Page 88 of SALT

As she clicks through a few different screens, Cameron asks, "Can I take something to help manage the pain?"

"Isn't Tylenol an acceptable pain medication for women expecting?" I ask, ensuring there's no further fuckups. I'll sue for negligence if there are.

"Everett—"

"I know about the baby, Cameron. I'll never forgive myself if something happens because I wasn't there to protect you." My hand reaches for her stomach. "Both of you."

Her hand covers mine before she squeezes it, drawing my eyes to hers. "What baby? Who told you I was pregnant?"

"Our baby. When the doctor called, he said they didn't know you were pregnant before they sedated you and?—"

"She wasn't sedated," the nurse interjects, walking to the bed and checking her wristband. "Ms. Salt has a concussion. She's been out since she was brought in, but the fact that she knows who you are is a good sign."

Her eyes return to mine. "Everett, I'm not pregnant. I told you I have an IUD."

"I'm going to get you some Tylenol and let the doctor know you are awake."

I squeeze my eyes closed and try to piece together how I messed this up. When I received the call, the woman mentioned Cameron by name and said there had been an accident. That's when the connection got bad, and words were lost.

"You thought I was pregnant? Does that mean you thought I lied too?"

"Cameron, that's not important?—"

"It is important, Everett. I would never lie to you, especially about that."

"Sunshine, I didn't care if you did. That was the first thought that crossed my mind when I got the call." I run my hand through her hair. "I wanted the baby. I wanted to have that baby with you. You are the forever I don't deserve, the reason I lose sleep, and the reason my heart beats. Your light defeats my darkness, and I'll spend every day fixing what I've broken if you'll let me. You are my reason, Cameron Salt."

"I love you, Ev." I bend down, and my hands cradle her face as I press my forehead to hers, my lips skimming over the tops of hers when she adds, "No more hiding, Ev. If this is it and I'm what you want, I need you to trust me with all your pieces, even the sharp ones."

"Maybe I don't want to cut you?"

"And maybe I want the scar that trusting me with your heart leaves on mine." My lips skim over the tops of hers as a burst of emotions I've never felt tear through my heart. It's a kaleidoscope of bliss, a treasure from the divine. I press my mouth onto hers more firmly, scared to give her more. Her hand fists in my shirt, and she speaks against my lips. "Kiss me like I'm your forever, Everett. I won't break." Her tongue seeks entrance that I instantly grant. Her sweet mouth on mine makes me feel like magic is real; it sweeps me off my feet, and for the seconds I'm wrapped up in her, I'm high above the world in a place where only she and I exist. I release her mouth, knowing the nurse will be back with her meds, and if I keep kissing her like that, I won't be able to stop. I peck her lips softly as I pull away.

"You really thought I was pregnant?"

"I did. I might be a little disappointed knowing you're not." I pull away, a little nervous to say the words on the tip of my tongue, but she asked me to give her all my pieces, so I do. "What if I asked you to have that IUD removed while you're here?"

Her eyes search mine, and her face is impassive. "Everett, I hit my head hard, and I'm not sure I'm following what you're suggesting. Are you saying you want to have a baby with me?"

"Yes..." I let out on bated breath, unbelieving that I'm having this moment.

"I could go for an Everly."

"Everly?" My brow furrows, and she smiles.

"Yes, Everly. That's the name of the little girl you'll give me."

I smile bigger than I ever have. "I can't promise it will be a girl."

"Well, we'll have to keep trying until we get one."

"Oh, I can get behind the trying part." I bend down to reclaim her mouth once more.

Her smile matches my own as lips press against mine, but before I get a chance to take more, her hand is on my chest, pushing me back. "As much as I love talking about forever and babies, you're skipping ahead about ten steps. Someone once said he didn't want me falling pregnant out of wedlock on his watch?—"

"Cameron, I thought it went without saying, but since you need the words, I'll give them to you. I want you to be my wife, the mother of my children, the bearer of my soul."

"Good. Let's start with the promise you made to me a week ago when you asked for time. You told me then that you'd give me everything, and until you do that, we can't move forward. I need something real. I need more than just your dreams. I need the real reason you walked away from me tonight—the one that tears you up inside, the one that scares you."

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