Page 83 of Free to Breathe
As I wait for Corinna to wake from her tests, my knee jerks up and down rapidly as I remember what I heard.
“Clearest pictures yet, Dr. Moser.”
“I agree. These images leave me very encouraged.”
God, I hope so. Just seeing the mass lit up inside Corinna’s brain on the screens made me want to throw my head back and scream.
I want to fix this myself, but I can’t. I have to rely on someone else and the mercy of angels who may be having a bad day to save the woman I was born to breathe for.
Smoothing my hand over her head, where the offending mass lies waiting to die, I whisper, “We’re going to cut you out, you son of a bitch. Then I’m going to do my damnedest to prevent anything from hurting her ever again.”
Small hands touch my forearm, grazing over my ink. “Promise?” I look down into Corinna’s golden eyes that are still hazy from all the drugs.
“I swear it on my life.” Grazing first her forehead, and then her lips with a kiss, I mean nothing less.
She smiles briefly before her eyes drift shut, the medicine taking her under again. I sit holding her hand, keeping my promise to never be far from her side.
When my cell buzzes in my pocket, I shift so I can pull it out without letting go of her hand.
Is everything okay? Let me know when you’re done at the hospital.
Typing back a quick message that it could be hours, I tell him to call Keene if it’s urgent.
Right now, I have one focus.
And it’s the woman in front of me.
41
Corinna
Ihang up the phone with Marco. Our conversation was much like our relationship was—sweet and full of concern. He’s upset I didn’t share any of this with him while we were together, but it wasn’t his to know. Not before my family.
And now that family includes Colby.
How did I ever contemplate for even a moment of filling the space inside me reserved for Colby with another man?
I’ll always have fond memories of Marco, unlike Colby with his history with Addison. Marco helped me look at myself differently, showing me I shouldn’t undervalue the woman I am. While I know he will be thinking of me while I undergo this battle, it isn’t him I need by my side.
It’s Colby.
Dropping my phone on the table next to me, I feel strong arms wrap around me. “How did he take it?” Colby murmurs in my ear.
I take a moment to respond, basking in the strength at my back. Lost, found, and back in each other’s arms. I offer up my thanks to whoever is listening today to my inner musings before I respond. “He’s worried. Frustrated I never shared this with him. Understanding it wasn’t him I was supposed to share it with.” Turning within the cradle of Colby’s arms, I lay my head on his chest. “He said to make sure you’re taking good care of me.”
Colby pulls back in surprise. “Me specifically?”
This is a little embarrassing. “Apparently, I was sleeping one night, and I might have said the wrong name when he curled up behind me.” I look away. “Perhaps.”
Colby captures my jaw in his firm hands. “No. Way.” A slow grin spreads across his face.
I shrug, trying to play it off. “These things happen.”
Walking backward, Colby pulls us toward the couch. As he falls back, I land on top of him. “That makes me feel a lot better.”
Huffing, I try to push up. His arms tighten, trapping me. “It’s embarrassing, Colby,” I grate out. “It’s not like you ever called out the wrong woman’s name.”
“Who says?” he counters.
