Page 152 of Take My Hand

Suddenly I was dragged into his arms and into a strong hug and back slap. “She’s going to be alright, bud. She’s strong.”

As we pulled apart the door opened, and a small guy with his shirt sleeves rolled up smiled at us both.

“Maya’s fiancé and brother, is that right?”

We nodded, and I took his outstretched hand. “Will.”

“Jack, Maya’s brother,” Jack offered as he then greeted him.

“Dr Young. Please take a seat.”

Jack and I exchanged worried glances as we took a seat opposite the doctor. Thank fuck he was smiling.

“Okay, so the situation is this,” he said. “Maya has a broken left wrist and three cracked ribs. She’s got some stiffness in the neck, which would indicate she has whiplash, so don’t be alarmed when you see her wearing a collar, it’s just a temporary measure.”

“Is she awake?” Jack asked.

“Yes, she is. She’s a bit battered and bruised, so she’s in a fair amount of pain, but we are giving her something for that. That means she may fall asleep soon. Which is why I’m going to let you see her for a few minutes before she does.”

Both of us stood up immediately while Dr Young stayed seated. He grinned and held his hand up.

“One second, guys.” We both sat back down, and my knees started bouncing again. “She’s been very lucky it was only herquick thinking to veer into the hard shoulder when the other car hit her that stopped her from ploughing into the truck in front.”

Nausea hit me, and when Jack groaned and grabbed my arm, I knew that piece of information had hit him hard, too.

“So,” Dr Young continued, “we don’t think there’ll be any reason to keep her in. However, when she goes home, I need you to keep a look out for some form of post-accident trauma. Whatcouldhave happened may hit her hard once she’s got time to think about it.”

“I’ll keep a close eye on her,” I said.

“We’ll watch her like a hawk,” Jack said at the same time.

Dr Young slapped the wooden arms of his chair. “Okay, let’s take you to her.”

Leading us to the side room that Maya was in, I was desperate for him to quicken his steps. I needed to see her—the woman I loved. There was no point in denying it any longer.

Finally, we reached the room. There on the bed Maya was lying, looking tiny and pale against her pillow

“Fuck,” I muttered.

Her eyes fluttered open, and a smile ghosted over her face. “Hey.”

Jack rushed over to her and bent to kiss her forehead. “What the hell, Mays.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

I stood back to let them have a few moments, watching as her brother brushed her hair from her face. Looking down at her, he took in a deep breath and then slowly blew it out, and I noticed how his hand was shaking at his side.

“I’ll leave you for a few minutes,” Dr Young whispered to me. “She’s in a temporary cast at the moment, so tomorrow we’ll put her in a permanent one, but she needs some sleep for now.”

I grabbed his hand and shook it. “Thank you, Dr Young.”

“My pleasure and she’s going to be fine.”

As he slipped out of the door, Jack turned to me and then back to Maya. “Will’s here, Mays.” He took a step back, and I immediately rushed forward to take his place.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Leaning closer, I placed my arm above her head and took her good hand in mine. “What were you doing driving on the motorway so late?”

Her eyes drooped but then she took a breath. “Coming to see you. I wanted to be there when you got home.”

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