Page 49 of My Shining Stepbrother

We walk over and retake our seats, but my legs won't stop shaking. My nerves are building more and more with each passing second. I stare at the walls, but the ticking clock in the background only reminds me of the time I'm losing with her.

Almost forty-five minutes later, a nurse walks out, saying we can go in two at a time. I tell my dad and Anita to go first because I don't plan on leaving once I enter that room. I will be glued to her until she is in our home again.

- Rose -

I start to wake up and notice I'm not in mine and Reese's room. There is a constant beeping sound and a sharp pain in my abdomen. I try to move, but it feels like someone shreds my insides every time. I look around and notice I'm in the hospital. What the hell happened tonight?

I feel around with my hands until I find the red call button. I press the button hoping for a nurse or doctor to show up.

A nurse walks in and gives me my pain meds. I happily take them from her as I thank her. A few minutes later, my mom and Damian walk in. My primary thoughts are where Reese and my sister are. Did they make it out okay? Are they both still alive?

“Hey, sweetie.” She leans forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“Rough as hell, but I’m grateful to still be alive.” I try to sit up, but the excruciating pain stops me from moving further. Damian quickly walks over and stables my back as he slowly leans me forward.

“They are working on catching the robbers.” He winks at me, telling me this is the story she knows. I hate that he hides his family and their lives from her.

“Hopefully, we will hear something soon.” I return the wink because I remember one of the men going down.

“Yes, I want them nailed to the wall for this.” she says with hatred coursing through her words. If only she knew what had happened. She might be thinking differently right now.

She sits down in the chair beside me and takes my hand in hers. “Rose, I need to ask you something.” her tone changed to one so soft and sweet. I nod my head for her to continue.

“Do you see Reese in your future? Like in marriage and with kids?” I raise a confused eyebrow. Are we really back to this shit?

I take a deep breath and think about my future. I see us in our home with kids running around if we are lucky enough.” I never thought about it before, but yes. I can’t imagine a single day without him by my side or without being able to kiss him whenever I want. I love him, mom. More than I could ever describe.” I squeeze her hand tight, trying to get her to accept my words.

“What if I told you Damian and I got married?” I look between them both and smile.

“Did you?” I ask them both with a teasing tone.

“We did.” he leans over, kissing my mom on the top of her head as she smiles. My heart grows in size just watching them and seeing how happy my mom is.

“Then congratulations! I’m happy for you guys. You both deserve happiness.” I let go of one of my mom's hands and replaced it with one of Damian's. “What does that have to do with Reese and me? I still want to spend forever with him.”

“That’s all I needed to hear, sweetheart. I’m going to leave and let Reese come in before he goes crazy staring at the walls in the waiting room. We both love you very much.” She kisses my head again before she stands up.

“Wait, Reese is still here?” The speed of my heart triples. He is alive and here.

“He never left, Rose. He immediately called me so I could come to sit with him. Your sister is here too. I’m sure Reese will bring her back with him. She is the one who called your mother for us.” He squeezes my hand tighter before kissing my head as well.

They both leave the room, but all I can think about is that he stayed. He didn't leave me alone even after all the bullshit he has had to go through because of me. I have to be the luckiest woman to breathe.

I look up to see the god of a man walk through my door. I notice the worry in his eyes and his exhausted movements. I wish I could jump up from this bed and wrap my arms around him, but the stinging pain reminds me I can't do that every time I move.

He gives me a smile before walking over and kissing my lips. “Hey there, beautiful.” He looks into my eyes, pouring his love into me.

“Hi, handsome.” I run my hand over his cheek, smiling.

“How are you feeling?” He asks as he looks at the cords and cables attached to my body.

“Like I have a hole in my stomach.” I say it before thinking, and he just shakes his head. “Sarcasm helps me. Sue me for it.” We both start to laugh, easing the weird tension between us.

The sharp pain hits me again while I laugh, causing me to wince. He tells me to relax and breathe, but I point down to my stomach.

“Easy for you to say. You don't have a hole in your stomach.” I start laughing again as I look at the giant bandage on my stomach.

“You are going to be the death of me.” He puts his hand over his face while laughing.

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