Page 24 of From the Moment We Met

Chapter Five

Jacob

Jacob strolled into the critical care unit, balancing boxes of pastries and bouquets of flowers with the grace of a ballroom dancer. He stopped at the nurses station and presented a tray of baked goodies, posing for a picture with a few of the staff nurses.

And then he heard it—the most beautiful sound—Janie’s laughter. He hurried into his sister's room where he stopped in his tracks. Lilly was perched on the side of Janie’s bed, the two women giggling about something on Lilly’s phone.

His body clenched at the sight of Lilly, the memory of their kiss fresh in his mind. His eyes roved over her body, she looked so different from the other day. Instead of scrubs, she wore a light gray skirt that showcased her ridiculously long legs and a fitted sweater that played up her ample breasts. His fingers twitched at his side with an uncontrollable urge to tangle his hands in her dark hair and press that luscious body against him.

Janie giggled when she glanced up and caught her brother openly ogling Lilly. “Jakey! You’re here!” Jacob swooped in for a hug, careful not to dislodge any of the remaining wires and stood back to admire his sister. In his haste, his hand brushed against Lilly, and he faltered, grabbing her leg to maintain his balance.

“Sorry Lilly, I—” He halted when his gaze met hers; and she blushed. At least she was equally flustered.

“Are you quite alright, Mr. Edmonton?” Lilly inquired, moving to the opposite side of the bed. “Doesn’t Janie look wonderful? She’s already walked the length of the hallway today. Soon I’ll be running to keep pace with her.”

Jacob realized he was staring at Lilly and switched his gaze to his sister, who winked knowingly in his direction. “You're gorgeous Janie, ready to hit the catwalk.”

Janie giggled, squeezing Jacob's hand. “You’re a terrible liar, but I do look tons better than two days ago. What craziness. I thought I had the flu.” She fingered the necklace around her neck. “Isn’t this beautiful? Lilly gave it to me. She said it would bring me love and luck.”

Jacob dropped a kiss on Janie’s forehead before meeting Lilly's gaze again. “I’ve seen it, and I believe it will bring you both those things.” He presented a bouquet with a flourish. “These are for you.”

Janie buried her nose in the flowers. “Tulips, my favorite. Thank you.” Spotting the other bouquet, she inquired, “And who are those for? My invisible roommate?”

For the second time in a matter of minutes, Jacob felt a flush rise in his face. “Actually, they’re for Lilly.”

Lilly choked on her sip of coffee. “Me? What in the world for?”

Jacob handed Lilly the bouquet with a smile. “For being you.”

Lilly accepted the flowers, surprise evident on her face. “That’s really kind, thank you. I’ll leave you two to visit while I find a …a vase.” Lilly squeezed Janie’s hand and nodded at Jacob before skittering out of the bay.

Janie collapsed in a fit of giggles when Lilly left the room, and Jacob glared at his sister in mock anger. “And what exactly do you find so funny?”

“You, my always put together and polished brother, bumbling around like a fresher in university. Make it a bit more obvious, why don’t you?”

“I tripped Janie, it could happen to anyone. These rooms are full of hazards with all the wires and tubes and—” He broke off as her laugh turned into a cough. She grabbed a heart-shaped pillow and held it to her chest incision, slowing her breathing. “Should I get some help?”

“No, Lilly said its normal during the recovery period. It hurts when I laugh or cough, but the pillow helps.”

“I’ll let you rest.” Jacob rose from the bed, but Janie grabbed his wrist.

“Please stay, I’ve missed you. You must fill me in on everything in your life. I live vicariously through you.”

Jacob guffawed at her statement, but Janie continued, undeterred. “It’s true, you’re adored everywhere you go. They roll out the red carpet for you and upgrade you the moment they see you.”

“I’m adored by people that don’t matter. The ones who do, can’t seem to stand me.” Jacob's words hung as heavy as a wet blanket on a summer day.

“I adore you, and I hope I matter.”

Jacob kissed his sister’s cheek. “You matter most of all, Little Bit.”

“Have you heard from her?” Janie’s gaze was pointed as she addressed the elephant in the room.

“I’m assuming you mean Victoria?” Jacob shifted on the bed, uncertain he wanted to broach this topic.

“No, Oprah Winfrey. Of course I mean Victoria. Did she send regrets after the awards show? Perhaps a photo of her latest lover?” Janie didn’t bother to hide the disgust in her voice.

“She texted the other night and wanted to talk. I returned the call the following day, explained your health situation. She sends her love and wishes for a speedy recovery.”

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