Page 106 of Free to Breathe
The Freeman siblings rush him en masse.
Keene comes up behind me and clasps my shoulder. “Corinna’s strength might get us through this.”
I shake my head, disagreeing with him. “We’ll get through this because of her love.”
“Better answer,” he agrees. Stepping away, he calls out, “Did someone bring normal coffee? Not this froufrou crap?”
Ava laughs before handing him a large to-go cup with his name written on it. He kisses her cheek before moving to go stand next to Ali.
Carefully, I put away the journal I’ve been holding this entire time. I slide the purple bag under the table so nothing will get spilled on it before I go claim my own drink.
Courtesy of the woman I love.
55
Blankets
“Good, she’s in place.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
“You’re certain she’s out?”
“Yes, Doctor.”
“Then get the frame attached. I want to get this fucker out of her head before it can wrap around her ICAs.”
* * *
“Why the hellare hospitals always so cold?” Holly rubs her arms up and down.
Cassidy’s teeth are chattering. “I don’t remember it being this cold when I was stuck in here.”
“You were too busy healing.” Caleb’s face takes on a dark cast, even as he wraps his arms around his wife. “Besides, they give the patients warm blankets. Why do you think I snuggled next to you so much?”
Cassidy laughs. “Yeah, that’s the only reason why.”
“When were you a patient?” I ask just for something to talk about. It’s been more than an hour. We’ve heard from the patient liaison things are progressing smoothly—whatever the hell that means. Em and Holly are cuddled together in a corner, talking, while Jason and Phil are running their mouths about what Corinna will need when she gets home.
Cassidy replies, “Three years ago, Thanksgiving weekend. I was shot at a wedding.”
I’m floored. “When the hell did the wedding business become so dangerous?”
“When my family decides not to let old ghosts rest where they should.” Caleb frowns at me.
Warning received. I nod and continue to do nothing. Nothing but wait for more news that tells us nothing.
“Seriously, Keene. Go and donate another wing or something to get us a heater. Why is it so damn cold?” Ali complains. I can’t help but huff out a laugh. The request is so ridiculous.
“Sorry, everyone. Hospitals are notoriously cold to keep the germs away,” Jason explains. “Do you want me to run back to the farm and grab everyone some jackets?”
I’m pretty sure everyone’s about to jump on that suggestion when the door slams open. Alarmed, we all look up.
What the hell’s going on now?
Charlie comes stumbling in with an awkward-size box under one arm, while trying not to drop a tray of coffee on the floor. “Freaking hell—can someone grab the coffee? I’m running low on caffeine already today.”
Holly jumps up and snags the stacked trays, as much to hold the warmth to her as to help out the avuncular figure to the Freeman clan. “Got it, Charlie.” And from the blissful look on her face as her hands wrap around a cup, he’ll have a hell of a time getting it back.
