Page 53 of Willow

Sleep.

* * *

CALEB

It’s beena week since Willow’s accident. As much as I wanted to stay by her side, I couldn’t leave Cadence for that long. So I’ve been flying back and forth every few days. She still hasn’t woken up yet and the doctors claim she will when she’s ready. They claim her body went through so much trauma that it’s not uncommon for it to take a few weeks. I’m holding them to it and at a certain point I’ll call in specialists if need be.

All six of us attended Ezra’s funeral yesterday. I didn’t know him personally, but Lucas, Jet, Trevor, and Willow did. Since she couldn’t be there, I represented her. We were a united front, proving that we don’t hold him responsible for what happened to Willow. Even though he was driving, it was the other driver’s fault and he’s been charged with manslaughter. Running a red light and a bunch of other violations.

After the funeral, the band and I sat down to discuss their future. Needless to say, they’re angry with me since I refused to cancel theCoins for Changecharity concerts. They’re livid that I made the decision to replace Willow on the keyboards. Caitlin Rogers is taking her place for the month-long tour. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I made the call as a businessman and not as their friend. One of the reasons we walk that fine line when it comes to business decisions. I know deep in my heart that if Willow woke up today, she’d want them to go ahead without her.

Now, I’m on the red eye flight to go see my girl again. I only have two days to spend with her before heading back home. Then god knows how long it will be before I can see her again. My intention is to fly her closer to home, but the doctors won’t release her until she’s awake. And her vitals are good, which could take months. For the first time in a long time, I feel defeated.

I nod off during the flight but not for more than a few minutes at a time. When Harry unlocks the wheels ready for landing, I’m wide awake. I’m not supposed to go to the hospital until visiting hours, but I’ve never been known to follow the rules, have I?

Harry steps out of the cockpit as I stand up to stretch. “I can’t thank you enough for always being at my beck and call, Harry. You’re a good friend.”

“No need to thank me, Caleb. That’s what you’re paying me for. It’s my job.”

“Much appreciated. I’ll give you a call in a few days before I’m ready to leave.” We shake hands and by the time the limo drives off, Harry’s in the air once again.

“Drive me to the hospital and stick around just in case they throw me out, Jack. I don’t want to take an Uber to the hotel if I don’t have to.”

“Of course, Mr. Morris. As you wish.” I try to tick off all the employees on my payroll just to pass the time. By the time we pull into the hospital, I’ve counted one hundred twenty-six. Impressive.

I’m hoping since it’s early morning that the staff won’t be walking the halls. Either way, I decide to take a different elevator since the one near ICU is right near the nurse’s station. If my plan works, I’ll be coming from the back and straight into Willow’s room. Fingers crossed it works.

Why is it always so hot in the hospitals? Walking down the hall, I take off my jacket and drape it over my arm. No matter how quietly I walk, my shoes still make that crazy squeaking noise. So much for the element of surprise.

As I round the corner, I just about run straight into the head nurse. I’m ready to plead my case when she walks right by me mumbling under her breath. “I didn’t see a thing.”

I’m so relieved that I want to hug her, but I count my blessings and walk into my girl’s room. She’s still hooked up to the same damn machines as she was since day one. It’s discouraging, but I’ll never give up on her. Never.

I grab one of the chairs, bringing it closer to the bed. Where I can see the woman I love. There’s still a lot of bruising, but the swelling has almost disappeared. That’s a good sign. Sitting down, I lean forward and slip my hand through the bars. I have this burning need to touch her. I’m desperate for contact of any kind.

When it’s just the two of us, like this, I can’t help thinking about how much time we wasted along the way. All those months that we were apart, angry, not speaking. Could have been avoided. It’s my biggest regret in life so far. And I’ve had my fair share. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know with all my heart that Willow is a part of it. I’m hoping once she recovers she’ll feel the same.

“You made quite an impression on my daughter, love,” I say. “Cadence talks about you all the time. She can’t wait to play the piano with you. No pressure, Willow. I know you’ll need time to heal and I want to help. I was thinking when you’re well enough to travel, I’m going to fly you home. You can come live with us, and I’ll have nurses, doctors, therapists whatever you need at your fingertips.”

We were told that even though she’s not awake we should talk to her. So, that’s what I do when I’m here. I talk about anything that comes to mind. Giving her hope.

“I have plenty of rooms downstairs where we can set up everything you’ll need. There’s one for a bedroom, and then I can convert my office into a physical therapy room since it has a beautiful view of the gardens. You’ll have access to the kitchen. Oh, and the pool would be wonderful exercise for therapy—”

When her fingers twitch in the palm of my hand, I glance up to see her staring back at me. She’s awake! Willow’s awake! “You’re so damn bossy…”

I stand up so quickly that the chair crashes to the floor. I don’t care. I pepper her face with gentle kisses. Carefully, I cup her face and kiss her cracked lips. She’s awake. “Welcome back, love. I missed you so damn much.”

“What the hell’s going on in here?” shouts a voice from the door. Busted. I don’t give a fuck, because my girl is awake.

34

WILLOW

Caleb’s here.I can feel his hand in mine. It’s not a dream.

He’s talking, and at first I think someone else is in the room until he speaks of flying me home. Therapy and a pool? Boss Man wants to steal me away and I’m more than ready. I’ve wasted too much time already.

My eyes flutter open and then his steely gaze is on mine. “You’re so bossy,” slips past my lips. I’m so parched, I don’t think he heard me. And then his lips are all over my face and I pray it’s not a dream. When his lips press to mine and his scent embraces me like a warm hug, I know it’s real.

---