Page 85 of The Summer Arrangement
Shit. I have no idea. “I’ll have to talk with the doctors first. We want you to be strong and healthy before going home.”
“My Iz will know. She takes care of things,” Milli states matter-of-factly.
Guilt flows through me. I should know this. Hell, I should’ve talked with the doctor. With everything happening so fast, I never got the chance. I’ve been so focused on getting here, it never crossed my mind to reach out to the surgeon.
Before I can respond, Lizzy pushes through the door. “They’ll bring us something as soon as they can.”
“Good. Have you heard anything from the doctor since her surgery?”
“No, they’ll do rounds at seven. I’m sure we’ll hear more then.” Walking straight to Milli, she squeezes her hand. “This little sprite was so brave and strong last night. She’s on antibiotics and if all goes well, she’ll likely go home later this evening or tomorrow.”
“Did they mention how long it typically takes to recover and what her restrictions will be?”
“She just needs to rest and take it easy for a few weeks. We should cancel her swim lessons until her doctor releases her. Milli, it’s really important you don’t lift anything heavy or ride your bike for a few weeks. It could hurt your tummy.”
“I’m too sleepy to ride.” Milli yawns.
Running a hand along her hair, Lizzy smiles lovingly at Milli. “Get some rest, Mills. We’ll be here when you wake up.”
“K, Iz. Love you.”
“Love you, too, Mills,” Lizzy whispers and leans in to kiss her forehead.
I knew they shared a bond from the moment they met. But witnessing how easily they express their love for one another takes things to an entirely new level—for all of us.
A sudden burst of emotion rips through me and nearly brings me to my knees. Gripping the bedrail beside me for strength, I blink back unshed tears. These two are everything to me. My life may be crazy and chaotic, but one thing has never been clearerthan in this instant. I’m one thousand percent without a doubt in love with Elizabeth Lancaster.
After staying through morning rounds and hearing from Dr. Wilks herself that Milli’s making great progress, Cameron convinces me to go home, get some rest, and freshen up. As much as I hate leaving him because he’s had just as much sleep as I have, I admit I do feel disgusting and in desperate need of a shower. It’s been more than two days since I’ve bathed, and I’m certain my deodorant expired many hours ago.
I drive through the quiet streets of Seaside to Nana’s house on autopilot, all the while reliving the events of the last twenty-four hours. The moment I park in our driveway, all the emotions I’ve kept tucked away burst to the surface like a flash flood. Big, fat, ugly tears blur my vision, and I finally let all my fears flow out of me. I’ve never been more scared in my life and now that I’ve had the chance to think about what could’ve gone wrong. Fuck, it terrifies the living hell out of me.
Leaning my head against the steering wheel, my tears flow freely. My chest burns as sobs wreck me. I’m so thankful I called my mom when I did. Who knows what would’ve happened if I hadn’t listened to her. Milli just kept puking and crying, and I couldn’t do anything for her.
I’m so lost in my misery, I barely register when the door opens and strong arms wrap around me and squeeze me tight. Jax doesn’t say anything; he just squats beside me and holds me as I lean into him and unload every emotion I’ve been holding in. Feeling his warmth and security just makes me cry even harder.
Eventually, he pulls back to look me in the eyes and asks, “What’s wrong, Liz? Did something happen to Milli?”
Swiping away at my tears, I sob, “No… She’s… fine. The doctor says…” Hiccup “That she’ll make a full recovery.”
“Then what’s wrong?” His eyes fill with more concern than he had for Milli at the hospital last night.
“I… she… I don’t know if I can do this.” The words rush out, and I can’t even make sense of what I’m trying to say. I have so many thoughts swirling through my head, and I can’t keep any of them straight.
“Let’s get you inside, and we can sort it all out,” Jax suggests.
I’m sure he thinks I’ve lost my mind and will be calling for reinforcements soon.
Maybe I have?
I don’t know.
I just hurt so much. I can’t imagine going through anything like this ever again in my life. I felt so helpless, and nothing I did worked.
Sobbing the entire way, he helps me from the car and ushers me to the porch steps. “Let’s sit out here. Everyone else is likely still asleep.”
As soon as we’re seated on the top step, he puts his strong arms around me and pulls me close. “Take a breath, Liz. Tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m…” I snort. “I’m getting snot all over you.”
