Page 121 of From Best Friend to Bride
“Making sure you’re okay.”
“I’m not the one in hospital.”
“But you are the most important one to me,” I replied. “Remember what you said to me and Mum while Dad was in surgery?”
“‘Everyone is worried about Uncle Eric, but who’s worrying about you guys?’” she muttered, averting her eyes. “Fine, you win.”
“Thank you.” I scanned her face one more time. “You look exhausted. Have you slept at all?”
Deli shook her head. “Only one person can stay in the room with her now she’s been admitted. I came in the ambulance with her, but Mum…”
“Okay, it’s fine. I’m here now.”
She sniffed. “Yeah. You’re here.”
“Always, Deli. I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.” I hugged her to me again. “For now, let’s go home. You need to sleep, and we can gather the things Aunt Bonnie and Nana need once you’ve rested.”
“But I—”
“Can’t do anything here,” I said gently, steering her lagging body towards the carpark. “I’ll text your mum and let her know I’m taking you home, but you need to rest. You’ll be no good to anyone if you don’t sleep.”
She dropped her chin to her chest and leant into my side. “Fine.”
“Have you slept at all?”
She shook her head.
I pulled her to a stop and moved in front of her, then bent down. “Hop on.”
“What?”
“I’m parked at the other side of the hospital. Hop on,” I repeated. “I’ll give you a piggyback to the car.”
“You’re insane,” she said, stepping back. “No way.”
“Just do it.”
“We could be at the car by now.”
“Yeah, we would be if you weren’t arguing with me.”
“Oh, for God’s sake.” She closed the distance between us and positioned herself for a piggyback, and I stood up, lifting her with ease. She let out a little huff, and I smiled, carrying her towards the carpark.
Deli rested her head against mine, tightening her grip around my shoulders. Her body was cold against my back. How long had she been waiting for me outside the hospital in this chillyair? Why wasn’t she waiting inside? Why hadn’t she had anyone bring her a coat?
My grip tightened slightly on her thighs, and she cozied into me, clenching her legs around my waist. I almost winced at the pressure there, but she loosened her hold before it became too much.
“I’m so tired,” she murmured. “What if I fall asleep?”
“Then I’ll carry you inside,” I said softly. “Don’t worry. You can breathe now, Deli. I’m here.”
“Right.” Her fingers twitched against my shoulders where her arms were wrapped around me. “You’re here. It’s fine now.”
I smiled, retrieving my keys from my pocket without dropping her. I unlocked my car and opened the door, then manoeuvered her into the front passenger seat. She only just missed banging her head on the top of the door, but she didn’t say a word.
That was how I knew she really was tired.
She’d usually yell at me for that.
