Page 95 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
Ending the call, Liam’s gaze meets mine. We move steadily toward the exit, Cole and I hauling Morales, Liam guiding Ava and Eli protectively through the chaos.
We have what we came here for, and now it’s time to get the hell out of Dodge.
39
AVA
The hospital lights hit me hard the moment we step through the sliding glass doors, my vision momentarily overwhelmed by the bright white glare. Everything feels surreal and detached, my head spinning with exhaustion and the delayed shock of what we’ve just been through. Eli clings to me, his little arms wrapped securely around my neck, face buried in my shoulder.
Nurses and doctors surround us, and their voices are a mix of urgent commands and gentle reassurances. All of their faces blur into one another as they usher Eli and me into a private examination room. The rush of activity is overwhelming, but through it all, I cling to Eli, refusing to let him out of my sight even for a moment.
A nurse with kind eyes and a soft voice approaches us first. “Miss, please, we need to examine both of you. We need you to set your son down, just for a moment.”
“I’m not leaving my son,” I state firmly, voice shaking slightly with raw emotion. “Whatever you have to do, do it with us together.”
Her expression softens, empathy clear on her features. “We’ll keep you both together, I promise. But your…friends out there? Legally, we can’t allow them inside. Only blood or legal family.”
Frustration and anger bubble to the surface, though I know yelling at the nurse won't change hospital policy. Eli shifts nervously in my arms, feeling my agitation. I take a deep breath, steadying myself for his sake, and lower my voice firmly.
“Fine. But my son stays with me in this room. No one separates us, understand?”
She nods, clearly sensing I won’t budge. “Of course.”
They guide me toward a stiff hospital bed, Eli clinging closely to my side. I settle down, holding him securely as doctors and nurses begin to swiftly assess our condition. They prod at us, checking for injuries or trauma. Eli remains glued to my side, eyes wide with worry and lingering fear.
After a moment, a doctor enters the room, clipboard in hand. He smiles gently at Eli, keeping his voice reassuringly calm. “Hello there, you two. I’m Dr. Pavosh.”
“Hello,” I respond politely. Eli peers shyly at the man but doesn’t respond.
“Hey, young man. Are you feeling okay? Did anyone hurt you?”
Eli shakes his head, eyes shining with unshed tears. “No, but I’m scared. I want my daddies. Where are my daddies?”
I stroke his hair gently, murmuring into his ear. “Your daddies will be here soon, Eli. They’re right outside, just waiting to see us. Everything’s going to be okay.”
The doctor shifts his gaze to me. “We’ll check you both thoroughly. Is there anything specific that hurts or that you’re worried about?”
I swallow, shaking my head, anxious eyes never leaving Eli. “Just please, check Eli first. Make sure he’s completely okay.”
The doctor nods gently, signaling the nurse to assist him. They examine Eli. I watch anxiously, heart racing, as they check each part of him thoroughly. Eli remains quiet and cooperative.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the doctor looks up with a reassuring smile. “Physically, he’s perfectly fine. No injuries or trauma have been detected. Emotionally, he’s obviously shaken, understandably so. Counseling might be beneficial in the coming days, but physically, he’s unharmed.”
Relief rushes through me fiercely, so powerful that tears briefly blur my vision. I blink rapidly, squeezing Eli gently.
“Thank you,” I whisper hoarsely. “Is he released now to go to the waiting room?”
The doctor frowns, clearly confused. “Ma’am, we can’t release a child into the waiting room by themselves.”
“His fathers are outside waiting.” I steel myself ready for the judgment. “They’re my partners and our only living family. There’s nothing more to discuss about this.”
An uncomfortable silence briefly fills the room, tension thickening. The nurse and doctor exchange quick glances, their disapproval clear, but wisely remain silent. Finally, the doctor clears his throat, nodding stiffly.
“Very well, I will have a nurse walk Eli to them.”
Eli lifts his head, eyes brightening at the prospect. He looks up at me, excitement and relief mixing in his expression.
“I can go see my daddies?”
