I held it together while she checked lines and tubes and asked me a few questions. She explained that my throat was sore because I’d been on a ventilator until a few hours ago and assured us that the doctor would be in soon to check me over. Then, she left.
As soon as she did, the tears fell. Mason didn’t wait. He slid onto the bed next to me, careful to avoid my IV line and arm brace. He pulled me gently into him. “You’re okay,” he whispered, almost as if he were telling himself as much as reassuring me.
“He killed Chelsea.”
“I know. Walker found evidence in his hotel room. He’s going to jail for the rest of his life.”
I burrowed into Mason’s chest. “Why did she do it? She knew he was dangerous.”
“Because she loved you. And she wanted to make things right.”
The tears fell faster. “All I needed was her.”
“I know.” Mason pressed his lips to the top of my head. “I’m so sorry. For Chelsea. For what I said. I let my baggage get the best of me.”
My hand fisted in his t-shirt. “I should’ve told you about Juliette.”
“I should’ve given you time to get there.” He brushed the hair away from my face so he could see my eyes. “I love you so much it scares me sometimes.”
I pressed my palm against his chest. “I know.” Because I felt that same fear at times. “I think it’s the price we have to pay for loving so deeply. And I’ll pay it every day for the rest of my life. If you’ll be in it with me.”
Mason brushed his lips across mine. “I only want to be where you are.”
“Mase,” I whispered.
“I’ll love you forever.”
Footsteps sounded on the linoleum. “I got more flowers. And I printed out those pictures from your phone. I read that if someone is having memory issues, it’s good to have photos of familiar things around them and—” Juliette’s words cut off as she took me in. “Oh, God, you’re awake.” Tears filled her eyes. “Is she okay? No brain damage?”
Mason smiled against my temple. “So far, things are looking good. We’re waiting for the doctor.”
“Well, where is he?” she demanded. “He should’ve been up here the second she woke up.”
“What’s happening right now?” I whispered to Mason. “Am I in the Twilight Zone?”
Mason chuckled. “Jules stepped up. Bringing me food and clothes. Dropping off meals to the kids, Cain, and Kennedy. And pretty much holding the medical staff hostage.”
Juliette rolled her eyes. “I’m not that bad.”
“I’m pretty sure Dr. Martín is terrified of you.”
“Wait, how long was I out?” I asked.
Pain, stark and raw, flashed across Mason’s expression. “Three days.”
“Three?”
He pulled me in a little closer as if assuring himself that I was still there. “Never been more scared in my life.”
“I’m here.” I pressed a kiss to the underside of his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Damn straight.”
Juliette shifted on her feet. “I’m going to go track down that doctor. And I’ll call Kennedy so she can bring Lyla and Justin.”
“Thanks, sis.”
She nodded and charged out of the room.
