn’t working. So. Tired. “You’re trying to blow me. Off,” I add, having forgotten that part. Which was probably important.Let me love you. You can blow me if you want. Marry me, though.
Did I say that out loud?
Her brown eyes go to the window and yeah, I think I said that out loud.
“Timothy.” Her voice is tight. Pained. “They cut into your thick skull. Drained blood out of your brain. Don’t make me kick your ass.”
I can’t stop grinning. Maybe it’s the drugs, but I think it might be because she loves me and I know it for sure now. Words are getting hard, though. “You aresomad at me.”
Her hand closes over mine again, gently. “No more stunts.”
“For you.” Sleep is tugging me under and fighting it is impossible. “I’ll retire.”
She places her other hand on my chest, right over my heart. “Timothy—”
Somewhere in me, I find the words I need just before I go under. “It’s already yours.”
Chapter eight
Mina
Timothyisoutlikea light. I talk to the doctors when they come in, then sink into the chair next to his bed to update everyone. Starting with his mom.
Mina: He’s out of surgery. He woke up and talked to me. Sleeping now. Doctors are happy.
I won’t mention any of the nonsense he said to me. That had to be the drugs or the brain injury talking.
Celia: How are you doing?
I’m wrecked. I take a deep breath and look at Timothy. I need his arms around me, holding me until everything’s better.
Mina: Honestly, I could use a drink.
Celia: Go get some water.
Mina: I think I need something harder than water.
Maybe I shouldn’t say that to his mom, but Christ, it’s been a day.
Celia: I got you.
Celia: Get something to eat too. You don’t need to hold a vigil by his bedside while he sleeps.
How does she know?
Mina: Are you spying on me?
Celia:
Celia: I’m kidding.
I’m not sure she’s kidding. I get up and peer out the door, but everyone is going about their business. No one is watching me.
Mina: I’m fine. I’d rather stay with him.
