Page 52 of Claimed By the Cowboy
Relief and dread crash together in my chest. I glance at Delaney, and for the first time since this nightmare began, her shoulders ease the tiniest fraction. Without a word, we move in unison, following the nurse down the hall..
When we reach the room, the nurse slips away, leaving us outside the door. My hand hovers on the handle, but Delaney touches my arm.
“Go in first,” she says softly. Her voice is steady, but her eyes shine. “She’ll want you. Take a few minutes with her. I’ll come in after.”
I hesitate. Delaney’s been at Kitty’s side her whole life—protector, caretaker, sister. For her to step back now costs her something. I can see it.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
She nods once, quick and tight, then folds her arms as if bracing herself. “Go on, Tom. Don’t make her wait.”
I push open the door and step inside, my chest tightening when I see Kitty small and pale against the white sheets, a nasal cannula tucked beneath her nose. The monitors beep steadily at her side, and though she’s awake, her eyes are hazy, fighting the fog of medication.
But when she sees me, they brighten, and for the first time all day, I feel like I can breathe.
“Hey, husband.” Her voice is barely a whisper, but it’s enough to break me open.
I move toward her, reaching for her hand. “Hey, wife,” I murmur, leaning in until my forehead rests gently against hers. “You scared the hell outta me, darlin’. Seeing you fight for every breath—” I stop, jaw clenching.
She squeezes my hand. “Glad you’re here, cowboy.”
I kiss her temple, breathing her in. “Nowhere else on earth I’d be, sweetheart.”
“What… what happened?” Her brow crinkles as if she’strying to remember.
I smooth her hair back gently. “We don’t know yet. Doctor will be in soon with answers.”
I don’t want to share my suspicions until I have concrete proof.
Her lips part like she wants to press me further, but then she exhales, her hand trembling in mine. “Feels like my chest finally let go a little. Oxygen helps.” Her eyes drift toward the IV bag, then back to me. “Whatever they pumped into me”—her mouth curls up in a faint smile—“good shit.”
A broken laugh escapes me, equal parts relief and fear. “Trust you to get the good stuff while I’m having a heart attack over here.”
A soft knock sounds, and the door cracks open. Delaney steps inside slowly, her face blotchy from tears she must’ve shed in the hall.
“Hey, sis.” She approaches the bed and leans down to wrap her arms carefully around Kitty, mindful of the wires and tubing. “You scared the life out of me.”
Kitty hugs her back weakly, managing a faint smile. “Ah, you know me. Drama queen.”
Delaney lets out a watery laugh against her shoulder, then straightens, swiping at her cheeks. “Hardly. You’re the least dramatic person I know.”
Kitty’s eyes drift half-shut, exhaustion written in every line of her body.
“You rest, okay?” Delaney whispers. “I’ll handle the paperwork, keep the nurses on their toes. You don’t worry about a thing.”
Kitty’s lips twitch faintly. “Bossy.”
Delaney lets out a choked laugh, blinking fast. “You know it.”
The door opens again, and Dr. Morrison steps inside. He checks the monitors before turning to us, his expression serious but reassuring.
“Mrs. Sutton, we have your results.” He glances at his tablet. “Your blood work shows elevated levels of heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium. This is acute poisoning from environmental exposure.”
“Poisoning?” Kitty’s voice breaks, and herhand trembles in mine.
Rage builds in my chest, hot and dangerous. “What’s the source, Doc?”
“We’ll need to investigate, but given these levels, it came from your immediate environment—something you've been exposed to regularly.” He taps his tablet, his tone softening slightly. “And for peace of mind, your pregnancy test was negative, so at least we’re not dealing with any added concerns.”
