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“We leave you alone for one night, and you get yourself shot.”
“Chiara,” everyone says while I chuckle. My hospital room overflows with flowers and balloons.
Aurora says, “Next time you’re here, you better be giving birth to my niece or nephew. That’s the only acceptable reason to be in a hospital.”
“Exactly,” Chiara adds.
“Why wait for them, firecracker, when we can do it on our own?” Cato says, voice ringing of innuendo. I laugh until the pain turns atrocious. I mouth an apology as Cameron practically shoves everybody out of the room.
“We’re going to go away, just the two of us for a while.”
I pat the spot next to me. “If you don’t want to leave...” He pins me with a stern look. I suppress a smile and add, “Then you sleep with me in this bed.”
With utter care, he climbs into bed with me, checking for any sign of discomfort.
He puts his head in the crook of my neck, inhaling me. The intimacy between us fills me with infinite wonder and gratitude. His light snores reveal he’s asleep. He probably hasn’t slept all night.
Alessandra steps inside, and I put a finger to my lips.
“You’re the patient, not him,” she says.
“He just fell asleep.”
“I’m relieved, especially for him. How is your pain level?”
“A six.”
She injects something into the IV and my eyes close automatically.
After a week in the hospital, I get my discharge papers and my husband wheels me out. Of course, I can’t leave on my own two feet; Cameron has to carry me to the car. He’s obsessed with my safety.
When he parks, surrounded by the people where I found my home, I am at peace. The entire staff and Marie stand in front of the mansion, welcoming me home with relieved expressions.
“My dear, I was so worried.”
“I’m fine. Thank you for taking care of everything in our absence.”
“Of course.” We walk toward the backyard, and I see Luna in the grass. She senses me and leaps in my direction.
I pet her. “I missed you too.” Tears of relief run down my cheek. I thought she would have left by now. Still, she stayed. Some gilded cages can do that, offering you a homey feeling so you’d never want to leave.
The fire crackles in front of us as we rock back and forth on the swing.
“I hated this house,” he says.
“And now?”
“Now, it will see love, happiness, and laughter.”
***
Three weeks have passed and I still can’t believe this is my life. There are times when I think I am still dreaming.
The girls are keeping me company with several bottles of bubbly, sweet champagne. This stuff is too good. I could drink an entire bottle by myself.
I look straight at their faces. “Okay, so I know you all enjoy certain proclivities.”
Aurora spits out her drink, and Chiara rolls over in laughter.
