My eyes flutter open, and the scent of disinfectant reaches my senses. Where am I?A beeping sound surrounds me, and I’m finally able to focus on the lights above.
Water, I’m so dry.
I turn my head and see Kane sitting in a chair nearby, fast asleep. His head has fallen back onto the top of the chair as he takes silent breaths. His arms are crossed over his chest, his legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. Even asleep he looks dreamy.
A nurse walks in and approaches my side. “Miss Watts, it’s good to see you’re awake.”
“Thank you,” I say with a croaky voice. “Can I have some water, please.”
“Sure, hon, just take small sips.” She holds a cup of water with a straw sticking out in front of me, and I take a few sips, enjoying the coolness on my dry throat.
“Thank you,” I mutter.
“You’re welcome, I’m just going to get the doctor in.” She looks over to Kane, who’s rousing from his sleep. “He’s been here all night, honey, very good-looking man you have there.”
I smile at her. “Yes, I do.” I looking over to Kane as well.
His eyes open and suddenly widen. He sits up and is immediately by my side. “You’re awake.” He leans down and kisses my forehead.
“Yeah, I am. Where’s Hazel? Is she okay?”
He smiles. “Yeah, babe, she’s just getting checked over, that’s all.”
He pulls back and tucks my hair behind my ear. Memories of him doing the same to Jasmine come to mind, and I go to ask him what that was all about, but the doctor comes in with a clipboard in hand. “Miss Watts, nice to see you’re awake. I’m Doctor Steele.”
The doctor looks like he’s in his late fifties, his salt-and-pepper hair distinguished, and cut in a simple, short style. He has a warm, inviting smile, and gray eyes that make him seem kind. He takes his stethoscope from around his neck and begins to check my breathing and heartbeat. He finishes, then looks down at me. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a bus,” I tease halfheartedly.
“Well, kind of, but not exactly a bus from what I hear.”
Memories of Blake’s SUV coming toward me come to mind, and the last thing I remember was seeing Blake’s crazed and smiling face in the windshield before I was hit.
“Unfortunately, Miss Watts, I have some bad news,” the doctor says, his face turning serious.
Oh no, not my baby.
“No, please, no,” I beg, tears now threatening to fall. Kane runs his hand gently down the side of my face, and the doctor looks at him then back to me.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that your baby didn’t make it.” He looks at Kane with a sympathetic stare, obviously thinking it’s his child. It may not have been his, but boy did I want it to be.
I look at Kane now, tears falling freely. “I’ve lost my baby,” I sob, not caring as a loud mewling sound leaves my lips. I cling on to Kane tightly as he brings me in close to hug him, my hands gripping his T-shirt. “Why, Kane? Why did this have to happen?” I ask, looking up at him, begging him for an answer.
“I’m so sorry, babe, so, so sorry.” His own tears are falling down his face now.
“I’ll give you two some time alone. Again, I’m sorry for your loss,” the doctor says, but I don’t respond. I can’t—I’m too broken.