Page 51 of Signed With Love

Hours must go by, because when the squeezing sensation in my hand wakes me up, the sun filters through the windows. It takes a moment for me to gather my bearings, but then I’m up from the chair and sitting beside Jamison.

His eyes roam over my face. His hand comes up to push a wayward strand of hair out of his way, then he signs, You’re hurt.

I’d been in such a rush to get off that mountain after we found them, I slipped on some rocks and fell. It really isn’t anything but a scratch. It doesn't even need a Band-Aid. Not like him.

I’m okay. You’re hurt, I sign.

I can’t stop the tears from falling when I see the stitches on his forehead or the wraps of white bandage around his chest. Jamison swipes tears away with the pad of his thumb. I bury my face in the crook of his neck and let everything go. Jamison wraps me snug in his embrace. His hand slides in my hair, and his lips land on my temple with a kiss.

I’m careful not to smash my body into his broken ribs. When Jamison shifts his weight to hold me tighter and flinches, I pull away and give him a stern look. He doesn’t pay much attention to how hurt he is. With a press of the nurse’s button, I make Jamison lie back and stop moving. A deft swipe of my hand removes all the tears that fell before the nurse walks in.

The nurse is a petite woman with cropped white hair and a sweet smile. She must have an update from the nurse last night, because she doesn’t attempt to speak, but rather hands me a clipboard with a piece of paper asking, How can I help you?

I glance over at Jamison. His brow is still furrowed, and despite his IV, he signs, I’m okay. Come back to me.

My pen glides across the paper. A heavy floral scent hits my nose. Maybe to others it would seem like just a hint of Chanel No. 5, but for me, it’s almost enough to make me gag. I ignore it and pass the clipboard back to the nurse.

He’ll say no, but I think he needs more pain medication. I also think he’ll tell you he’s fine and wants to leave. Feel free to ignore him unless the doctor tells you otherwise.

The nurse puts the clipboard to her side and goes to talk to Jamison. They share a few words, then the nurse turns to leave. When our eyes meet, a smile spreads across her face. She’s laughing. When I glance back, Jamison’s arms are crossed and he rolls his eyes. I don’t care.

Let me take care of you, I sign, then sit on the edge of his bed, leaving some distance between us this time. I have to swallow the lump that forms in my throat when I pick up his hand again. I almost lost him, but that danger comes with being in love with a man like Jamison. That means we need to treasure every moment we have together.

Jamison releases my hand so he can sign. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you away. I’ve missed you so fucking much. Jamison sits up, ignoring me when I push him back down. I sure picked a stubborn man to fall for.

“Stop moving,” I say out loud. He doesn’t seem to be listening any other way.

A look I’ve never seen before crosses his face as he signs, I need to hold you.

And you need to heal. We can discuss what happened between us. I work hard to keep my signing slow and my emotions in check. The harsh smell of the hospital room nearly makes me gag every time I take a breath, but I refuse to leave his side. He slides a piece of paper over and starts writing.

I know I don’t deserve you, but I want to prove to you that I can be the man for you. I thought you’d push me away after what I did. I know my life is hard to handle. I’m a mess. I’m sorry.

I grab his hand, his rough palm comforting me. I run my fingers through his hair and kiss his cheek, then I free my hands. I need that connection between us, as much as I can get without hurting him.

Everyone deserves love. Fight for what you want. You don’t seem like the type to give up, but I felt like you were giving up on us, I write.

I’m not. I’m stubborn, and you’re stuck with me.

The nurse returns and gives him the pain medicine. He shoots me a look, and I just smile. He might be stubborn, but so am I. I have no issues being stuck with this man right here. After the nurse administers the pain medicine, she leaves, and I turn back to Jamison.

I pass him some water to drink, then sign, So I’m stuck with you? No more pushing me away? I ask, and as much as I want to just get lost in his arms, this conversation is so important because I want to be stuck with him forever.

I promise. I fell in love with you. I want to make us work.

His confession lifts all the weight that has been sitting on my chest. To know I wasn’t falling alone makes the adventure of finding love that much more exhilarating.

We are going to work. I love you, I sign and release a deep breath. Warmth spreads through my chest.

A happiness like this is something I haven’t felt before Jamison threw himself into my world with his words, both written and slashed through the air.

I need to hold you, he signs.

I stand and make my way over to kiss his forehead.

Well, let me try to spring you from this hospital.

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