Her lashes flutter, and she blinks slowly."Hey, Alex."
Her head turns toward me, and the moment her green eyes meet mine, everything else fades away.We don't need words.Our souls connect across the space between us, and my heart composes a melody of its own as her lips melt into a smile as soft as morning light.
I grunt through the pain as I push myself out of the wheelchair, needing to be closer.I settle carefully on the edge of her bed.Her hand comes up, fingertips ghosting over my mouth, tracing the cuts and bruises as if memorizing me all over again.
"We made it?"she whispers, her touch so gentle on my battered face it makes my throat tight.
I lean in, pressing my forehead to hers."Yeah, we did it, baby.Thanks to you."Unable to resist any longer, I brush my lips against hers and sigh."I love you so goddamn much."
A short cough breaks the moment.The nurse who helped me earlier stands behind the bed, though her smile is understanding.
"Okay, Mr.Walker, enough exercise for today.Please, sit back in the wheelchair so I can check Miss McQueen's wound."
I cringe as I move, every injury protesting.
"You've got one stubborn ass man," the nurse tells Alex as I settle back in the chair."He's been in trouble ever since he woke up."
I wink at my girl, whose smile grows wider."You've seen nothing yet," she murmurs."And frankly, I find it hot."
The nurse chuckles."Now, how are you feeling?"
"Like they ran me over with a truck.God, it hurts here," Alex says, touching her side.
"Yeah, that's understandable.I'll give you extra painkillers.But first, let me check the bandage."
The nurse lifts the sheets, and Alex peers down, frowning."What did they do?"
"You got stabbed, and it punctured your kidney," the nurse explains gently as she replaces the blankets."The surgeon had to remove it."
"What?"Alex swallows hard, blinking rapidly.After a moment, she asks, "Are my parents here?"
"Yes, and a few of your friends.I'll let them in, but when I come back with the painkillers, you both need to rest."
We nod, and Jim and Clair enter first with Samantha.My heart swells seeing Clair holding my daughter's hand.God, her parents are incredible.Sam stands beside me as we watch the reunion unfold.Alex tears up when her mom kisses her cheek, whispering something I can't hear.Jim hugs her next, murmuring, "I'm glad you're okay, my ladybug."
"Me too, Dad."
Alex's gaze shifts to Samantha, who hasn't said a word.My daughter's eyes are oceans ready to overflow.
"Sam?"Alex whispers, extending her hand."Come here, girl."
Something in Sam breaks.She stumbles forward as Alex wraps an arm around her, and the sobs she's been holding back finally escape.
"I missed you, sweetheart."Alex's words only make Sam cry harder."Shh, it's okay, Sam.Let it out."
And she does, weeks of fear and worry pouring out against Alex's shoulder.When the tears finally slow, Sam looks up with red-rimmed eyes."I love you," she says, the words bursting from her heart.
Alex's eyes sparkle with tears of her own."And I love you.Forever and always, Sam."
My daughter's smile brightens until Alex narrows her eyes playfully."Are you wearing my Gucci Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm?"She studies Sam's lips while Clair and Jim chuckle at their daughter's perfect timing.
Sam's cheeks flush pink."Yeah," she admits, touching her mouth.
Alex grins."Looks good on you.When I'm back on my feet, we'll go shopping for new colors."
Clair and Jim say their goodbyes, taking Samantha with them for a bite at the restaurant.The moment they leave, our friends burst through the door like a tidal wave of energy.
"My god, Alisha!"
