Page 16 of My Destiny
I’d be lying if I said my heart didn’t skip a beat at the sight of Hot Stuff. “You didn’t have to come back,” I say.
“I wanted to.” He pulls back the curtain slightly, before entering. The first thing I see are the roses in his hand.Yellow roses.I know he has no idea how significant that type of flower is, but they’re enough not only to bring tears to my eyes, but also a huge smile to my face. Is it an omen? I’d like to think so. Although my mother is no longer walking this earth, I feel her presence often. And to me this is another sign. Yellow roses always remind me of her.
At least I have the comfort of knowing my baby is with her in heaven.
“These are for you.” He’s clean shaven and dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but he looks no less debonair than he did last night in his tux. I have a feeling this man would look good dressed in anything, and don’t get me started on how amazing he smells. I could drown in the scent of his cologne.
“Thank you,” I say as he holds them out to me. Taking them from him, I bring them to my nose and inhale their sweet scent. “They’re beautiful.”
“I also got you these.” He places a large, brown paper shopping bag on the bed beside me. “I had my assistant help me pick out some clothes for you. You’ll need something to wear home when you leave. Your dress…” His words drift off, but I already know what he’s going to say. I vaguely remember the nurses cutting me out of it last night before rushing me into theatre. “Your clutch purse is in there as well. Claire, my assistant, picked it up from the table last night.”
Pulling open the bag, I peek inside. There sits my clutch on top of some clothes, underwear, and even a pair of shoes. I have no idea how they knew what sizes to get, but that’s irrelevant. I place my hand on my chest, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by his kindness. “I have no words,” I say.
“It’s nothing.” He flicks his hand, dismissing my thanks, but it’s more than nothing to me. I’ll never forget all he’s done, not only this kindness and staying with me throughout the night, but the doctor told me earlier that my husband—I presume he was talking about Hot Stuff—saved my life by getting me to the hospital as quickly as he did. I owe him so much. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to repay him.
“Was it you who brought me to the hospital? I remember bits and pieces, but most of it’s a blur.”
“Yes. I followed you outside last night.” He holds up both his hands before continuing. “I wasn’t stalking you or anything.” His words make me giggle. “I was concerned. When you ran off after…” I nod, because he doesn’t need to repeat that part; I think it will be permanently ingrained in my memory. Such a huge betrayal, committed by the person I loved and trusted, is not easily forgotten.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Logan
I’m sitting beside Brooke’s bed, making small talk when the doctor enters. I know she said there was no need for me to return, but I felt compelled to. She’s all I’ve thought about during the day, and her story really got to me. Jake was her only family, and look how poorly he’s treated her. I’ll take every ounce of pleasure in dealing with him, and his secretary, first thing Monday morning. Any retribution I can get for this poor woman, I will.
“Would you like me to step out?” I ask, standing and moving to the side.
“No, stay,” Brooke answers.
“Mr. Johnston,” Dr. Goldstein says, extending his hand to me. My eyes dart to Brooke, and I can see she’s fighting back a smile. Could this situation get any more awkward?
“Doc,” I say, shaking his hand.
I’m relieved when he turns his attention to his patient. “How are you feeling?”
“A lot better. I haven’t even needed any pain medication this afternoon. I’ve eaten and kept it down,” she says, like it’s a huge triumph, and it brings a smile to my face. She really is the sweetest. Her eyes dart to me briefly. “I… umm… even managed to use the bathroom.” Her last sentence comes out more like a whisper, and my smile grows when I see her cheeks flush the prettiest shade of pink.
“Well, that is good news. Good news, indeed.”
“Does that mean I can go home?” she asks with a hopeful look in her eyes. She looks completely different to the beauty I first laid eyes on last night in her stunning red dress, formal hairstyle, and heavily made up face. The woman before me now is dressed in a hospital gown, her long brown hair is down, and not a stitch of makeup on her face, yet she still manages to look equally beautiful, if not more so.
“You know my thoughts on this,” he says. “I’d prefer it if you stayed at least until tomorrow morning.”
“But I can get bed rest at home… in my own bed.”
The doctor’s attention moves to me. “What are your thoughts on this?”
I shrug. I’m kind of agreeing with him. My gaze moves to Brooke and the pleading look she gives me says so much. She’s hell-bent on getting out of here. “As her husband,” I say, clearing my throat as my eyes dart to her, “I give you my solemn word that she’ll be well cared for.” When I place my hand on my chest for added effect, I see Brooke fighting her smile. “If there are any issues, I’ll bring her straight back.”
The doctor sighs. “Okay. If you promise to get complete bed rest—that includes no heavy lifting or stretching—and see your GP within the next few days, I guess I can let you go home.”
“Thank you,” she says, beaming. Seeing her happy like that makes my heart smile.
“I’ll get a letter drawn up for your GP, along with your discharge papers.”
“Thanks for everything, doc,” I say, shaking his hand once more.
Brooke starts laughing the moment the doctor leaves, and I find myself doing the same. “I’m so lucky to have such a considerate and caring fake husband.”
