Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(66)

I don’t worry about the rest of my family. I’m being granted permission to see Tamsyn and nothing is going to stop me. We’re in an elevator when he first begins speaking. “She hasn’t woken up yet. The doctor just came in and said he expects it any time. They’re monitoring her brain activity and so far it’s strong. He says it’s common for head injury victims to take their time waking up.”

“How did you manage to get me access? They said only family.”

“The nurse gave us a bag of Tamsyn’s belongings she had on her. There was a ring in a box with a letter.”

I shake my head. “It’s not what you think.” I haven’t asked his permission, nor are Tamsyn and I back together. “It’s my way of telling her how I wished we could be.”

“Nonetheless, we told the nurses you were her fiancé. Skip the logistics, Josh. What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Tamsyn cares deeply for you. She’s been struggling since the break up. Your family is always kind to her. She speaks highly of everyone, including you. She’d want you to be here when she wakes up.”

‘Thank you, sir. I appreciate this.”

“Are you going to tell me how this happened?”

Of course he wants to hear it from me, though I know my family has already talked to them. “Do you remember Olivia Parish?”

“Yeah, she was Tamsyn’s best friend.”

“She was, but Liv was also my first love. She’s the reason we broke up. She did everything in her power to push Tamsyn out of my life against my wishes. When your daughter left I made it clear I wasn’t interested in Liv. She’s gone crazy. She ran Tamsyn down with her car and crashed into a building. They flew her to the trauma hospital. Apparently it’s life threatening.”

“So all of this is over jealousy?” He’s as shocked as I am.

“I know. It’s hard to wrap your head around. I’m finding it difficult to understand it myself. All I wanted was a life with your daughter. I never asked for this.”

He nods. “Let’s pray she recovers, Josh. I hope they both do.”

“Yeah, I know it’s insensitive, but Liv did this to herself.”

“I’ll handle Olivia Parish. If she really did drive into my daughter, I’ll be forced to contact the authorities.”

“I’m aware, and I support the decision. I want this to be over with. Tamsyn doesn’t need a target on her back for loving me. It’s ridiculous.”

“Yes, it certainly is.”

We’re on the top level of the hospital. He guides me through a corridor and then a security door. When we step into the room it takes my breath away. She’s hardly recognizable. Her mother is perched next to her with tear-filled eyes. She comes over in my direction and puts her arms around me. “You must be worried sick.”

“Thank you for this,” I say as I get to the bed and immediately grab Tamsyn’s limp hand. I can’t take my eyes off of her. She’s got stiches on her temple and some dressing to cover the wound. They have her hooked to monitors. Her head is wrapped in gauze. She’s got scrapes down her arm, and that’s just what I’m able to see. “God, how could this happen?” I whisper.

“She’s going to wake up. Talk to her. We need to remind her that’s she safe and loved so she comes back to us.” Her mom is crying as she explains.

I nod, fighting back my own emotions. “Whatever it takes.”

I hear her dad from behind us. “Millie, let’s step out for a few minutes and grab some coffee.”

She accepts his offer and leaves me in the room alone with Tamsyn.

For a few minutes I stand there staring at her. I can feel tears trickling down my cheeks, but don’t bother wiping them when I know they’ll be replaced by more. It’s difficult to talk to her with my lips trembling as I begin. “Please wake up, babe. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I can’t go on without knowing you’re going to be okay. When I close my eyes I can see my future and you’re in it with me. I need you so damn much.”

I fall against the bedrails and close my eyes to alleviate some of the stinging. Then I hear a cough. I peer up and see her struggling to open her eyes. My hand courses over the side of her face that isn’t injured. “Tamsyn. Can you hear me?”

She’s staring at me, but saying nothing. I wait until she attempts it. “Josh.”

“Oh my God. It’s me, babe. It’s me. I’m right here.” I’m holding her hand tightly, squeezing it to let her know I’ll never let go.

“Hurts,” she manages.

“I know. Don’t try to move. You’ve got some broken bones, but you’re going to be okay.”

She almost smiles, but then says something that shocks me. “Livvy.”

I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Baby.”

“We don’t know anything. They flew her out. Cammie is on her way there.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t you dare apologize. Liv did this. It’s not your fault. You should have been with me the whole time. She did this to us.”

“Love,” she stumbles. “I love you.” It’s the clearest thing she’s said to me.

“I love you too.” I’m smiling, my face soaked in tears. “I love you so damn much, woman. God, I thought I lost you.”