Page 54 of Willow

“What the hell’s going on in here?” A voice shouts from somewhere in the room and the two of us are suddenly separated. Now I feel like I’m being dragged underwater. NO. NO. I want to go back.

* * *

CALEB

“Why did you do that?She was awake for Christ’s sake!” I’m fucking livid when the nurse gives Willow a sedative. She was awake for just a few minutes. Fuck!

“Sir, you need to leave. Her heart rate spiked and so did her blood pressure. I know this is difficult, but you need to leave now.”

“Not happening. She just woke up and I’ll be here when she wakes up again. Willow needs me here and I’m staying.” Crossing my arms, I dare her to throw me out.

“This is a hospital where we care for sick patients. If you don’t leave of your own accord, I’ll need to call security to have you removed. Not something I want to do.”

A man appears at the door. “It’s okay, Nurse Trello. I’ll take care of the situation.” Like this dude thinks he’s going to throw me out. Apparently he must be a boss or something because she nods and walks out the door.

“Unfortunately, I need to ask you to leave. You’re welcome to come back during visiting hours, Mr. Morris. Being a businessman, I’m sure you can understand our dilemma. If we make an exception for you, then all the other patients would want us to grant them the same privilege. Understood?”

“I understand. Although there’s a difference between this patient and the others. Whatever it costs for Willow to be in this ICU per day, I’ll double it. As long as I can stay in here with her.” Oh, that got his attention.

“Is that a bribe, Mr. Morris?” With his hands on his hips, he challenges me.

“I’ll donate one million dollars to the charity of your choice if you allow me access to Willow anytime I’m in town. That’s not a bribe, that’s a promise.”

“Now that I can do. I’ll let you know tomorrow what charity I choose and you can send them the check personally.” He shakes my hand and walks out the door. The best million I’ve ever spent.

I don’t like throwing my money around, but for something like this I’ll do whatever I need to do. When Willow or Cadence is involved, I’d do anything.

Sitting down, I lower the bar to Willow’s bed and reach for her hand again. Hoping she can still feel me here with her. I know the nurse was doing her job. I just wanted more time with Willow before she fell asleep again. I didn’t have time to tell her how much I loved her. How much I needed her. Dammit.

I rest my head on my arm and stroke the top of her hand. Wishing she’d open her eyes. Closing mine, I visualize Willow playing the piano at my penthouse.

I’m disorientated when I open my eyes. Forgetting where I am. It’s been happening a lot lately since I’ve been traveling back and forth. White sheets and a sterile smell remind me I’m with Willow. I must have fallen asleep. Fingers stroking my hair, touching my face, and then I’m sitting straight up.

“You’re awake!” I snap the bar back in place before the nurse walks in again. I’m in enough trouble as it is. Bending over until we’re nose to nose, I whisper, “I love you so much, Willow, and I’m going to tell you that a million times a day for the rest of your life.”

“Caleb, I’m so sorry about what happened—”

“There’s plenty of time to talk about that later. We need to get you back home so I can hold you every damn night. I need you, love. So damn much.”

Automatically, she reaches for her locket and it’s not there. Fuck! The accident, I never even thought to check.

“Caleb, it’s gone. Oh no….”

“Shh, I’ll find it. Let me ask before we jump to conclusions.” This time, the nurse storms in but doesn’t say a word. Good, she’s learning.

“Sweetie, you need to calm down or I’ll have to sedate you again.”

“No I don’t want to sleep. I need some answers. Where’s my locket? I was wearing a locket. I need it.”

“Calm down. They won’t let you wear it in here, sweetie. Rest assured that all of your belonging are in a very safe place. Now, hold still so I can check your vitals.”

“Caleb, I don’t remember much about the accident. What happened? How’s Ezra? How long have I been in here?” The list would have gone on and on until I held up my hand.

“I’ll answer all of your questions very soon. My main concern right now is you getting stronger and better. It’s going to take some time, but I’ll be there every step of the way. You can move in with me—”

“Caleb, I don’t want to be a burden. You have enough on your plate to deal with between work and Cadence and—” and, she fell asleep in the middle of our conversation. Maybe it’s for the best. I dread having to tell her about Ezra, but it’s inevitable that it will happen. She needs to realize how lucky she is to have another chance at life. And that it will be spent with me taking care of her.

I made a few calls while she was sleeping to let everyone know that she woke up. Of course, they all want to come and see for themselves. It’s understandable. They’ve known her a lot longer than I have and they love her too. So, I relented. Giving up some of my time with her so she could see all of them before they leave on tour without her. She took the news like the professional she is. Knowing the show must go on. It’s only for the month-long charity event.

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