Page 118 of Secret Love

“Totally dreamed about you in surgery,” he says really fast…like he's trying to fight the slur.

I giggle and look back at the surgeon.

“He's feeling pretty good on those medicines, I think,” Dr. Cermak chuckles. She starts to say something else, but Henley jumps in.

“I dreamed we were getting married. We were getting married on the dock by the water with the candlestick in the library,” he says and then laughs.

When I’ve got my bearings back after laughing so hard, I say, “Well,that'sfunny since you haven't even asked me to marry you yet.Notthat I expect you to yet.” I hold up my hand when he opens his mouth, but he starts nodding his head so fast.

“I thought of that,” he says. “I thought of that in my dream…that I have not asked you yet. And so, will you please marry me? Tru. Trudi...uh, Trudi…Tru Seymour. Dammit. I wanted to say your middle name. Eloise!” He snaps his finger. “Trudi Eloise Seymour, will you please marry me on the dock by the water with the candlestick in the library?”

“I kind of feel like we're playing Clue instead of having a real proposal.” I lean in, unable to stop laughing. “Oh, how I love you, Henley Ward.” I lean in and kiss him.

“Are you avoiding my question?” he says, still grinning against my lips.

“Iamavoiding your question,” I say emphatically. “Because I’d rather your proposal not be whenever you're on…whatever this is you're on.”

“But, I feelso good,” he says. “So much love I can’t even express it all,” he slurs. “Tell her, Doctor, tell her I'm completely coherent.”

“You're coherent, all right, but I'm not sure proposals are the smartest option during this recovery time. How about we talk about how your surgery went?”

“I don't really want to talk about that,” Henley says. “It's not going to be good, is it? I'm thirty-six. I have a major ACL tear,and even though you're a genius doctor, I know it does not look good for me.”

“Sadly, you’re right…where football is concerned anyway,” Dr. Cermak says, “but it’s too soon to know that for sure. Let’s keep a positive outlook and we'll see how everything heals. I’d feel better if you stayed the night, but I know you're not wanting to.”

“No, I don't need to stay the night,” Henley says, staring at me. “I want to be in bed with my fiancée.” He grins his wide-open smile.

And I grin back in spite of myself.

Dr. Cermak chuckles. “This guy's a charmer,” she says, looking at me.

“Yes, he is.” I run my hands through Henley’s hair and then pat his scruffy cheek.

I can't believe that even in recovery from a major surgery that could be ending his career, this man is still managing to make me happier than I’ve ever been. I don't know how that's possible, but he does.

Even though this mood he’s in, or this high, I guess, will be fleeting. The gravity of what he’s facing had caught up with him before surgery and will again, but for now he's happy and I want to keep him that way.

“I’ll make sure he doesn't overdo it if you think he's okay to go home,” I tell Dr. Cermak and then look at Henley, “but I really think if Dr. Cermak wants you to stay, you should and I'll stay with you.”

“I'll sleep so much better in my bed, but I'll do whatever you think, Dr. Cermak.” Henley nods at Dr. Cermak then winks at me.

I try not to crack up.

“If you promise to let this lady take care of you when you get home and not be on your legat all, I guess you can go home,” Dr. Cermak says.

“Yes,” Henley says, sounding like one of his girls when they get excited about something.

“All right. I will come back in a little bit with discharge instructions…it’s going to be really important that you follow them.” Dr. Cermak looks at me then. “And important that you make sure he does,” she reiterates.

“I will. And when I'm not there to do it, one of his daughters or teammates or family members or friends will fill in.”

“Therewasa full room out there with guys who seem willing.” Dr. Cermak smiles.

Dr. Grinstead comes in and he and Dr. Cermak nod at each other.

“Okay, great. Rest a little while and I will be back.” Dr. Cermak taps the end of the bed and walks out.

“Dr. Grinstead!” Henley sings.

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