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“And her liver and spleen?” I ask.
He nods. “Not my area, but it looks here as if they’re expected to heal on their own. My guess is they’ll have her back for MRIs in a few weeks to check them, and subsequent scans as needed until they’re certain she’s healed.” He keeps scrolling through the tablet in his hands. “They had plastics stitch up the laceration on her face, so there should be minimal scarring over time. She’s a very lucky woman.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
He nods and turns and walks out of the room.
“You hear that, sweets? Everything is going to be just fine.” I kiss her hand.
“I’m going to step out and update everyone. Is it okay if I send your family back?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Thank you, Gianna.”
She smiles. “Thank you for loving her like she deserves to be loved.” She doesn’t give me time to reply before she’s out the door.
Leaning forward, I rest my head on the bed, careful not to hurt her. The emotions of the day catch up with me, and this time I don’t try to hide them. I can be strong for her when she wakes up. Tears run freely as the fear and the worry bubble over.
“R—Ry?” a deep, croaking voice asks.
I lift my head to see those brown eyes that bring me to my knees. “Hey, baby.” I wipe at my cheeks.
“W—” She starts, and I jump to pour her a glass of water.
“Small sips.”
She nods and takes a few small sips before pulling her mouth away from the straw. “Why are you crying?”
“I could have lost you.”
“My mother?”
I shake my head. “She didn’t make it, Jordyn. I’m so sorry.”
Tears well in her eyes. When she squeezes her eyes closed, they cascade over her cheeks. “It’s my fault.”
“No. It’s not your fault.” I reach over and press the button for the nurse. “Are you in any pain?”
“Not really. Sore, I guess. What’s the damage?”
Before I can answer her, a nurse walks in and does it for me. She asks about her pain and pushes something into her IV. The door pushes open, and in walks a man in a suit, his face void of any emotion.
“Father,” Jordyn croaks.
He nods and turns to the nurse. “What’s the outcome of my daughter’s injuries?”
The nurse goes through the same spiel. “She’ll need assistance for the first six weeks and won’t be able to climb stairs.”
“Fine. I’ll hire a nurse.”
“No.” I stand up and cross my arms over my chest.
“Who are you?” he asks.
“I’m the man who’s going to marry your daughter.”
He shows no emotion. “As I said, I’ll hire a nurse.”
“No,” Jordyn’s meek voice speaks up. She stares at her father, then her gaze finds mine. I nod and mouth, “I love you.” Something flashes in her eyes. “Father, I’m not going back to the house. I’m moving in with Ryder. We’re getting married.”
The nurse looks worried, no doubt afraid there’s about to be a brawl, but instead of anger, her father shows nothing but indifference.
“Fine.” He looks down at his phone. “You’re on your own.”
“No, she’s not. She never will be again.” My voice is firm and commanding.
Her father doesn’t spare me a glance. He stares at Jordyn for several long beats of a minute before turning and walking out of the room.
“Did he really just fucking walk out on you?”
“That’s how he is. That’s how he’s always been,” Jordyn says softly.
I lean over the bed. “You are not alone. You hear me? You are my fucking heart and soul, and I’ve got you. We’re going to get you healed up, and we have a plan. A plan for our future, and we’re moving forward with that. I’m sorry you lost your mother. I’m sorry your father is an uncaring asshole, but I can assure you, sweets, from here on out, you will be surrounded with nothing but love and acceptance. You’re going to be smothered in it.”
Tears well in her eyes. She carefully lifts her hand and places it next to my cheek. “I feel so much guilt. I—I’m going to need some help with that.”
I can tell the words are hard for her.
“Whatever you need. Professional help. My love smothering you. Gianna’s love smothering you, my family's love smothering you,” I say, and she smiles. “We’ve got you, baby. You are not alone.”
She nods. “Stay present.”
“Yeah, baby. Stay present and look forward to the future.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Jordyn
I spent a week in the hospital. A week of which I was never alone. Ryder’s family took turns sitting with me, Gianna, too, and there was never a moment when I felt alone. I got to know his family again and made a point of apologizing to each of them.
I know I didn’t have to, but it’s what I need to do to heal.
I haven’t seen or heard from my father since he walked out of my hospital room. He must have decided I wasn’t worth the effort. Not that I’m surprised. He did, however, take care of my medical bills. One final parting gift. I assume it was to save face. Heaven forbid he be dragged through the mud for not paying medical bills for his daughter. My mother always seemed to be the driving factor, and after her “we’re not in love” admission, I didn’t expect him to be all emotional over the events of the accident.
