A brief cloud of pain floats through her eyes. “Don’t worry about that right now. Just focus on getting better.”
My stomach flips as my thoughts grow wary. She’s told me she loves me before and ended up back with Hunter.
“I could do that easier if I knew you meant this.” My ribs spasm and I grunt through the pain.
She keeps a concerned eye on me until I’m settled. I gently nudge her with my hand.
A soft smile graces her lips as she responds. “I mean it, Jami. There’s no changing my mind.”
“How can I be sure? We’ve been through this before.”
She gets to her feet and paces beside me. “Do you know how scared I was? I thought I’d never get another opportunity to tell you how I feel. I thought the last thing you would remember was me telling you to move and find someone else to love.”
Her words bring a tidal wave of memories to the forefront of my mind. I was on a walk with her and begging her to give us another try. A sudden sting slices at my heart.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to force away the awful feeling. “You told me Hunter needed you, and I needed to go to Miami.”
She rushes to my side. “I know what I said, but none of that matters. You were given another chance at life, and I plan on making every day count.”
“Why is this time any different than before?”
“Jami, I made a deal with God. I told him I’d never let you go if he brought you back to me. There won’t be a day that goes by that you don’t know how much I love you.”
“But what if?—”
“No. There is no what if. I’ve never been so sure about anything. We’re meant to be together. I know it’s never been easy with us, but that can change if we try.” The determination in her voice is unmistakable.
“What about all the obstacles we have to overcome? Those have always stopped us before. Who’s saying they won’t again?”
“We’ll get through them one at a time. If we lean on each other, I know we can have a great life together.” Her eyes penetrate mine. “If that’s what you want.”
My body relaxes. “You know that’s what I want.”
“Does that mean you’ll have me?”
I reach up and palm her cheek. “Every day for the rest of my life. I love you, Dori. I always have.”
“Then it’s settled.” She leans over and brushes her lips against mine.
Even under the influence of drugs, her lips have a more soothing effect on me than any medication. I soften into the mattress.
She pulls away and stares deep into my eyes. “If you ever decide you want to get rid of me, you better think twice.”
“Not a chance in hell will that happen. Being with you is what I want. And by saying it’s what you want too, you just gave me great news.”
“If it’s good news you’re sharing, let me in on it.” Chuck’s voice booms behind Dori.
She moves aside and lets Chuck stand in her place. Lauren joins Dori, and they exchange a pleasant hello. They even hug.
What the fuck?
How could they be civil when Lauren had hit Dori the last time they saw each other?
I’m trying to piece together their interaction when Dori excuses herself to give me time to visit with them. As soon as she leaves, I ask Lauren about it. She explains they cleared the air while waiting for me to get out of surgery.
At least, that’s one good thing that came from this. If Dori’s being sincere and wants a life with me, this bullet wound might be worth it in the end.
Chuck and Lauren only stay a short while as I grow tired. I fall asleep as they leave the room.
