Hey, handsome, I’m right here. You’re doing an amazing job. I’m so proud of you.” Livia’s voice cracked a bit, and she swallowed her tears. “The ladies here are working real hard. Beckett’s here, and Cole is too. We’re all just waiting for you. But you take the time you need. I’m not going anywhere. Well, I may have to pee once in a while, but I’ll come right back.
Debra AnastasiaAs the nurses busied themselves with other patients and statistics, Livia slid her hand over his. She needed to feel his skin. She tucked his hand under the thin blanket and held it without protection. The same tingling she’d felt when they first held hands flooded her skin. He’s still in there. They can tell me anything they want. Blake’s right here.
She scooted her chair closer to his head. The deep, monotonous breaths the ventilator forced him to take sounded scary, but Livia held tight to his hand.
“I love you, Blake Hartt,” she whispered. “I’ll love you forever.
Finally, when they asked him to speak, he found her gray eyes.
His voice was husky and raspy, but his words were clear. “Livia. You love me.”
Beckett let her go as she climbed back onto Blake’s bed. Blake moved slowly, but he seemed determined and winced only a little as he reached for her shoulders and pulled Livia against his chest. She wanted to say something, but her sobs took those words from her.
His raspy voice moved her hair with his precious, perfect words. “You’re here. With me.”
Livia grabbed a fistful of his hospital gown. The strength that had sustained her dissolved into gratitude. To see his light, his face, everything that was Blake again brought relief like she’d never known. He rubbed her back as her body shook with sobs.
That’s great. You have family.” Livia rubbed Blake’s arm.
“You’re my family,” Blake said coldly.
Beckett kissed each woman’s cheek and said, “Ladies, I was saying thank you for taking such beautiful care of my brother. You’re angels. Selfless, beautiful fucking angels. I’ll get out of your hair.
Debra AnastasiaLivia decided she loved watching things go into him. Food, water, love—all these things she could give him.
“You look tired. Would you like to nap?” he asked. Blake was definitely back. There was less rasp and more smoke in his silky voice.
“No, Blake. I never want to sleep again. Just this.” Livia touched his face. “Only this.”
The pride in his eyes almost changed their color. He turned his face to her palm, kissed it, and said, “Come, my love, put your head on my shoulder. Your burdens have been heavy.”
In that moment, Livia realized her eyelids were drooping, and the crook of Blake’s arm seemed perfect for her head. His lips stayed on her forehead as he hummed a serene song. Livia fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.
Livia wasn’t sure how to comfort Blake. She certainly didn’t have a big pile of clean money to take the place of Beckett’s. “Beckett is all sorts of bad because of what he does, but who he is—that’s very beautiful. Sweetheart, he really stood by me while I waited for you to come out of surgery.” She rose and held out her arm.
Debra AnastasiaDo you have to use the ladies’ room or something?” Livia asked.
“No. No, I don’t. I just can’t wait. I’m having all sorts of problems with the waiting.”
Livia knew her sister’s secret would bubble out of her soon.
Cole put a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “You wanted to wait, remember? Tell her if you can’t stand it anymore.”
At that, Kyle exploded. She waved her sparkling left hand in front of her. “Oh my God! I’m engaged! I’m marrying Cole!
Cole quickly shook his head. “Blake, you’re looking great,” he said instead.
Blake nodded. “Livia wouldn’t have it any other way.
The nurses told me what you did, Livia. You made my heart beat in the woods.” He looked at her lips and continued, “You gave me breath. Were you scared, love? I’m sorry.”
“You’re apologizing because you stopped breathing?” Livia wrinkled her nose.
He nodded reverently. “I left you in the clearing again.”
“You took the bullet that had my name on it and let it lodge in your back,” Livia responded. “You never left me in those woods. You gave me strength when I needed it. You don’t need to apologize, but it’s perfectly acceptable for you to never, ever stop breathing again.” She touched his Sorry tattoo.
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