Page 95 of Her Wild Coast Promise

“It wasn’t meant to be,” she says. “I have to keep remembering that.”

“Does it hurt?” I ask, placing my palm gently on her tummy.

“They gave me something.”

I move my hand to her heart. “What about for this?”

She places her hand over mine. “The only medicine for that is time.”

I shut my eyes and try to breathe. Time—the one thing we don’t have. With a sigh, I caress her shoulder and lay back on the pillow. Cora’s body relaxes in my arms. We rest there, just breathing beneath the bright lights, with the swish of people passing outside the room, their chatter muted.

When Doctor Higgins enters the room, her eyes widen at the sight of me in the bed with Cora, but she doesn’t kick me out. Maybe it’s the look on my face that makes it clear I’m not moving, or maybe it’s because she’s taking the path of least resistance to getting us out of here.

A different nurse comes by to unhook Cora’s IV and offers her a maxi pad for the bleeding she’s likely to have.

After the nurse leaves, I help Cora with her clothes. She’s a little wobbly and I wonder if it’s the pain meds or the ordeal she’s been through. I’m sure she’s exhausted. I wish I had something more comfortable for her to wear than the slacks and button-down shirt she had on.

“As soon as we get home, we’ll get you in some PJs,” I say.

She gives me a weak smile. “That sounds amazing.”

“Chicken soup in bed shortly after that.”

Her pained eyes turn warm for an instant, and I smile. It gives me hope. I don’t know how I’m going to show her what’s in my heart, but I’m going to try.

“Okay, boss.” I offer her my hand. “Let’s get you out of here.”

ChapterTwenty-Seven

SETH

Cora’s balancegets better as we walk, but I don’t let go of her until she’s gently settled in the passenger seat. I hurry around to the driver’s side and buckle in.

“I need to call Hunter,” I tell Cora. “I don’t have to tell him what happened, but he needs to know that I won’t be in for a few days.”

She draws in a sharp breath. “You don’t have to do that.”

I cover her hand with mine. “I know.”

Her eyes flash with a look that saysI don’t like this. “Tell him I’m fine.”

I lock eyes with her. “You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met.”

She looks away, but not before I catch the hint of a smile on her face.

I start the engine and back out of the parking spot. Once we’re on the road, I dial Hunter’s cell number.

He answers on the first ring. “You okay? The PIO said you ditched your press conference.”

“I’m okay. Cora was in the hospital, and I needed to be there.”

“Shit. Is she all right?”

I nod even though I know he can’t see me. “Thanks to modern medicine, yeah.”

Hunter breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good. How can I help?”

“I need a few days off.”

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