Page 39 of Stay With Me
“Welcome back, asshole,” I turn my head and meet the emerald green eyes I’ve known all my life.
“Sparky, you’re here,” I grit out, my throat scratchy and uncomfortable.
“Of course I’m fucking here, you dick. Where else would I be?” my sister asks. Her eyes are red and puffy, like she’s been crying for days.
“How long have I been out?” I ask, taking a sip of the water she holds to my lips.
“Four days. You’ve been in and out, but not really conscious.” Her voice sounds watery and broken, the pain she’s been feeling seeping into her words.
“Fuck. Shittiest nap I’ve ever taken,” I joke, and she laughs dryly. The sound of her laughter is one of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard. I can’t imagine the unbearable pain my sister would have felt if the doctor hadn’t been able to save me. Laughter and tears mix as she leans down to wrap me in a tight hug. Myshoulder twinges in pain, but I don’t care. There’s nothing more important than this right now.
“Don’t you ever do this shit to me again, Everett Wayne. Do you understand? I love my husband and children so much, butyouare my other half, Everett. Literally. I won’t go through this life without you,” Ember says, barely making it through without breaking down. “I don’t think she will either.” She gestures towards Kelsea.
“She’s been there this whole time?” I ask.
“Of course. She never leaves. I tried to get her to shower yesterday, but she wouldn’t. She was scared you would wake up when she wasn’t there,” Ember smiles sweetly at her best friend. “No idea what she sees in you that is so damn special, but whatever.”
“Yeah, I don’t know either. But I’m not gonna complain. She’s loud and bold, and too fucking fearless. But I’ve never-.” I pause, thinking about what I want to say. “In my entire life, Sparky, I’ve never felt so calm. It’s like I know in my fucking bones she is who I've been waiting for.” I mean every word I say as Ember nods back at me.
“Why her, Ev? Don’t get me wrong, she’s the best person I know. You’ll never do any better. But I wanna know from you. Why her?” She asks. I take a minute to think about the answer I already know.
“How could it ever be anyone else when she exists?” I reply. My sister smiles widely back at me.
Kelsea shifts slightly in the corner, her eyes fluttering open. She looks to Ember, then to me, blinking a few times before her eyes open wide.
“Everett! You’re awake!” She rushes to the side of the bed and grips my hand tightly.
“I’ll give you guys a few minutes. I’m gonna grab the doctor,” Ember says, excusing herself.
Kelsea looks exhausted but elated all at once. The joy on her face is infectious as I stroke my fingers gently over the back of her hand.
“Miss me, goddess?” I ask with my trademark smirk.
“Nope, not at all. I’ve had plenty of big bad biker boys to keep me company here,” she replies, turning the tables on me. The devilish gleam in her eyes gives away her joke, but I still feel the fire of jealousy blaze under my skin.
“I've already hit my quota for murder this month, but I’m always willing to make an exception,” I growl.
She giggles, warming my heart and melting the tension in the room as she leans to place a kiss on my forehead.
“Of course I missed you, honey. You scared the hell out of me. I watched you die, Everett. I never want to feel that way again,” a tear trails down her cheek and I catch it on my thumb.
“I’m so sorry, Kelsea. But it’s over now,” I tug her down towards me, encouraging her to climb into bed next to me. She hesitates for a moment. I’m sure she’sworried she’ll hurt me. “I just need to hold you, babe. Please.”
She climbs into the bed next to me, careful not to bump any of the tubes and wires hanging off of me. Snuggling her body tightly against mine, her head falls to my shoulder, her lips brushing the column of my neck, and a hand placed delicately over my heart. We lie peacefully for a while, just absorbing each other.
“I love you, Everett,” she says quietly. “I don’t want to spend another day of my life without you in it.”
“I love you, Kels. As long as I can help it, I’ll never leave you again. I choose you, too, baby.” I say and she stares up at me, eyes wide.
“You heard me?” She asks, shocked that I can recall everything she said while I was on that table, unconscious.
“Every word,” I reply, kissing her head and pulling her tighter against me. “Kinda sounded like you may have some serious feelings for me, Kelsea Sawyer.”
She scoffs, rolling her eyes at my taunting. “I mean, you’re decent in bed, so I guess.”
“Decent? Fucking decent? Give me a few days to get my strength back and I’ll show you decent, goddess,” I say, tugging lightly on her ponytail.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, lover boy.” Resting her head against my shoulder, we both drift into the most restful sleep either of us has had in days.
