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Karlie woke up to beeping monitors, her leg burning like it was on fire. She opened her eyes, looking around the room, finding Drew sleeping on a bed next to hers. “Drew?” She tried to get out of bed but realized that she had a belt around her belly with a baby monitor on it. She looked over to the beeping machines, zoning in on the baby’s heartbeat. It was strong, and she sat back in relief. Her baby was alive. She reached down, assessing her leg, finding it bandaged, and she wondered how bad it was.
“You’re okay, honey. You and the baby are fine. It’s just a flesh wound. You passed out for a bit, but the doctor thinks that was because you hadn’t eaten in almost twenty-four hours. That’swhy they gave you an IV.” He got up from his bed, slowly, holding his shoulder. He went over to her, she slid over making room for him, and Drew got into bed with her, cuddling as close as he could with all her wires.
“What about you?” Her voice sounded hoarse, dry. He poured her some water, handing it to her.
“I’m fine.” He smiled at her, trying his best to convince her that it was the truth.
“Liar,” she teased back, sipping her water.
“I will be fine,” he amended. “It went straight through. They patched me up and I should be good.”
She exhaled, “So we’re all good?” Her hand went directly to her belly. Drew smiled at her, putting his hand next to hers, rubbing her belly.
“We’re all good, baby.” He leaned in to kiss her, “Your mom woke up and she’s doing much better. Your dad was down a little while ago to let us know, but you were sleeping. They are going to keep her a few days, but she’ll make a full recovery.”
Her eyes widened, “Oh my God—Jenna.” Karlie started to get up, pulling off some of the wires, and the beeping machines went crazy. A nurse rushed into the room and froze at the sight of the two of them in the same bed.
“What do you think you are doing?” The nurse’s sternness stopped Karlie in her rush to get free of the machines.
“My fiancée was just worrying about her sister,” Drew admitted. “I was about to tell her that her sister is fine. My brother is with her, coaching her through her labor. She will be fine. You are in no condition to be with her now. You need to take care of ourbaby,” He smiled at Karlie and rubbed her belly again. What was it about this man that calmed her so easily? He settled her down, placating the nurse who re-attached her to the machines.
“My fiancée is hungry. Could we get her some food? She hasn’t eaten in over a day,” Drew was certainly turning on the charm for Nurse Grumpy. She pressed her lips together, studying Karlie’s chart.
“Ah—yes. I see here that the doctor ordered a regular diet as soon as Miss Angel can eat. I will order something from the cafeteria, and you as well, Mr. Jackson.” The nurse turned and left, and Drew chuckled.
“Fiancée?” Karlie turned to face him. “Why did you tell her that I am your fiancée?”
“Because, baby, I needed to be with you, and they wouldn’t let me anywhere near you if I wasn’t family. So, I told a little white lie.” He dipped his head and took another kiss.
“Besides, I think that you need to listen to reason and realize that you are stuck with me. We’ve already been through a lot of the ‘worse’ part of marriage vows. How about spending some of the ‘better’ parts with me? Besides, the ring on your finger tells me that I just may be right.”
Karlie looked down at her finger and gasped. “Where did this ring come from?” She held up her shaky hand, examining the beautiful, square-cut diamond engagement ring. It looked like a little ice-skating rink.
“Do you like it?” His voice sounded nervous, worried.
“Like it,” she gushed, “I love it, it’s huge. But when—”
“I snuck it onto your finger while you were sleeping,” he said, interrupting her. “Baby, I’m done with you telling me no. I figured I’d save us a step. You’re already wearing my ring, honey, just say yes. I love you so much, and I need to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Officer Peterson quietly stepped into their room after a soft knock at the door. “Now, that looks like it’s against regulation.” He smiled at Drew, and Karlie snuggled up in the bed. “I’m sorry to interrupt you two, but I need a statement from Miss Angel.”
“Of course,” Karlie smiled.
“Baby, if you don’t feel well enough to do this right now, Officer Peterson can come back.” Drew looked at the officer like he wanted to hurt him.
“No, I’m good,” Karlie said, trying to placate Drew. “I promise, I can do this now.” She kissed drew softly. “What do you need to know, officer?”
“Can you start from the beginning and tell me what happened?” The officer took out his pad and pen, ready to take her statement.
“I was going to get some food, and Jake found me in an empty hallway. There was no one around.” She knew she just had to get through her statement, but she was still shaky from the whole thing. Reliving it was something that had to be done, but she wanted to get it over with.
Drew reached down and grabbed her hand, squeezing, offering her his silent support.
“He—he told me that he did something to keep Drew and Ryan away. Jake told me that they would never come for me in timeand that he was going to take me and my baby away from Drew.” She blew out a breath, remembering her fear.
Drew cut in, “Jake must have been the one to call the cops.” Karlie looked confused between the officer and Drew.
