Page 86 of Unforgiven

She was okay with that.

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Tabitha hadn’t wanted to stay overnight in the hospital, but she hadn’t put up much of a fight. She’d been shaking and hurting and needed to feel safe. The nurses and doctors had done a good job with that. In addition to letting Seth stay by her side past regular visiting hours, almost every hour someone had come in to check on her.

When she’d woken up bleary-eyed and exhausted this morning, she’d been ready to go home. She knew she’d be a little frightened there, but she had good locks on her doors. She would be all right.

Then the doctor surprised her by recommending that she stay another night. It seemed they were still worried about a possible concussion since she’d almost passed out when she’d tried to walk to the bathroom.

She was just glad to not have to be alone just yet. Even though Deputy Ernst had come in and promised that Leon was behind bars and wasn’t eligible for bail, she wasn’t sure if she completely believed it.

So, maybe it was good that she was in her hospital room. But as she tapped a button on the TV’s remote control and watched the variety of stations flicker across the screen, Tabitha knew that while she might feel safe, she was also going to be very bored. And uncomfortable. Her hospital bed’s mattress was hard and unforgiving. Not very comfortable at all.

When her door opened after the briefest of knocks, she turned toward it in time to see Seth come in. “Seth. You came back.”

He crossed the room, then leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Of course I did. I told you I would. Were you wondering where I was?”

She had been, but admitting that would tell him too much. “No. I’m just pleased to see you.”

He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Sorry, but I had to wait until visiting hours began. I didn’t think the nurses would let me come early after they let me stay here so long last night.”

“I understand.”

“Do you?” He frowned as he sat down. “Then why am I getting the feeling that you’re surprised to see me?”

“I don’t know.”

“Tabitha, talk to me.”

Feeling foolish, she said, “I guess I just thought you’d be ready for a break from me.”

His steel-blue eyes seemed to look all the way inside her heart. “I didn’t want to leave your side last night. Did you not think that meant something?”

“I knew it did.” She was at a loss for words and feeling flustered. That feeling only got worse when he remained silent, waiting for her to continue. She waved her good hand. “I don’t know what else to say.” It was a miserable thing to admit but the truth. Seth seemed to turn her mind into mush.

“I happened to see your nurse in the hall. She said they’ve recommended you stay another night.”

“Yes. The doctor thought it would be a good idea.” No way did she want to admit to Seth that she feared everyone knew she was afraid to be home by herself.

“Honey, I’m glad they’re keeping you here. You’ll be able to rest.” His eyes were filled with compassion. “And let’s not forget your broken wrist.”

He’d called her honey. She mentally tried it on for size and decided she liked it. “I haven’t forgotten my wrist.” She frowned down at her arm. The bandages were bulky, and her wrist was throbbing. Actually, she was so bruised and sore, she didn’t know how she was going to do a single thing when she got home. She couldn’t even imagine getting dressed by herself.

“Are you in pain?”

“My shoulder and wrist hurt.” Actually, pretty much every part of her body hurt. Besides the black eye and her shoulder and wrist, she had an assortment of bruises and abrasions all over her. The doctor had reminded her that recovery was going to take time. Maybe even weeks before she felt like her old self.

Seth pushed a button beside her bed.

“Yes?” a woman’s voice said.

“I’m here visiting Tabitha Yoder. She’s in a bit of pain. Can you help her with that?”

“I’ll come right down.”

When Seth leaned back with a satisfied expression on his face, she shook her head. “You didn’t have to call the nurse.”

“Of course I did. I could see you weren’t about to call for help yourself.”

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