Page 51 of Rules of Engagement

Chapter Twelve

I awoke with a start, blinking from the daylight in my eyes, and relishing the warmth of Solomon next to me. Sometimes when I awaken, it takes a moment for me to get my bearings, but not today. The hoarse sound of his breathing tube and the beep of the heart monitor reminded me exactly where I was. In a hospital room, shivering and trying not to cry again because I knew it wasn't a bad dream.

Winding my fingers around Solomon's warm, still hand, I lay my head on his shoulder and matched my breathing to his. "Wake up," I whispered into his ear. "John, wake up."

Solomon didn't move.

I rolled my shoulders. My body ached, partly from falling asleep perched precariously on the edge of his hospital bed, and partly from my need for his affection. What would I do if Solomon never woke up again? What if he never ran his hands through my hair again, or pulled me in for a hug? What if he never held my hand? What if the last time we made love was the last time, forever?

I stroked his hand, then his arm, winding a little trail to his wrist and back again. When my body couldn't take anymore uncomfortable aches, I tipped my chin and kissed his cheek, then slid off the bed, landing on the floor in my stocking feet.

"I hate this," I muttered to the air.

"Me, too," said a voice.

"Arrgh!" I shrieked, leaping almost a thousand feet into the air before I spun around. Someone had set up a cot at the side of the room before I returned yesterday. I tried sleeping in it, but gave up around midnight and crawled onto the bed next to Solomon where I finally slept. Now, it was occupied. Delgado lay on his back, his eyes closed, his face looking restless. The butt of my gun peeked out from under the pillow.

"Sorry," he said, his eyes still closed. "Didn't mean to startle you."

The door to the room pulled back and an officer appeared, his weapon drawn. Behind him was a nurse. "Who screamed?" asked the officer.

"Me," I said, jabbing a thumb at my chest. "I thought I was alone and he surprised me."

"I need to check my patient," said the nurse. She bustled past the officer who holstered his weapon and nodded to me before stepping aside for the nurse. I stood, frozen and unsure, watching while she did her work, then she smiled at me and left.

"What are you doing down there?" I asked.

"I hope you're talking to me," said Delgado.

"Who else?"

"I heard you talking to God last night. I figured you might try down there too," he said, pointing to the floor. Thankfully, it didn't open up to reveal a pit of fire.

"I haven't talked to God."

"Last night you said 'God, this is shit'."

"That was more of an observation than a conversation! Why are you still here?"

"Doing my duty," said Delgado. "Protecting you and Solomon."

"Didn't you get any sleep?"

"I'm doing Army Sleep," he said. "One ear and one eye open at all times."

"That's Mom Sleep," said Lily from the doorway. She held up a tray of takeout coffees and a brown paper bag with a grease stain forming at the bottom.

"I can't wait for Dad Sleep," said Delgado. His lips curled at the edges. "Stepdad Sleep is the same thing, right?"

"Absolutely the same," I told him and he smiled wider. Delgado, and Serena's toddler daughter, Victoria, had taken to each other instantly. It was nothing less than charming to watch the hulking ex-soldier being dominated by the frilly-dressed, little girl.

"I can't wait for normal sleep," said Lily. "I would dream about it if I actually got any sleep. Look, I put mascara on. Achievement unlocked." She pointed to her perfectly made up face and glossy, bouncy curls.

"Yeah, you look terrible," I teased, looking around her for Poppy and my constant distraction. "Where's my favorite niece, not including my other nieces, especially Victoria," I added hurriedly, in case that question got back to any of my siblings. Each one had a daughter. Delgado mimed zipping his lips. Not so coincidentally, my fear level and the need to avoid all family functions for the next two years, instantly diminished.

"I know, right?" said Lily, seriously. "I brought coffee and donuts. I brought Solomon some too, just in case," she added, darting a glance at him. "I also gave a box to the police officer outside and I dropped some off at the nurse's station. Can I get anyone a napkin?" she asked, depositing her load on the table and reaching into her purse.

"You don't have to feed us," I told her, reaching for a coffee.

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