Текст книги "Unbreakable"

Автор книги: Adrienne Torrisi

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

Chapter 17: The Results

 

ASHLEY

As we pull into the hospital parking lot, my legs start shaking so badly I’m not even sure I can walk on them, but I somehow manage. There has been radio silence other than the occasional text from Sid checking to see how close we are and the constant texting from Shane with words of encouragement, but I don’t count those.

“You okay?” Dad asks as he wraps his arm around my shoulder.

I look up at him and give him a half smile.

As soon as we walk through the emergency room doors, I see all of Todd’s friends lining the walls, and then my eyes land on Ryan. Without even thinking about the fact that the emergency room is filled with the entire senior class, I run up and hug my brother.

“Thank you so much for calling and talking to Dad.”

“Ash, a little tight,” he says, clearly winded from my death grip.

“Sorry.” I look up at him as I loosen my hold, but I’m not ready to let go yet. “Did you see him? How is he?”

“No, his parents and Sid are in there now. He just got back from x-rays, but no results yet. I think they have to prep him for surgery.” Ryan’s eyes shift to the ground, and my stomach turns over with butterflies, not the good kind.

“Ashleeeeey.” I feel her arms squeezing me before I see her.

“Sid, how is he?” I ask as my eyes connect with hers. I can immediately tell she’s been crying; her eyes are bloodshot.

“He’s good,” she says with an overly large smile.

“How is he, really?”

“A mess.” Her whole body releases the façade as she slumps down, letting tears spill down her cheeks. “Sorry.” She wipes her tears away with the back of her hand.

Ryan rubs her back and smiles at my questioning look. “Sid and I bonded.”

“Okaay?” I smile, appreciating the distraction until I see Todd’s parents come around the corner.

My dad immediately walks up to them, hugging Mrs. H., and then he shakes Mr. H.’s hand. I see them all glance over in our direction and my stomach sinks even farther. At this point, it’s pooling around on the floor beneath my feet.

My dad’s eyes meet mine, and he gestures for me to come over. I instinctively look at Ryan. After all, he is Todd’s best friend and should know what’s happening first. He gives me a smile and mouths, “Go,” as he gently nudges me in their direction.

While I approach our parents, there are a million things I want to say. I have an entire speech planned on how Todd is good for me, that he pushes me to be a better person in every way: swimming, school, life. I have been mentally rehearsing it for the entire trip up here, and now I just need to say it calmly so they can see I have really thought this through.

“I-love-him-and-I-need-to-see-him,” comes out as one, long, hysterical sentence. So much for calm and collected.

Mrs. H.’s lips turn up in a sincere smile, and she reaches her hand out to gently stoke my arm. “We know, Ashley. Todd said the exact same thing.” She gives a small laugh at the irony. Then she looks back and forth between my dad and Mr. H. “We were young once; we just forgot what it’s like.” She turns back to me. “We’re sorry we’ve tried to keep you apart for so long, and we’re sorry it took this to make us realize it.” Her smile falters, but her eyes stay on mine. I see the concern in them for Todd, the same concern I hate seeing in my parents’ eyes when one of us is hurt. “I’ll point you in the direction of his room.”

I don’t know what to say, so I just smile at her and our dads. “Thank you,” I say low to all of them.

After my dad gives me a nod and a smile, I look back at Ryan and Sid, and they both give me a discreet thumbs up.

Wow, this is all so unexpected and so easy, too easy.

Todd’s mom has her arm wrapped around me as she guides me through the emergency room hallways. I can’t believe they apologized to me, but before I can relish in my joy, I’m standing outside of Todd’s hospital room door and reality sinks back in as to why we are all here.

“Go ahead.” She gestures toward the door. “He’s been waiting to see you.” She smiles.

“Thanks, Mrs. H.,” I tell her then open the door.

There he is, just as gorgeous as always. He’s got an IV attached to his arm, and his leg is in what looks like a large, wooden box without a top. I hate seeing him like this, yet I love seeing him.

My eyes drink him in, all of him. It’s been too long, and I have missed him so much. I didn’t even realize there was an ache without him until it’s gone now that I’m with him.

“Hi.” My voice is small. I want it to be stronger for him, but it’s not.

“Hi.” He tries to sit up a little straighter, and the movement makes him wince with pain, but he masks it with a smile.

“What’s with you boys and hospitals?” I try to joke.

He laughs and then squeezes his eyes shut before he quickly regains his composure.

“Last I recall, it was you in the hospital.” He gives me that crooked smile, the one that tells me no matter what happens. He’s still the Todd I fell in love with. I am in love with.

“Well, you’ve got me there.”

“Come here.” He pats the space next to him on the bed. I didn’t even realize I was still standing by the door. “I won’t bite.”

“Are you sure?”

“Well, I might.” He gives me a mischievous smile as I approach his bed.

“How are you?” I ask, ignoring the obvious. Duh, he’s in the hospital.

“I’ll be better when you’re right here.” He pats the spot right next to him on the bed again. Then he reads my questioning look perfectly. “It’s fine, Ash. Really.”

I want so badly to be next to him, to touch him, so I don’t hesitate to jump up on his bed. My motion causes the bed to move, and he inhales deeply, reaching for his leg.

“I’m so sorry. I knew this was a bad idea.”

“This was a great idea.” He smiles through the pain as he slides his arm behind me, guiding me so my head is lying on his chest. “I feel better already.”

Rising and falling with his steady breathing is the best feeling in the world. I close my eyes to cherish it because I don’t know how much longer we have alone.

His other hand reaches for my hand, and I see a large, plastic thing attached to his finger. “What’s this?”

“It’s monitoring my heart.” His eyes move over to a screen behind his bed, yet another reminder of where we are.

“What did the doctors say?”

“Well, not much yet. They want to get all the facts before they speculate.” From the way he says it, I know he’s repeating their exact words. His frustration is clear.

“They are still prepping me for surgery, though, without the facts.” His anger seeps through his words. “Therefore, minimal pain medicine until they know more.”

“Good thing you’re so tough.” I trace the outline of his defined chest through his T-shirt.

“Yeah.” He gives a small chuckle. “You know what I realized?”

“What?” I continue to run my fingers over the contours of his chest.

“You never really know how much you want something until you lose it. For so long, I hated my dad for pushing me to go to football camps or to try to get a scholarship, but now that it’s over”—he shakes his head—“I realize I really wanted it, not my dad. That was just a good cover for me not to get too attached to the idea, but now that it’s actually over, I want it more than anything. I guess I’ve always loved it. It’s funny, now that it’s too late.” He sighs deeply as he lays his head back on the pillow.

“Stop it. You don’t know that. It’s not too late. You haven’t even heard from the doctor yet. Let him tell you. Until then, you need to stop talking like that.”

His hand traces mine as it rests on his stomach. “You’re wearing it,” he says, running his finger over his class ring.

“Of course,” I say with a smile.

“Did your dad say anything?”

“Well, our secret is out.”

“Yeah, I figured since you’re here. I guess there is one good thing about all of this.” He gives a small laugh. “I’m so glad he drove you up. I don’t think I could do this without you.”

I lift myself up to look into his gorgeous, crystal blue eyes, careful not to bump his leg, but I need to really look at him when I say this.

“I love you, no matter what. You know that, right?”

I see a little of his stress, pain, and anger melt away. “I love you, too. Thank you for coming.”

The door to his room opens, and in walks a distinguished-looking man with salt and pepper hair who is close to my dad’s age. He’s wearing a tie and an open lab coat over his button-down shirt. He walks with an air of importance. This must be Todd’s doctor.

Todd’s parents come in behind him.

I immediately start to get up, but Todd squeezes my hand and pulls my arm back. “Stay,” he whispers to me.

Once they are all in the room, the doctor clears his throat as his eyes land on me in the bed. I can’t tell if he’s angry or amused.

“Well, we have the results.”

“I should probably go.” I try to release my grip from Todd’s, but he certainly hasn’t lost the strength in his hands.

“Yes. That’s a good idea,” Mrs. H. says. Not in a malicious way, but it’s obvious she’s on edge and anxious to hear the results.

“No. She stays,” Todd says firmly, pulling me back toward him.

When the doctor looks at Todd’s parents for their permission since the results are confidential, his dad gives Todd a look, but he knows his son won’t back down.

“It’s fine,” he says as he gives a small head nod.

All of our eyes quickly shift and are now laser-focused on the doctor. He clears his throat again and turns on the mounted lightbox behind him as he places Todd’s x-rays on it.

“It’s a pretty incredible break.” He points to a bone that is clearly broken on the film. “It’s an enclosed, mid-shaft tibia fracture, as we suspected, but it’s almost a perfect break. Clean and straight through, no displacement.”

“Which means?” Todd’s dad jumps in.

“No surgery, no pins or plates, and a much faster recovery time.”

“How about football?” Todd asks. It’s clear that was the question his dad was about to ask by his vigorous head nod.

“I’ve already spoken to the Penn State doctor and emailed him the x-rays. We both agree there will most likely be six to eight weeks in a full leg cast, which will be non-weight bearing.” He gives Todd a stern look. “And then, with intensive physical therapy, you’ll have full mobility and be back to new and ready for late spring, early summer training.”

“So this won’t affect his scholarship offer?” his dad asks, and I feel Todd’s fingers tighten around mine.

“You’ll have to talk to the Penn State coaches for sure, but my recommendation is that he’ll be as good as new, and this won’t affect his game or ability.” His eyes shift to Todd. “You are very lucky. I think it has something to do with being an athlete.” He winks with a smile. “Now, let’s get you in a cast. And even better news, we can give you a little stronger pain medication for this one.” He gives a robust chuckle. “I’m just glad I didn’t have to go into surgery tonight, because I had one too many cocktails at dinner, if you know what I mean,” he says jokingly, I think.

“Thanks, Dr. Warren,” Todd says with a smile.

“Yes. Thank you so much, doctor.” Mr. H. reaches out to shake his hand, and then he wraps his arms around him in a bear hug.

“You’re very welcome. I’m glad it was good news. I’m a Penn State Nittany Lion, and God knows we need a good kicker. I’ll keep an eye out for you next year,” the doctor says with a smile as he leaves the room.

Within seconds, Brian and Ryan come rushing in with Sid behind them.

“What’d he say? Good news?” Brian asks, his eyes shifting between all of us.

“Sorry, we couldn’t wait,” Ryan says to Mr. and Mrs. H.

Brian’s eyes are darting around the room, trying to read everyone’s expressions. “The doctor was smiling, so it must be good news, right?”

I look at Todd whose face is unreadable. Man, he’s good at this. I’m pretty sure I already gave it away with my smile, but I realize he’s messing with Brian, so I start to play along as Todd just looks down, shaking his head.

“So, it’s bad news?” Brian asks, instantly deflated.

More silence. I’m impressed; even Todd’s parents are playing along.

“Someone say something,” Sid says. I forgot she was here.

Immediately, Todd’s face breaks into a smile. I think he forgot, too.

“I knew it!” Brian shouts to all of us, and then to Ryan he says, “I knew it’d be good news.”

“Oh, really?” Ryan says with a laugh. “What did the doctor say?”

“Well, it’s broken.” Todd’s dad steps in and gestures to the film still on the wall.

Ryan, Sid, and Brian all suck in a breath at the same time when they see the actual break.

“But the doctor said it’s nearly a perfect break, so no surgery is needed, and he believes Todd will regain full mobility and be good as new for summer training.”

“So the scholarship offer still stands?” Ryan asks cautiously.

“We still need to hear from the coaches,” Todd answers, clearly trying to manage everyone’s expectations.

“You even break your leg perfectly,” Sid comments out of the blue, and everyone loses it. We are all laughing when Mr. H.’s phone rings.

“It’s the Penn State coach,” he says, instantly silencing the uproar. You could hear a pin drop.

“Hello?” Todd’s dad says calmly, pleasantly. “Right … Yes, we did speak to the doctor … Yes.” He nods his head as he looks at Mrs. H.

When I glance at Todd, I can tell he has momentarily forgotten how much pain he is in.

“I see … Okay.” Todd’s dad holds up a finger to the room. The tension is palpable.

“Yes … Full mobility … Yes. I understand … You’re taking a chance.”

The mood in the room drops, and I squeeze Todd’s hand tighter. He merely looks down and shakes his head.

“Right … Okay … So the offer still stands?”

Everyone’s heads shoot up, all of us looking at each other with anticipation as Todd squeezes my hand back.

“Yes, two months with hard work and he’ll regain full mobility and maybe even be kicking farther than ever before,” his dad adds.

“Dad,” Todd says quickly, irritated.

“Yes, thank you so much, Coach. And thank you for calling … Yes, you, too.”

As soon as his dad hangs up, the room erupts. Brian leaps over me and hugs Todd, causing him to flinch in pain.

“Careful, careful,” he says to Brian. “Broken leg here.”

“I was so worried, man,” Brian says, still attached to Todd and currently crushing me.

“Oh, yeah, you knew it was going to be fine.” Ryan chuckles.

The door opens again, and a nurse comes in. “I heard someone needs pain medication and a cast.” She smiles sweetly at Todd then turns to the room. “I’ve got to take him for a bit. We’ll be back.” Her eyes land on me.

I don’t think I like this nurse or the way she’s looking at Todd. Then I think I better pull it together, because I’m being ridiculous.

“I’ll miss you,” I whisper to him as he leans his forehead against mine. I let go of his hand, but his fingers stay wrapped around mine for a bit longer. “Go. Get your pain medicine,” I say through my smile and then reluctantly hop off his bed and watch them wheel him away.

Chapter 18: Feeling Better?

TODD

I’m finally feeling good. Whatever it is they gave me is awesome. I’m a little sleepy, but my leg feels great. I have to struggle to keep my eyes open while the doctors and nurses talk to me. I need to see Ashley, and I need to find the chapel, but first, I just need to lie back and close my eyes …

ASHLEY

Todd’s been gone for over an hour, and I’m starting to get worried. What if, when they went to put the cast on, something went wrong? The evil, flirty nurse said she would bring him right back.

The waiting room has cleared out since everyone heard the good news and also since it’s now one o’clock in the morning.

My leg is nervously bouncing up and down, but I can’t control it. It has a mind of its own. I texted Shane the good news, and he immediately called me and started screaming, “I told you,” into the phone. I know he was worried, so I’m glad at least someone is relieved.

“He’s back in his room now,” I hear, and my eyes land on the evil, flirty nurse who is giving me a big, insincere smile. “He’s a little out of it, though.” She giggles.

“Out of it?” I ask, not amused by this girl, nurse, whatever.

“Since they have to make sure the leg is truly aligned when they put the cast on, it’s pretty painful, so they gave him some strong pain killers. I’m guessing you’re Ashley?”

I shoot a questioning look to Ryan, who is sitting a few seats down from me and clearly amused by this conversation. Then I glance back to flirty nurse.

“I am Ashley. Why?”

She smiles. “Well, he’s been talking about you.” She giggles again.

“What does that mean?” Once again, I am not amused.

“Let’s just say, I can tell he really likes you.” She smiles. Yup, still insincere. She probably tried to flirt with him, and he put a stop to it. This woman has no idea what she is talking about. “Do you know where his parents are?” she asks as her eyes glance around the waiting room.

“They went to get coffee.” I try giving her a fake smile back. “Can we see him?”

“He’s asleep right now, but you can go back there. He’s in the same room as before.” She gestures to the hallway behind her.

“Can he go home tonight?” Ryan asks as he gets up to join us.

She looks around. “Well, technically, I’m not supposed to discuss this with you, because you are not family, but I’m pretty sure they are going to admit him for the night since he’s pretty out of it. But you didn’t hear that from me.” She smiles and giggles, now she’s flirting with Ryan. She is the worst.

TODD

I hear a lot of voices and want to open my eyes. I try, I want to join in on the conversation; however, sleep seems like a much better option. Then I hear Brian say something about, “Who cares what the nurse said? We’re all coming in at once.” And then Ryan says something, but I can’t really make out what. The deep black silence is so appealing, so I go there, instead.

“Todd. We’re going to go, honey, since it’s three a.m. We’ll be back first thing in the morning,” I hear my mom’s voice, which instantly comforts me.

I’m glad they are here, and that they’ll be back. I still can’t bring myself to respond, though. I’m not sure where I am, but I’m glad they will be back.

“Todd, everyone is gone, but I stayed. My dad let me stay. Can you believe it? I guess he figured we wouldn’t be able to do anything,” I hear Ashley’s voice, and then she giggles. I love her laugh. “I love you,” she whispers close to my ear, and then I feel her hand in mine and what feels like her soft hair draped over my arm.

I try to squeeze her hand. “I love you, too,” I say, unsure if the words actually came out.

“Todd?”

Maybe they did.

I try to open my eyes again, and there she is, a little out of focus at first, but it’s definitely her. It’s incredible to wake up to her beautiful face. I want to do this forever.

“How do you feel?” she asks as her hand strokes the hair away from my forehead.

“Tired,” I answer groggily.

“I bet.” She smiles. “Go back to sleep.”

“No, I don’t want to waste a minute with you.”

“You heard?”

I smile. “Everything.” I look down at our hands intertwined and see the lump from the large cast now on my leg under the blanket. As soon as my eyes land on it, I feel the weight of it. I hadn’t really felt it before. “Well, I think I heard everything. I don’t really remember much.” I squeeze her hand tighter. “But I did hear you say you’re allowed to spend the night.” I smile. “So I’m going to need you to come here.” I try to scoot over to make room for her and am quickly reminded I broke my leg. I try hard not to wince in pain, but Ash doesn’t miss it.

“Does it hurt?” she asks as she scoots closer to me and rests her head on my chest. She fits perfectly here in my nook.

“A little, but it feels much better than before.” I want to ease her concerns; she doesn’t need to worry.

“I like your cast,” she whispers as she runs her fingers along my chest.

“Yeah? Is it blue? I think I picked blue …”

She lifts the knit blanket to double-check. “Yup, blue.”

“It’s such a waste to have you here alone in the middle of the night and not be able to do anything with you,” I say.

She smiles, because she thinks I’m kidding. “I’m pretty sure that’s the drugs talking.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s not.” I run my hand over her hip, letting it linger as far down as I can reach without moving any other part of my body. I know if I move, it will be excruciating.

“You said some pretty funny things the last few hours.”

“Really?”

Oh, God. What did I say? And who heard?

“Yeah, that you love me. Over and over. I think that’s why your parents finally left.”

“Doubtful.” I laugh while I continue to run my hand along the curves of her body as she nestles into me. I wish I could reach her ticklish spot behind her knee. “But it is true. I do love you, over and over. I guess our secret is officially out now. What else did I say?”

“Um … You pretty much love everyone. Sidney is the best sister ever. You love Ryan and Brian, but you couldn’t pick who you loved more.”

“How’d they take that?”

“Pretty well.” She smiles, her nose wrinkling up.

“And you kept asking for a wheelchair.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it was pretty funny. And then you would fall right back to sleep. In fact, I’m not sure you ever really opened your eyes. You’d just hear our voices and then say you loved us and then sleep.” She yawns. I know she must be exhausted.

“Well, you should sleep now,” I say gently as I stroke her arm.

“I’m not tired,” she says as she closes her eyes. “I want to be here with you.”

“You are here with me, just rest.”

Within seconds, I hear her deep, soft breathing and know she’s asleep. Who would have ever thought this night would end like this—me, here, sleeping next to Ashley?

***

“Rise and shine.” I open my eyes to light streaming through the blinds and notice I am in a different room. I didn’t realize that last night when I was talking to Ashley.

“I heard someone was looking for a wheelchair?” Dr. Warren smiles and then shakes his head as his eyes land on Ashley next to me in the bed.

I feel her stirring. She’s going to be humiliated as soon as she sees Dr. Warren, so I hope she doesn’t wake up. Too late.

She quickly tries to pull the white knit blanket over her head.

“He saw you. It’s too late.” I try to hold in my laugh.

“Good morning, Ashley,” Dr. Warren says, an evident smile in his voice.

“How did you know her name?” I ask, confused, as Ash slowly re-appears from under the blanket, bright red.

“Oh, you told us a lot about Ashley last night.” Dr. Warren smiles.

“I don’t think I want to know.” I need to change the subject quickly. “So, about that wheelchair?”

He raises his eyebrows. “Right. The wheelchair.” He pushes it forward a little. “Now, don’t get too used to it. This is for the hospital only. It will be crutches for you when you’re released. We need to keep everything else strong to get you back on that field. When your parents get here, we can talk about the next steps.” He checks my chart. “Looks like they gave you pain medicine a little while ago, so you should be good, but let us know if you’re in pain. We’re still trying to find the right balance.”

“Sounds good. Thanks, Dr. Warren, for everything.”

“Just score some points for my alma mater next season; that’s payment enough.” He smiles then leaves the room. Now it’s just me, Ash, and the wheelchair.

“Need some help with that?” She gestures in the direction of the chair.

I look at the wheelchair and the giant cast on my leg. “Yeah, I think I do.” I smile.

I hate that she has to help me, that anyone does. This is going to be a long six to eight weeks.

ASHLEY

Getting Todd in the wheelchair is just short of a miracle. I can tell he’s in a lot of pain, but he is determined to do it and shoots down every suggestion that we wait for help. He’s so stubborn sometimes. This is going to be a long six to eight weeks.

Then he gives me his crooked smile, and all of my frustration melts away.

“Your chariot awaits.” He pats his lap.

I can’t help smiling. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“Of course it is. Now get on.”

“Okay?” I say as I try to sit on his lap without hurting him. I don’t want to put my full weight on him, yet it’s impossible not to.

“I broke my lower leg, Ash, not my lap. It’s okay.”

“Are you sure?” I turn so I can see his face as I drape my legs over the side of the chair.

“Positive.” He smiles at me as he starts to wheel us both down the hall.

“Where are we going, oh, brave knight?” I figure I will play along with the whole chariot thing.

“Well, fair maiden, you shall see.” He’s not the best at steering the wheelchair, so my legs bump into the wall as we make a turn.

“I’m sorry, Ash,” he says quickly. “Are you okay?”

I can’t stop laughing as my shoes slide across the wall while he slowly wheels us down the empty hall. “I think we finally found something you are not good at, my lord.”

“I don’t doubtith you are correct.” He laughs, too.

My eyes land on a hospital directory pointing toward the chapel, and I know exactly where we’re going. Of course. This is why he wanted the wheelchair.

“We’ve arrived, but I will need my lady’s help with the door. Oh, wait, there is a wheelchair button. Stay put, fair maiden.”

“You are ridiculous”—I give him a quick kiss on the cheek—“in the best way.”

“Oh, my lady, not in public.” He plays shocked and has now started using a terrible British accent. “Please wait until we are in this non-denominational house of prayer.”

“Because that is so much better, my lord,” I say, matching his terrible British accent.

Finally, he cracks his proper British façade and smiles as he wheels us inside. “I thinkith it is.”

“Well, good thing we’ve completed our journey, then.” My eyes lock with his. We are all alone in the chapel, probably because it’s six thirty in the morning. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful.

“Good thing.” He pushes his fingers through my hair then caresses my jawline before he leans in and kisses me, really kisses me. His thumbs run along my cheeks then he adjusts us both so I’m almost straddling him and he pulls me in even closer. “I love you, Ashley. Thank you for coming.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love you so much,” I say through our kisses. “I hate that you got hurt, but I’m glad I got to spend the night with you and visit yet another hospital chapel.”

“I know. We can add this one to our growing list. And a big thank you to our parents for understanding for once.”

I giggle through our kiss as his hands find their way to my back and bring me in even closer. After a few minutes, we both pull back and take each other in.

I study every detail of his face in one second flat. Then he turns me a little so we are both looking at the altar. He wraps his arms around me from behind, while I hang my legs on top of his. One of my legs is gently resting on top of his cast.

“Does this hurt?”

“Not at all. The cast is pretty sturdy, you know.”

“Good, because it makes a great leg rest.” I smile up at him.

I love being here, seeing the candles lit at the altar, knowing they are all wishes someone made. I’m so lucky my wish came true.

“You know what?” Todd’s voice breaks the silence; it’s low, calm, peaceful, just like our surroundings.

“What?”

“It’s amazing it takes a broken leg to have everything fall into place.” He tightens his arms around me.

I don’t ever want this moment to end. Still, I know it will, just like everything else. I know with things “falling into place,” it means Todd will be going away to school. Regardless, something about being here, wrapped in his arms in such a warm, welcoming, special place tells me that everything will be okay. I know we can handle whatever life throws at us. We can overcome anything together.

“I’m going to work really hard, Ash, and I know my leg can be just as strong as it was before.”

I look up at him. “I know it will be.”

“With you by my side.” He kisses the top of my head, and I close my eyes to relish in this moment for as long as humanly possible. Then I remember I shoved a Sharpie in my pocket. I spotted it near his charts and grabbed it as we were leaving.

“Hey, look what I have.” I pull out the Sharpie.

“Oh, lucky me, and look, you have a blank slate.” He points to his cast, smiling.

“Precisely.” I position myself to make sure where I pick will be the first his eyes land on when he looks down. My body is blocking what I’m drawing so he can’t see anything.

“Make it good. I have to look at it for a while.”

I give him a malicious laugh. “I know.”

“What are you doing, Ash?”

“You’ll see,” I answer playfully, knowing this is driving him crazy.

“I wish I could feel more than just pressure, so I can figure out what you’re doing. I’m getting nervous, Ash. This will be there for everyone to see. And this is taking forever.” Todd keeps talking as I write.

“I’m not done yet. Calm down back there.” I feel him trying to peek around me, so I shift a bit so he can’t see.

“Ashley?”

“Almost done.” I draw a heart around my masterpiece. “Okay, look.” I move so he can finally see.

A.T.

LOVES

T.H.

“They are the same letters you gave to me. Now I’m giving them back to you, but they come with a heart.” My fingers trace the heart I drew. “That’s my heart. I’m giving it to you, all of it.”

“It’s perfect.” He pulls me in and kisses me with just as much desire and longing as I feel for him.