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David shook his head. “We knew it was a possibility that Cheryl would feel like she had nothing to lose. If we’d had more security at Harry and Mary’s, we’d have seen her sooner. I’m so damn sorry, Sam. Have you heard anything? How is Gray?”
She nodded. “He’s out of surgery and in recovery. He had a punctured lung, and the bullet hit his shoulder blade but didn’t do serious damage. The doctor said he was lucky it was slowing down by the time it hit him. We can see him in a few minutes.”
David nodded and stood. He kissed Sam on the temple and silently walked to the corner of the room to wait.
Soon the nurse walked in and told them they could go in and see Gray. She scooted to the edge of the chair and slowly stood with the assistance of Gage. She was afraid of what she might see; she felt weak and light headed. Mary and Harry walked with her, and Mary held and squeezed Sam’s hand as they walked. When they entered Gray’s room, tears streamed down her cheeks. He was so still and pale. Tubes and IVs ran from his strong arms. His heart beat was steady, and that was a plus.
She slowly made her way to the bed and touched his hand. He was lying on his back, but he was propped up by a foam, wedge-shaped pillow. The nurse explained that the pillow had a hole cut in it, like a donut, and his incision was laying inside the hole, so there wasn’t any pressure on it. They needed to keep him elevated a bit for his lungs, and they didn’t want him on his side, which would be more painful and not allow him to breathe properly. The nurse explained that they could visit for a bit, but he would be in and out of consciousness. They would also be getting him up and moving in a little while.
The nurse got her settled in a chair next to Gray’s bed, with pillows behind her for support. She held his hand waiting for him to wake up. Mary and Harry walked around the other side of the bed and Mary held his other hand. The kids, Jamie, Dani, and others all gathered around and fit in where they could. Sam leaned her head back and closed her eyes for just a minute. The day was finally starting to catch up to her. All the adrenaline had left her body.
* * *
The soft murmur of voices was soothing. He could tell there was love in this room by the tone of the soft murmuring. He tried opening his eyes, but they felt like something was holding them closed. He tried to bring one of his hands up to rub his eyes, but they were held in place. He squeezed his hands just a little, and someone squeezed back.
“Gray, honey, we’re all here for you.”
His mom. Why was she here now? He couldn’t remember what happened. Where was he anyway?
“Gray, baby, can you wake up? I need to look into your eyes and see you.”
Sam! My God—Sam! Gray’s heart began racing. Jesus! Cheryl was trying to kill Sam … she had a gun. It was coming back to him. He opened his eyes, and there she was.
“Sam.” His voice sounded like a frog, scratchy and hoarse.
“Hey, you need to calm down, baby. Your heart’s racing. You’re okay now. We’re all here for you.”
Gray studied the green eyes he loved so much. “You’re okay?”
She smiled, and a tear raced down her cheek. “If I would have known marrying you would make you jump in front of a bullet, I wouldn’t have married you. You scared the crap out of me, Gray. What the hell were you thinking?”
“I needed to save you. She was going to kill you. Come here and hug me.”
She stood, slowly, trying hard not to wince or show any signs of discomfort.
“I can’t lean down and hug you, but I can sit next to you.”
She watched his face show concern—his brows furrowed and his mouth turned down.
“What happened?”
She shook her head and gave up trying to perch on the bed. “I’m okay. Just a couple of bruised ribs.”
“Sam!” Mary admonished.
She sighed. “I have two broken ribs Gray, but I’m going to be just fine.”
“I did that when I fell on you.” He frowned. “I’m so sorry, Sam. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
She let some breath out of her lungs. “Geez, Gray, you saved my life. I’m fine. You’re the one who almost got himself killed.”
Mary leaned in. “Gray, honey, how are you feeling?”
He looked over at his parents and the worry on their faces. “Not sure, a little groggy.”
His mom nodded. He scanned the room, and his eyes landed on David standing in the back.
“Did you get her?”
