I smiled fondly at my mother, before turning to Jeffrey and Hillary, and saying, “It seems we’ll all have a lot to celebrate. Did Charles tell you that Joseph has woken up?”
“He did,” Jeffrey confirmed, and a glance at Hillary and my mom told me they knew too. Jeffrey must have told them both while I was speaking to Charles.
“Charles said he will send Alyssa here once she’s seen her brother,” I went on. “I hope I can convince Doctor Khan to discharge me before that, so that we can go home together. It would be wonderful to sleep in my own bed again.”
“Let me find Doctor Khan and ask him,” Mom said, getting up.
“I’ll leave the congratulations until Alyssa actually says yes,” Jeffrey teased, as he and Hillary stood to leave too. “Call me when you’re settled at home.”
“I will.”
It didn’t take Mom long to locate Doctor Khan, who agreed that I could just as easily be recovering in my own home as I was in the hospital. I was over the worst, the infection had left my body, and as long as I didn’t do anything stupid, I’d make a full recovery.
“It might still be some time before you can put your full weight on your leg, and you’ll have to step away from the security business for a while,” Doctor Khan said.
“That’s not a problem. Jeffrey and I have already agreed that I will take an extended, paid hiatus. Once I’m properly recovered, I’ll make a decision on what I want to do about my career,” I told the doctor. I knew Jeffrey would gladly have me back when I recovered. The question was if Iwantedto go back. I easily could have died, and it broke my heart to think of leaving not only my mom, but now Alyssa and our child alone. With a baby on the way, a nice, simple office job was sounding more and more appealing. “What aboutphysicalactivity?” I asked, causing both the doctor and my mom to blush.
“David,” Mom chided.
“What?” I replied unabashed. “Alyssa and I have been apart forfartoo long.”
“Just don’t go doing anythingtooathletic. Normal intimate activities should be fine, though,” Doctor Khan said.
As Doctor Khan left, Alyssa approached my room, looking unusually shy and bashful. The moment my mom saw Alyssa, she rushed over and pulled her into a hug.
“Alyssa, it’s great to see you. How are you doing? How is the baby?”
“We’re both good, thank you, Mrs. Gordon,” Alyssa replied, looking slightly flustered by my mom’s attention.
“Haven’t I already told you, call me Patty,” Mom chided playfully. “We’re practically family now, after all.”
For a moment, I worried my mom – in her excitement – was going to accidentally reveal my proposal plans to Alyssa.
But instead, Mom quickly changed the subject and said, “I heard your brother has regained consciousness. I hope he’s doing well.”
Alyssa beamed. “He is. I just got done talking to him, and Mom and Dad are still there. The doctors say there’s still a long way for Joey to go, but they think he’ll make a full recovery. I’ve finally got my big brother back.”
“That’s wonderful,” Mom said, embracing Alyssa again, before stepping aside. “I’ll leave you both to it. David, please call me when you’re settled back at home.”
“I will,” I promised.
“Back home? Are the doctor’s discharging you?” Alyssa asked as she settled in the seat beside the bed, and Mom left.
“They are. I can go home today. And I’m taking you with me!”
Alyssa giggled. “Good. I can’t wait. Dad told me you and he had spoken.”
I smiled and reached for Alyssa’s hand. “We have. Everything is all sorted now. Your dad and I both love you very much, and only want what’s best for you.”
Alyssa grinned, tears rolling down her cheeks. “God, David. I missed you so much. I hated not being able to see you. Especially when I went to my first obstetrician appointment. But don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything important. She’s put me on prenatal vitamins and given me some leaflets to read.”
“I’ll be sure to read them too, and I won’t miss another single appointment. I want to be with you for every step of the pregnancy.”
It took around an hour for Doctor Khan to fully discharge me, in which time, Jeffrey had kindly brought my car to the hospital. I quickly threw on some sweatpants and a T-shirt to leave the hospital in, knowing I could have a proper shower and freshen up once I was home.
In the parking lot, we saw Alyssa’s parents, who were heading home for the evening.
Pamela Blythe embraced me warmly, saying “You and Alyssa must join us for dinner tomorrow.”
