Page 84 of Still The One

I don’t expect her to kiss me, but she does, gently, almost like she’s afraid to touch me – which I get, considering my condition.

‘I really did miss you,’ she says when she pulls away. ‘I had no idea how much until I saw you again in that trauma room, though.’

‘Wait,’ I say, sitting up. ‘You knew you felt something then?’

‘Uh—’ She presses her lips into a flat line, guilt flashing across her face. ‘All I knew is that my reaction to seeing you wasn’t one I’ve ever had before. Then my workaholic self took weeks off to make sure you survived. I’d say something inside me definitely knew.’

I can’t help but chuckle at her admission, feeling a mix of surprise and warmth at how our paths seemed destined to cross again in the most unexpected way. The way neither of us can avoid that anniversary post. It’s like the universe has been playing the ultimate matchmaker, orchestrating a series of events that led us right back into each other’s arms.

‘Well, looks like fate had plans for us after all,’ I say, my voice tinged with amusement as I thread my fingers through hers.

‘And here I tell people fate doesn’t exist,’ Eve replies, a soft smile gracing her lips as she squeezes my hand. ‘Who knew each of us living our dreams would lead us back to each other?’

‘Not me,’ I say, moving to the couch next to her and throwing my good arm around her, pulling her close.

Eve rests her head on my shoulder, her presence grounding me in a way that nothing else ever has. Not even motorcycles, and that’s saying a lot. Nothing is set in stone, no, but nothing is off the table, either. That is huge.

30

GUY ‘FOSTER’

‘Today’s the day,’ Eve says as she drives us to the hospital for my possible ‘final’ appointment with Dr Sully.

‘This is it,’ I say, anxiety building in my chest. I don’t know what I’m more nervous about, getting a green light to go back home or starting this adventure with Eve again and leaving her behind until we figure out the details that have haunted us for years.

‘Are you excited to see your bike?’

I laugh. ‘I honestly don’t know how it held up after this, judging by my injuries. I could be going home to a brand-new steel horse.’

‘You plan on continuing riding then?’ she asks, glancing my way.

‘I hadn’t planned on quitting, no,’ I say honestly. I can’t lie to her at this point. Not if I want things to work out.

She nods, the silence around us slightly thick with nerves. I know I’m not the only one feeling it.

An hour later, I’ve had a CAT scan and Eve and I are now sitting in a small cold doctor’s office, waiting. The silence is deafening. Eve fidgets with her rings, her hair, her outfit, whileI sit on the table, staring at the blue skylight covers, wondering how this is going to go. I might have to leave her soon. Shit.

‘Mr Foster, how are you feeling today?’ Dr Sully enters the room with a focused gaze.

Both Eve and I straighten up, our attention on the man who might change our lives sooner rather than later.

‘Better than I was,’ I say. ‘Though I admit, most of that’s been because of Eve.’

He glances at his co-worker, fist bumping her. ‘She’s one of the best.’

‘Thanks,’ she says, as if it’s no big deal. She’s cute.

‘You think I can get this sling off today?’ I ask, motioning to the straitjacket confining most of my upper half. ‘It’d be nice to have two hands again.’

The doctor tilts his head sympathetically. ‘I’ll take a look, but after looking at your CT, you may need another surgery on your shoulder in the coming months. Though I can say your internal injuries are healing nicely. I have no doubt that your physical fitness has played a role in that progress. Now let’s take a look at that shoulder and wrist.’

Doctor Sully carefully removes the sling, revealing a bruised and swollen wrist. As he begins to gently manipulate the limb, I wince in pain. It’s not that bad, but it’s there.

‘What’s your pain level – 1 to 10 – right now?’ he asks, mid-motion.

‘Six?’

‘Still on pain meds?’ he asks.

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