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Dr. Sean left with specific instructions not to get out of bed unless I needed to use the restroom. Cuddling on the floor was not recommended. I had to hide my grin at James’s irritated look. He shook his head, sitting in the chair and leaning against the bed again.
“Get some rest, baby. You’re safe here.”
I frowned at him. “Shouldn’t you take the cot or the chair? That doesn’t look comfortable.” The idea of him being farther away wasn’t a pleasant one but I didn’t want him to hurt himself.
“I’m fine here. I’m not leaving your side.”
I tried to get comfortable, closing my eyes. But I had to wonder, how long would that last before he disappeared again?
* * *
Harsh whispering woke me up.I opened my eyes, blinking several times to clear my vision, only to come face to face with my mother. She was looming over me, concern written across her face. She brightened when I locked eyes with her.
“Good morning, Beth!”
I grimaced. My mother was the biggest morning person on the planet. She woke up with the sun, smiling and singing as she handled work on the farm like a pro. It was seriously hard to deal with her without a substantial amount of caffeine.
“Mom? What are you doing here?”
She scoffed. “What do you mean what am I doing here? I’m your mother! And you were hurt! You’ve always been clumsy but I never thought you’d get this hurt during a hike! I mean, seriously!”
I frowned, looking around the room. My dad was sitting in the recliner, watching the TV on mute. My youngest sister, Alyssa, was leaning on the arm of his chair, her eyes glued to her phone. I was confused until James stepped into the room, a large cup of coffee in his hand. He gave me a soft smile, stepping around my family until he could get close enough to hand me the drink.
“James, I–”
He shook his head. “I called them last night after Sean said you’d be okay. I figured you’d want to see them after…everything.”
He was being purposely vague and it took me a second to remember why. My eyes went big. I am not a great liar, especially not to my family. My mom especially could see right through me.
My mom was busy fussing with my blankets though and none of them saw my reaction. James leaned in close, pressing a kiss to my temple before whispering. “I told them you fell during a hike. They didn’t believe me at first but they were convinced after they saw me in person.”
I almost snorted. I wouldn’t have a hard time believing James hiked either. He’s built like a bodybuilder and yet he’s still trim because he eats so well. Me, on the other hand, you’d have to use a cattle prod to get me to hike. I took a deep breath, focusing on my coffee in hopes that I wouldn’t give anything away to my family. What did they think James did for a living?
“I was starting to worry when you didn’t call yesterday like you normally do.” My mom petted my hair, her smile soft. I leaned into her, soaking in her comfort. I’m glad James called them. “Next time you go hiking, maybe watch your feet. Or tie yourself to someone so when you trip you don’t fly over a cliff.”
James looked like he was holding back laughter and I made a face at him. “Don’t worry, Mom. I amnotgoing hiking again. James can do that stuff by himself.”
I was subtle making my point but James sobered instantly. He knew I meant dealing with the gang stuff, not hiking. He took my hand, holding it gently against him. “Don’t worry, baby, I wouldn’t dream of asking you to do that again.”
My sister snorted and I narrowed my eyes at her. “Shut up.”
She chuckled, finally looking up from her phone. “What? It’s funny! My sister is allergic to exercise and she’s dating a guy who looks like he works out even while he’s sleeping. Talk about opposites attract.”
I scowled. I am well aware of how different we are, she doesn’t need to rub it in my face. “I have four other siblings, why are you the one who showed up at my bedside?”
My mom gasped. “Elizabeth Marie! Be nice to your sister!”
My jaw dropped and I pointed at Alyssa but my mom just glared at me so I gave up, flinching when it hurt too much to slouch. Mom immediately started trying to fluff my pillows and readjust them to make me more comfortable. I tried protesting but she ignored me.
“Four siblings?” James raised an eyebrow at me.
“What? You don’t have any siblings?” Alyssa moved to sit on the end of my bed, nudging my feet out of her way. I let her because I was too focused on James’s face. A pained expression flashed over before disappearing behind a mask of calm indifference. He shook his head.
“Lucky you,” Alyssa muttered, earning a scathing look from our mom. I took James’s hand, smiling softly.
“You’ve got a big family now, that’s what’s important. Pretty sure Jaime would be really offended if you didn’t think of him as your brother.”
He smirked. “Yeah, an annoying little brother who seriously needs to stop pissing off Liam. He’s threatening to put him back in the field.”
