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“Are you surprised?” I asked.
“Not really, this way.”
We really weren't allowed into the recovery room, but Shae bent the rules for us. I could see Camilla through the window. I tried not to cry.
“She's doing pretty well considering. They had to take out her spleen because it started to hemorrhage. Other than that, it was a couple of clean breaks with no real damage to her spine or head. Her back took the brunt of the impact from the car. The theory is that someone stole her purse from the scene.”
At least that's what I think she said. I wasn't really listening at that point. I was moving without really knowing that I was doing it, going towards Camilla's bedside. I held her hand, which felt cold, and kissed her on the cheek.
“I love you.”
I turned to see Cooper staring at me. I had expected another punch, but he looked more resigned and angry. He might not have bee happy about Camilla and me being together, but he seemed willing to accept it if that was her choice. Something even I wasn't sure of at that moment. We traded off, Cooper going over and doing his thing, begging her not to die like the drama queen he could be.
“Okay, off you go, we've got to clear out, so I don't get in trouble,” Shae said, pushing Cooper gently toward the door where I was waiting.
Resigning ourselves to the waiting room, with its diabolically uncomfortable chairs and three-year-old magazines. I would have laughed about the latter were I not in such a serious mood.
“Do you love her?” Cooper asked out of nowhere.
“Don't you?”
“That's not what I asked.”
“Yes, I do.”
“That's what I figured. I just had to be sure.” He sat back in his chair. “I know that I've been overbearing, and you know why I'm protective of Camilla, but she needs to be free to make her own choices and her own mistakes. I just hope that you don't end up being one of them.”
“Me too, considering I'm planning on asking her to marry me.”
I had no idea where that came from, really. I guess I had been considering it in passing but not really focusing on the idea. But after I said it felt right as soon as I said it. I had never really considered marriage before, but I had never really known anyone else like Camilla either.
“Are you asking my permission?”
“No, consider it fair warning. Asking permission would imply that you own her. I would be happier if you were okay with it, though.”
“I am,” Cooper said, after a few moments of consideration, “I can see how much you love her and know you will take care of her. You'll have no more trouble from me.”
“Okay, she's stable now,” Shae said, now acting in a more official capacity, “you can go back one at a time.”
“You go on,” I said.
“Really?” Cooper asked, sounding surprised.
“Yeah, next of kin and all that.”
