Page 92 of Steadfast

“I’m fine, Oakleigh,” Maeve said calmly, attempting to put her at ease. “I just need a minute to myself.”

Without a reply, Oakleigh sat on the edge of the bed and placed the bowl on the nightstand. She dipped the washcloth into the warm water and wrung it out.

Maeve’s request for solitude had been swiftly denied.

“Oakleigh, please,” she requested again, unaccustomed to having to repeat herself.

Oakleigh quietly pulled her phone from her pocket and snapped a picture. She swiveled the screen to Maeve so she could see the image of herself. Maeve’s eyes went wide as she took in just how terrible she looked.

No wonder they’re all so concerned.

“Now, will you let me help you or not?” Oakleigh asked. “Because I’m pretty sure if the doctor sees you like this, he’s going to Life Flight you out of here.”

Maeve conceded as she collapsed back into her soft linens. She couldn’t help but groan from her sore muscles, which were getting tighter by the second.

Oakleigh gently dabbed over Maeve’s brow, avoiding the cuts as best as she could. Swishing the washcloth in the warm water again, she twisted it hard as the excess splashed back into the bowl. The clear water was now tinged with a mixture of blood and mud.

Maeve closed her eyes, suppressing the surge of pride that kept welling up within as she allowed Oakleigh to pat down her arms and hands that were gashed by the broken glass.

When the doctor finally arrived, the family gathered in the doorway, patiently waiting for him to urge Maeve to do what was best and get herself to the hospital. The doctor was a small statured man who had been a friend and trusted care provider to the Callaway family for many years.

“You know I should tell you to go in, Maeve,” he pronounced. “But I know better than anyone that I certainly can’t make you.”

Sawyer threw his hands in the air again, angered by what he perceived as the doctor’s cowardice in the face of his mother’s persistant stubbornness.

“I’d say you cheated death again, Maeve Callaway,” he said, with a quick shake of his head in disbelief. He stood and went to the door, pausing to whisper to the family. “If anything changes, take her straight in.”

“We will, thanks doc.” Crew nodded, giving him a firm handshake.

“Anytime,” he said with a slight smile. “Callaway injuries paid off my student loans,” he chuckled as he made his way down the hall.

Maeve propped her elbows on the bed and sat up with a wince.

“See, I told you I was fine.”

Dallas knelt beside her and gently took her hand. His eyes were filled with worried tears.

She felt a surge of anger again as she balled her hands into fists. “I can’t do this anymore, Dal. I just can’t.”

“You don’t mean that,” he whispered.

“I do mean it,” Maeve exclaimed. Laying her head back, her tears began to stream down her cheeks and pool on the pillow.

Dallas gave her bruised hand a soft kiss, “We’re here, Maeve. Just get some rest.”

Maeve couldn’t rest that evening despite her attempts at trying. Every inch of her body ached, and her mind kept replaying the events of the accident, the loss of the blue ranch truck—

AndAbel.

Chapter 30

One Last Goodbye

Maeve & Abel

The plush, snow white bed sheets felt exceptionally soft on Maeve’s skin. The sun hit her eyes, rising over the distant mountain range and shining brightly through their bedroom window. She and Abel had been wrapped up in each other’s arms that morning. It was her favorite place to be.

It was late.

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