Page 21 of Love Me Fearless

We’re shuffling back to the bed when she says, “They’re recommending surgery.”

My stomach twists. “I wondered if that might be the case.”

I help her back under the covers, then hook up her leads and IV line. “How do you feel about it?”

She huffs a slow sigh, her mouth tensing. “I don’t know. The medication we tried made me dizzy and forgetful. Very worrisome.”

Memory problems and ataxia are early signs of dementia, which can start as early as middle age, so a doctor could easily draw the wrong conclusion. “Wait, so this isn’t new?” Why didn’t I know about this?

The realization is like a spear to my lungs.Because Hutch and I don’t talk like we used to.

“It started two years ago.”

Damn. I settle on the side of her bed and take her hand. Though it goes against everything in my training, I can’t help the words from tumbling free. “You’re going to get through this.”

Louisa’s gaze flicks to something behind me.

I turn, expecting Dr. Shelby or Beth.

The man who fills the doorway steals my breath.It’s Hutch, dressed in jeans and a moss-green henley the same rich color as his eyes.

“Damn right she is,” Hutch says.

My heart is like a jackrabbit inside my chest, frantically racing for cover. I jump up. “Oh! Uh, hey.”

He’s as handsome as ever, but the look on his face isn’t the casual, cocky grin I’m used to.

His gaze sweeps past me to Louisa as he covers the distance to her bed. “Hey, Mom.”

A knot tightens in my stomach. I want to stay and comfort them both, but Hutch and I…things aren’t like they used to be.

“I’ll let you two visit.” I give Louisa a quick smile. “I can come back…later.”

“Thank you,” Louisa says. “You’re always welcome at the farm. Come ride with us this summer.”

Hutch has pulled the chair on the other side of the bed close to Louisa, his back partially turned to me now.

“I will,” I promise Louisa, then force my feet to move. Once I’m in motion, it’s hard not to take off running.

After breezing past the nurse’s station, I’m almost to the stairway when I hear someone behind me.

“Ava!” Hutch calls out, his tone sharp.

Steeling myself, I turn around, my breaths coming fast and painful in my chest.

“Don’t go,” he says.

I can’t meet his eyes. They remind me so much of that night. My mistake.

“The cardiologist will be here soon,” I say. “You won’t want to miss meeting her. Sounds like they’re recommending surgery.”

Hutch runs a hand through his thick dark hair. “I talked to the doctor last night.”

He must have gotten emergency leave. That he got here so fast means he’s between missions. I remember how he used to text me as soon as his sergeant allowed, to let me know he’s safe. Then theletters would come. Sometimes full of funny stories, other times so full of heartbreak I would cry in agony, wishing I could be there for him.

“That’s why you came.”

He nods, but his face looks pale. “She’s going to need my help.”

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