Page 84 of Beat of Love
His eyes flicked to hers. “The bed.”
“Oh.” Brandy-Lyn blinked. “Upright.”
He looked at the orderly, and the man jumped at it, pressing the button on the attached control pendant. Once semi-upright,Rafferty removed his hand, adjusting a pillow to support her head as she slumped back. “That good?”
“Yes.” She grabbed his wrist. “Why—” She cleared her throat. “Why are you here?”
Before he could respond, the doctor entered. “Ms. Powers, I have good news. Based on the MRI, there doesn’t appear to be any serious issues or abnormalities, which is a comforting sign. However, because you lost consciousness, we want to keep you overnight. It is a mere precaution. We’ll monitor you for any changes, just to be sure there are no delayed symptoms or complications.”
“Not staying here, doctor. I want—need— to go home.” Her eyes flicked to the side. “My children.”
He shook his head. “I don’t recommend that. It’s important that we ensure you’re stable.”
“We’ll be fine,” Preston said.
“Yeah,” Amelia added. “Please listen to the doctor.”
“It’s just one night, Mom,” Olivia noted.
Brandy-Lyn frowned. And winced.
Rafferty hated seeing her in pain. She didn’t need the added worry about her children. And it was for the best that she stayed overnight for observation. Just in case something unforeseen happened as the doctor mentioned. “I’ll stay with them.”
“There you go.” The doctor smiled. “The nurse will be in shortly to give you something stronger for the headache and settle you for the night. If you feel any new symptoms, such as increased pain, dizziness, or confusion, please let us know immediately.”
She pushed up on her hands. “But—”
Placing his hands on her shoulders, Rafferty nudged her back down. “You’re staying, Red.”
“Fine,” she huffed, closing her eyes.
“Good decision. I’ll be back in the morning to discharge you,” the doctor said walking out.
“You never answered my question,” Brandy-Lyn grumbled. “Whyareyou here?”
“I called him,” Amelia stated.
Mother and daughter locked gazes. “Why?” Brandy-Lyn asked.
“Because I knew he’d come.” Amelia lifted her chin. “And I was scared,” she admitted.
Brandy-Lyn turned her eyes on him and grabbed his hand. “Thank you,” she whispered, those mesmerizing eyes liquid with tears.
“Anytime.”
*
Rafferty grabbed hold of the sheet, and he and Preston tucked it around the cushions on one end of the sectional.
“You can take my bed,” Preston offered again.
Rafferty viewed the overstuffed couch, a far cry from the floor of a hut in the Amazon jungle. “I’m good here.”
Olivia stood at the back of the couch, hugging a pillow close to her chest. “Thanks for” — her throat bobbed as she swallowed — “what you did with Mom. And for staying tonight.” Her voice came out watery, and those pretty blues she shared with her siblings swam with tears.
His own eyes smarted, and his nose burned with emotion. “It’s an honor to be here, Olivia. The fact that you trust me enough …” He trailed off, biting back the rest of his words …when my own brother won’t let me near his kids or even enter his house.
Olivia’s brows furrowed. “Why wouldn’t we trust you?”
