Page 40 of Compelling Urges

Cooper dropped back into his chair and leaned over Bodhi. Ivy was already snuggled into Bodhi’s side, so Cooper leaned into the pillow next to his head. Both of them draped their arms carefully over Bodhi’s chest. They sat there immobile for a while until a soft, melodious voice broke the silence.

“If love could cure my son, I’m glad to see he’s getting plenty of it from you two,” said an attractive woman who’d just swept into the room wearing a gauzy floral skirt and a linen top. She was followed closely by a tall, handsome gentleman dressed in a delightfully gaudy Hawaiian shirt. They both had healthy tans, but their clothes looked rumpled, and their eyes were puffy from lack of sleep. There was no mistaking the dimpled chin on the man’s face that was a carbon copy of Bodhi’s. The woman’s sparkling hazel eyes were also quite Bodhi-like.

Ivy’s head popped up, and she smiled at the couple whom she instantly adored. She stood and held out her hand. “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Monaghan, I’m Ivy.”

Bodhi’s mom engulfed her in a slightly plumeria-scented hug, and Ivy couldn’t resist breathing in the clean floral perfume. “I’m so glad to meet you finally, Ivy. Call us Peach and Emmett, please.”

Cooper and Emmett were clapping each other on the back with a bro-hug as the women acquainted themselves. Cooper stepped back and spoke up then, announcing, “We think he’s doing better this morning!” He lowered his voice and continued, “I don’t mind saying, last night it was pretty scary.”

Just then, the nurse came in and said, “Only two visitors at a time, please.” She made a hurry-up motion with her hand. “The other two of you can go wait down the hall.”

Grabbing Cooper’s hand, Ivy scooted him toward the door, saying to Peach and Emmett, “We’ll let you both have some time with him then.”

Looking at the retreating back of the nurse, Cooper whispered, “Doesn’t that woman ever go home?”

Her head snapped toward them, and she barked, “Double shift.” Then she stomped down the hallway away from them.

Chapter 30

As his temperature reached normal and stayed there, Bodhi’s life was deemed out of danger. After some more careful observation, he was moved out of intensive care and into a regular room. All four of his guardian angels could hover over him at the same time this way, if they wanted. However, both couples acknowledged the need for personal time with the man they adored, so the visiting sessions ended up more like alternating shifts.

Emmett and Peach checked into the same hotel as Cooper and Ivy, and they all had a good laugh about the décor. It was easier, they reasoned, to all be together and it was close to the hospital. It also gave them time to get more acquainted when they weren’t worrying over Bodhi at the hospital.

Bodhi looked happier and seemed to be delighted to see his parents, but he was still in pain. He remained uncharacteristically subdued for the first couple of days and tended to sleep a lot. At one point, however, when all four of his guests were crowding around him, he asked everyone, “Would you all mind, please? I’d really love to have a private word with Ivy.”

Without delay, Emmett, Peach, and Cooper said they’d all go grab some coffee in the waiting area. As they exited the room, Ivy and Bodhi could hear Peach extolling the virtues of Kona coffee. “You really can’t get the good stuff on the mainland,” she explained as they made their way out.

Ivy’s face crinkled up with worry as Bodhi reached out for her hand. “Come closer. And don’t look so nervous.” His voice rasped with lack of use.

Ivy sat down and stared at him. She waited.

“When I was really sick, I felt like I was inside a long tunnel, and it was so hard to see the other end. It was like looking for a tiny speck of light, and sometimes I couldn’t even find it.”

“Oh, Bodhi…” she sniffled. That sounded scary and awful to her.

He interrupted, “But even when the light went out, I heard things. Lots and lots of things. I just couldn’t make myself respond. It was almost like being paralyzed; I had no strength to speak up.”

“You did speak up a couple of times, though,” she protested. “I heard you.”

“I did? Sorry, I don’t remember. Was it anything important?”

“Well, once you said you felt horrible and the other time you kind of told off the doctor for considering amputation.” Ivy cringed.

Bodhi grunted and looked at the ceiling. “Some of what I heard scared the crap out of me.” He caught her eye again. “But some of it was beautiful.” Squeezing her hand weakly, he said, “I’m sorry for everything I’ve put you through, Ivy.”

“I’m over it.”

He finally gave her a real smile. “So, I heard. You love me after all.”

“Yes.” She locked onto his eyes. “I’m in love with you. I’m sorry I didn’t admit it sooner. So, let’s make a pact, okay?” He gave her a look. “No more apologies. No more reasons for apologies from here on out.”

“But I’ve put you through hell.”

“And I’m over it, Bodhi. Does knowing that work for you?”

“It does. Itsodoes. You have no idea…”

Ivy leaned in and gave him a kiss. Pulling back, she said, “I’ll say it again. I love you, Bodhi Monaghan. And I love Cooper. Cooper loves you. It’s the perfect triad. We’ll make it work.”

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