Page 74 of Alexander's Heart

“Dad, I know that telling Alexa about Alexander’s surgery will cause unnecessary worry so I’m going to keep it between us for now.”

I’m determined to protect our daughter’s tender heart for as long as I can, children should be allowed to be worry free and happy.

“I think that’s a good idea, Alexander will pull through sweetheart, and knowing him as soon as he wakes in recovery he’ll get up and walk in here like nothing happened.” I giggle-hiccup because I know that’s exactly what he’d try to do.

‘Alexa, you haven’t fallen in, have you?’ Dad yells out.

The door opens and Alexa strides over and stops in front of Dad with her little hands on her hips.

“I loves you, Pa, but sometimes a little lady needs to be discwete, and washing my hands is vewy impowtant.”

I giggle because Alexa is just that, a little lady but she also gives it to these men and I love that she has both manners and the right amount of sass.

“Duly noted, Princess. Pa was just being funny to make you smile.” Dad says smiling cheekily.

Alexa relaxes her stance and steps in and hugs him, “Me too, Pa, I loves you.”

We all laugh, and sometimes that’s all you need is a good laugh to warm your heart. I can feel it, the feeling of doom and tightening in my chest has eased and I just know Alexander is going to be alright.

ALEXANDER

My consciousness and senses gradually return as the haze of anesthesia leaves my body. With each passing moment, clarity creeps back into my mind accompanied by… a dull ache and I remember why I’m here, fuck.

I blink my eyes open, squinting against the harsh hospital lights, and take a couple of deep breaths. I feel the restriction of bandages wrapped around my torso, the gentle beeping of machines and the soft murmur of voices, which has my gaze drifting to the figures moving about the room but there’s only one man I want to see.

“Doc.” I shout as I try sitting up, fuck me, that hurts.

“You’re okay, Mr. Harrington, settle back, you’re okay, you’re in the hospital.” A female nurse stresses, I know she has my health in mind but she has no idea that I’m not one to lay back to recover.

“Where’s Doc? Get him here now.” I boom.

“I’m here, Chief, stop scaring the lovely staff and lay the hell down will you, I don’t want to have to redo your damn stitches.”

“I’m good Doc, do what you have to do to get me on my feet.” I stress.

“Shit, Chief I didn’t even get a chance to take a piss before your big ass woke up.” Doc says chuckling.

“I have to get to my family, Doc.” I breathe out.

“Davies is with Lily and Alexa and only Lily knows you were in surgery, they’re okay and waiting for you in your room.”

“Okay, good, now let me up so I can see my girls, I need to hold them.”

Doc shakes his head, “Can you give me five mikes so I can relieve myself first.”

“Five mikes Doc, hurry your ass up.” I rouse him.

I love the man, he’s a fucking whizz with a scalpel and has the neatest stitches that leave hardly a scar and none of my family would be here if it wasn’t for him. I’m thinking I’ll buy him that fancy Glenfiddich Grand Couronne 26 year old scotch whisky, I saw him googling the night he swiped the hospital Chief’s bottle. It’s the next one up and he whistled when he saw the price.

My mind is spinning as my memories of last night come flooding back, I can’t believe there was a child, who has been through God only knows what, at least I know she’s safe in Tiny’s arms, he’s not going to let Caroline’s little girl go.

But damn it all to hell, it makes me vibrate with anger because this little girl is about Alexa’s age. One things for certain, I’m going to finish Trickle off with the most excruciating death, this is his last day on this earth and I’m going to enjoy sending him to hell.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

LILY

We’ve just finished with breakfast and my babies are actively moving around and all of sudden they stop, and I feel Alexander’s presence and look to the doorway and there stands my big strong slightly disheveled man wearing a pair of hospital scrubs.

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