Page 99 of Unexpected Kisses

I nod, feeling like a bobble doll. “I’ve known for a while that Mr. Wainwright wanted his grandson, Adam, to take over, but I never put two and two together because I’ve always called him AJ. I didn’t know AJ’s name was Adam.” I raise my eyebrows at Hayley.

“Yeah, it reduces the confusion with Dad and AJ having the same name.” She shrugs.

“Also, Mr. Wainwright told me that Adam moved here last week after living in New Jersey since college.”

“What?”

I nod. “Yep. There was no way I’d ever connect the two being the same person or that I was dating him.”

“Yeah, I can see how you wouldn’t make the connection. I wonder why Grandfather lied about AJ living in New Jersey? Maybe he was trying to save face because AJ kept holding off on taking the position. He doesn’t want it.”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” We collect our order and make our way back to the waiting room. Hayley and I distribute the drinks and sit. I lock my gaze on the doors which I assume a doctor or nurse will come through to tell us any news. We each sit in silence, the hard plastic of the chairs uncomfortable even for my padded butt. One would think the damn chairs would be more comfortable since people have to sit in them for hours on end. People come and go as the light outside the windows wanes.

“What the hell is taking so long?” Eric huffs as he climbs to his feet to pace.

His wife, who arrived not long after we were all settled with warm drinks, stands. “Eric. Calm down and have some patience. Come and sit back down.” She coaxes him back to his seat and I smile at how sweet they are together.

A woman in scrubs steps through the doors and I straighten. Waiting. “The Jackson family.”Finally.

We all jump to our feet, quickly making our way over to the woman. “We’re Adam’s parents.”

She directs her attention to Elaine and Adam. “Mr. and Mrs. Jackson.” She smiles. “Your son had a nasty fall, and from what we were told, rock debris also landed on him. He’s currently in recovery. He hasn’t woken since he arrived and from reports, he was in and out of consciousness during his rescue this morning.”

Why is it taking her so long to tell us if he’s all right? “Is he going to be okay?” Shit, it’s not my place to ask, so I slam my lips closed.

She smiles at me. “He’s going to be okay.”

We breathe a collective sigh of instant relief and Dylan’s arm comes around my shoulders, squeezing me to him. I glance up and give him a relieved smile.

“He’s not out of the woods yet, though. As I said, he hasn’t regained consciousness since arriving here. We’ve done a scan of his head, which shows swelling indicative of a concussion.” Elaine gasps and my heart lurches. “He has a contusion and fifteen stitches where he hit his head. He was possibly unconscious before he hit the ground. He has an open fracture of the lower leg, both the tibia and fibula were broken, and we’ve realigned them with screws and plates which will remain permanently in place. He will need a cast for several weeks, followed by physical therapy. As one would expect, he also has lacerations, bruising, and swelling.”

“Can we see him?” Elaine asks.

“Soon. A volunteer will come through to collect you once he’s settled in his room.”

“Thank you. And thank you for taking care of our boy.” Adam reaches forward to shake the doctor’s hand.

“You’re welcome. We have another scan scheduled for the morning to keep an eye on the swelling and concussion.” She spins on her heel and disappears back the way she came.

Elaine and Adam hug as do Lisa and Hayley and Eric and Anne. The relief is palpable among our little group. I turn into Dylan, holding onto him like a lifeline. “Thank you for calling me. I know AJ and I hadn’t left things on great terms, so I appreciate you including me.”

He scans my face. “He would want you here.” I nod, giving him a shaky smile. “And, Sarah. This wasn’t your fault. None of it. I shouldn’t have said you’re the reason he took off. That was part of it, but it was also because of his grandfather.” My eyes sting and I blink to hold back my tears. I’ve kept it together this long, I can keep it together a little longer. Dylan tightens his hold, squeezing me, then lets me go, taking my hand to keep me steady.

“Thank God he’s going to be okay, Adam.” Elaine sobs and Adam rubs her back soothingly. I can see why AJ’s family calls him AJ instead of Adam. Things could easily get confusing.

“Of course, he’s going to be okay. That boy is as stubborn as they come.” Eric states.

Elaine pulls away from her husband giving Eric a pointed look. “He gets that from you, Father.”

Anne chuckles while Eric sputters his denial. We all move back to our seats, slightly more relaxed than we were before, knowing he’s going to be okay. Lisa says her goodbyes to everyone so she can collect Colton from their neighbor, who kindly offered to watch their little one at short notice. They’ve been messaging back and forth, checking on him, but it’s late and way past his bedtime.

This afternoon has felt as though it’s been the longest of my life. Every minute has dragged beyond belief. My feet are aching and so is my back and as my anxiety settles marginally, the come down from the burst of adrenaline has left me exhausted. Finally, a volunteer steps through the doors. “The family of Adam Jackson?”

We all stand. “We’re his family,” Adam informs the woman.

She smiles at us. “Please follow me.” She heads back through the doors with the seven of us hot on her heels. The hospital smell of disinfectant and sterile rooms hits me as we stride through the halls, into an elevator, and down a few more hallways. She stops outside of a room and waves her hand out. “He’s in here but he’s not awake from his surgery yet. You’re welcome to have short visits, only two at a time, though. There’s a family lounge at the end of the hall where you can wait.”

My heart rate picks up at the news he’s still not awake. AJ’s parents go in first while the rest of us make our way to the end of the ward. It seems to take forever for them to come out so AJ’s grandparents can see him. I stand to pace, unable to keep still while I less than patiently wait for my turn. When they finally return, Hayley turns to me and Dylan.

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