Page 87 of Dreaming About Forever

“You’re the best, Lillian. I don’t know what I would do without you,” Alicia said.

Lillian’s small smile crinkled the corners of her eyes. “You focus on getting better, and I’ll handle everything else. Sleep well.”

Lillian stepped out, and Jordan sat on the side of the hospital bed. “She really is great at handling things.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better manager. She’s wonderful.”

Jordan brushed a hand over her cheek, letting his thumb trail along her jaw. “Get some rest. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too. So does everyone in Mom’s chat group.”

Alicia chuckled, and the small jerks sent echoes of pain throughout her body.

Jordan leaned down to press a kiss to her brow. “Sweet dreams, buttercup.”

* * *

Alicia straightenedthe hospital gown on her shoulders as Lillian placed the tubes and cords out of the way.

“You ready?” Lillian asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” A stylist had come by to do Alicia’s hair and makeup, but she’d refused most of the treatments. If they did all of the styling they’d planned, Alicia would be ready for another nap before they finished with her.

It was time to step out. She’d conducted a few interviews since coming to Redemption Ridge, but this would be a tell-all. She wasn’t hiding anymore, and she wouldn’t be speaking from a script.

If they wanted the news, she’d give it to them. Once all of the cards were on the table, she didn’t care what they did with the information. Her life couldn’t continue to be shaped by the whims of others. If she was going after the life she wanted–the one God had led her to–she’d have to protect it first.

Of course, the future wasn’t promised, but Jordan would be going with her on the tour, and they’d be back to visit his family whenever the tour schedule allowed. She had something to look forward to–something to strive for–and it wasn’t a multi-million dollar international tour. It was a home on the land Jordan had grown up on, and it couldn’t come soon enough.

Lillian opened the door and called to the first reporter. The media outlets she’d chosen to participate in the surprise interview had been carefully vetted. They were all from sources known for integrity and respect.

A blonde woman Alicia recognized walked in with a subtle grin on her face and shook hands with Lillian. “Thanks for this opportunity.”

Lillian gestured to a chair set up beside the bed. “You’ll have one question and one follow-up question.”

The woman took the seat and shook Alicia’s hand. “Thank you for meeting with me.”

“Thanks for coming.”

The camera man gave them the signal, and the reporter got straight to business.

“Miss Carver, I think we’re all curious about your health. Can you tell us a little bit about what’s going on?”

Alicia grinned and found Jordan standing against the wall on the other side of the room. Things were off to a good start if the first question was about her well-being instead of rumors about her love life.

“I have type one diabetes. Without going into too much detail, my blood sugar dropped dangerously low, and my body has been in a state of distress while the doctors and nurses work hard to get things stabilized. The simple answer is that I took insulin and then forgot to eat.”

The woman leaned forward. “Are you going to be okay?”

“I appreciate your concern. Yes, I’m feeling better already. Things can take a turn quickly with diabetes, and thanks to the quick work of the medical professionals here, I should be discharged by Christmas, if things continue as they have been lately.”

Lillian thanked the woman for her time and made quick work of escorting her out and bringing in the next reporter.

A tall, gorgeous woman was next, and having been informed about the previous question, she chose to ask about the scandal with Alicia’s parents.

“My parents have always been involved in my career without being a part of my life. The reports were true that they stole millions of dollars from Stacy and me, but that’s the only news. We trusted our parents, and they took advantage of us. My sister and I both have legal teams involved, and we’re keeping a close watch on the development of the cases.”

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