Page 103 of Unexpected Kisses

“The pain isn’t unbearable.”

“Excellent. That’ll be the pain meds doing their job.”

CHAPTER44

–aj–

“Okay, Mr. Jackson,”Doctor Fieldman starts as soon as she crosses the threshold into my room. “Your head scan and bloodwork have come back clear. You’re managing to shower and go to the bathroom yourself, so I have your discharge papers here.” She smiles at us, clearly delighted to be giving us good news. She’ll probably be glad to see the back of me because I’ve been begging to go home.

“Already?” Sarah asks, her brow furrowing. She’s in no hurry for me to leave the care of the nurses and doctors, though she must be exhausted.

“Yes. Mr. Jackson is making good progress. There’s nothing more we can do for him here. There will be follow-up appointments required, and he’ll need assistance at home for a while, but he’s on the road to a full recovery.”

* * *

After what felt like the longest week of my life, we finally leave the hospital and the fresh air feels amazing. Sarah stayed with me the entire time, only stepping out on Saturday morning for her volunteer session at my insistence. I draw in deep breaths, exchanging the stale hospital air for fresh air and Sarah pushes me toward our Uber and then helps me get in.

“Stone Tower, please.”

“I don’t want to see my grandfather,” I grumble as my muscles draw tight. I’m not ready to deal with him yet.

She takes my hand in hers. “I need to collect my car. It’s still parked at work.”

My muscles relax and I nod. “We also need to get your stuff. You’re moving back home.”

Sarah grins at me. “Oh, am I now?”

“Yep.” I lean across and touch my forehead to hers. “No arguing with the invalid.” I may as well use this to my advantage if it gives Sarah the excuse she needs to move back in.

“Even if you weren’t all broken to pieces, I’d be moving back in. I don’t want to be away from you any more than I have to.”

Finally.

Fucking finally she’s with me.

To be fair, her sleeping in that uncomfortable chair for the duration of my hospital stay showed me all I needed to know. I did my best to convince her to join me on the bed, but she was stubborn. If she thinks we won’t be sharing my bed tonight, she’s gonna be sorely mistaken. I refuse to allow her to sleep anywhere else but with me.

We switch cars, stop at the drugstore for my medication and the other stuff I need, and then make a final stop at Mel’s place to collect Sarah’s things. Sarah kisses my cheek, then climbs out of her car. I feel like I’ve handed in my man card when I have to wait while she carries her things downstairs on her own, loading them in the trunk. As soon as I’m back on my feet, she won’t have to lift a damn finger. I’ll make sure of it.

We arrive home and Dylan comes out to meet us. “Hey. It’s good to have you back.” He embraces me carefully. “I’m fucking glad you’re okay, man,” he whispers next to my ear. When he pulls back, I can see the worry in his eyes.

“It’s good to be back.” He tries to help me inside, but I brush him off. “Can you please take Sarah’s bags up to our bedroom? I can get inside on my own.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m okay. I can manage.” Sarah grumbles as she drags one suitcase out of the trunk of her car.

I nod. “Yep. I don’t want her doing the heavy lifting on her own.” I lock my eyes with Sarah’s, so she gets my point. “It’s bad enough she had to carry them downstairs from Mel’s place.”

She chuckles, holding up her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay.”

Good. I’m glad she’s listening to me without an argument. Dylan grabs the bags and lugs them upstairs while Sarah helps me inside, settling me on the couch with my injured leg resting on the ottoman. Exhaustion is quickly taking over now that I’m settled back home.

She blows out a heavy breath. “I’m going to make us all a coffee.”

Sarah disappears into the kitchen, and I rest my head on the back of the couch and close my eyes as I listen to her work. A sense of peace and calm washes over me, knowing she’s home for good.

“You okay?” Dylan’s voice breaks my quiet moment. Damn, I think I could sleep for a week. I’m completely shattered. Not that I’ll admit it to anyone.

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