Beyond These Walls (The Walls Duet #2)(13)

Dr. Hough had worked closely with my doctors back home, and he still spoke with them, providing updates and taking guidance if needed. If something were to go wrong, I had no doubt in my mind that he would be able to handle it.

“So, how’s the new ticker doing?” he asked, scrolling over the latest lab work results I’d gotten done a few days prior.

“Everything is great,” I answered.

“Good.”

Silence fell as he continued to read through everything, and I watched in apprehension as his finger thumbed through the pages, tracing over numbers and summaries.

He looked up at me, and our eyes locked.

The walls began to feel like they were closing in, and my breath constricted in my chest.

“Well, everything looks good, kid.”

Air filled my lungs as I swam to the surface of relief.

Thank God.

“You’re sure?” I asked.

“You ask that every time,” he replied, shaking his head back and forth. “You’re doing great. Just keep taking your meds and stay active but not too active,” he said with a grin. “Stay away from sick people, especially now that flu season is coming. And what is the last thing?”

“Enjoy it,” I answered, knowing exactly what he’d say.

“Exactly. Now, get out of here. You have a wedding to plan, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, sir. I just got your RSVP. I’m so glad you’ll be able to attend.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, kid,” he answered.

I hopped off the table and smoothed out the back of my skirt, only to rise up on the tips of my toes to give the big beast of a man a hug. “Thank you,” I said softly.

“Anytime. Oh, and on your way out, tell the receptionist to schedule you for after the first of the year.”

“What?” I asked in confusion. I always came once a month, like clockwork.

“You’re doing great, Lailah. Go enjoy your honeymoon. We’ll be here when you get back.”

“Okay.”

I made my next appointment for the middle of January and headed off to find Jude and his mother in the midst of their shopping spree.

As I walked down the streets of New York by myself—something I’d never even imagined I would be able to do—I took a deep breath and reminded myself that everything was just fine.

Too much good in your life didn’t mean the rug was about to be pulled from beneath you.

I just needed to take a deep breath and trust—trust myself and this new heart beating inside my chest.

EVERY FEMALE WITHIN a two-block radius saw the sleek black car pulling up to the curb. The second glances and hopeful looks I received when stepping out of the limo, carrying a dozen red roses in my hand, were priceless.

Sorry, ladies. These are not for you.

I’d only met Lailah on campus for lunch a handful of times, but I knew her routine. She was a creature of habit and loved to walk under the Washington Square Arch on Fifth Avenue. Even if her classes were blocks away, she’d always manage to find some excuse to bring her back to this place.

I’d once asked her why she loved it so much.

She’d smiled, her eyes looking off in the distance, as she formed her answer. “I don’t know honestly. I think it just reminds me that I’m really here.”

I planted myself just under the arch, leaning against the stone, and I waited. It didn’t take long before I spotted her, bundled up in a long wool coat. Under a knitted hat, her blonde hair peeked out the sides, falling around her face like straw. She moved gracefully among the crowds of tourists and students with her backpack on one shoulder as she wrapped her arms around herself for warmth.

It took several moments for her to spot me, but I knew the instant she did. Her eyes lit up, and her smile grew wide with surprise.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, throwing herself into my arms.

“Obviously, I came to surprise you. I wanted to be here to congratulate you on another semester finished!”

“Thank you!” she replied. “It feels amazing! But it’s not as amazing as getting married! Do you realize that, by this time tomorrow, we will be hitched?”

“Hitched?” I laughed at her word choice.

“Yep, hitched—to tie the knot, to wed . . . I could go on.”

“So smart,” I commented, holding out the bouquet of roses in front of her. “These are for you, by the way.”

“They’re beautiful, Jude. Thank you.” She took them in her hand, leaning forward to inhale their sweet smell, before taking my hand.

“You hired a limo?” she exclaimed as we reached the curb.

“Well, it is a special day.” I grinned.

Shaking her head, she reached her free hand into the pocket of my jacket and pulled me closer. “You’re too much, Mr. Cavanaugh.”

“Just about right, I’d say.” Unable to stand a second longer without her taste, I bent down to kiss her, savoring the warmth and tenderness.

“Just a few more of those left as a single man,” she joked.

“Are they different as a married man?” I shot back, opening the door for her.

“Guess we’ll have to find out.” She leaned forward again, brushing her lips against mine. “Tomorrow,” she added with a smile.