The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(106)

Lars called after Eddie, but she didn’t stop running.

He glared at Tanya. “Classy, Tanya.” He rolled his eyes and tried to keep an eye on where Eddie was going.

“We’ll talk later,” he said to Tanya as he raced down the bleachers.

He lost her. He looked all around the crowd and called her name. There was no sign of her.

He looked at his watch. It was time to get to the competition area for the Saddle Bronc event. Should he still do it? Should he keep looking for Eddie? Maybe she wanted to be alone. Maybe she needed time to process the information. God knew, he did.

Lars took a deep breath in and out and headed to the competition area.

He really needed this win. It was a goal of his for years to tie his father in becoming the Bronco Riding Champion on the rodeo circuit. Yet, it was very difficult to concentrate when he was worried about Eddie. Why had she run off? No doubt, Tanya was a lot to take and her claim was a big blow, but running off seemed like a strange reaction. He was beginning to feel like there was a good connection between them. He was hopeful that a wedding would soon take place and his inheritance would be secure. But where was she?

Lars was instructed to get ready for his ride. He climbed up the gate and hovered over the horse with his grip firm on the strap. He closed his eyes to find focus. Just eight seconds of pure focus was all he needed.

The timer went off and Lars sat on the horse. The gate opened up. He tried to find the rhythm of the horses buck. He swung his feet and balanced with his free hand. His mind drifted to Eddie’s heartbroken face. He closed his eyes and tried to regain focus. The timer went off. He made it. He let and jumped off, but he lost his balance and fell down. The horse kept bucking, and landed right on top of Lars. He felt a huge blow to his chest. He held up his hands a looked up toward the horse. He saw two hooves rearing up in slow motion and headed for his face. Then he blacked out.

He weaved in and out of consciousness. He heard sirens and voices. He felt someone hold his hand. Was it Eddie? He couldn’t speak.

Chapter 7

Recovery

Eddie slept in the chair next to Lars’ bed in the hospital. She had been there for two weeks. Lars was in a coma. No one knew if he had brain damage or if he would ever wake up.

Eddie woke and looked at Lars. Somehow, over the last two weeks, she had fallen in love with him. Maybe it was his vulnerable state. Maybe she was finally able to see him as he really was rather than the player he pretended to be, or thought he was. She knew in her heart that finding him was not a matter of getting funding for her park, it was God’s direction for her life. She felt a deep connection to this man she barely knew.

She stroked his hand. “Lars? If you can hear me, I want you to know that I am here for you. Rest as long as you need. I’ll be here. I am sure we have much more to accomplish together, and it is not your time to leave this earth quite yet. I’ll be patient, but please, come back to me.”

Lars began to stir. Eddie heard a small groan. Her body filled with adrenaline. “Lars?” She hit the button to call the nurse. Eddie held up his hand and kissed it. “Lars, can you hear me? Can you feel me?”

The nurse entered the room.

“He’s waking up!” Eddie shouted.

Lars’ eyelids twitched, and his head moved side to side.

“Lars, can you open your eyes?” Eddie asked, and she held his hand tightly.

Lars slowly opened his eyes. He slowly looked around the room at the nurse, the bed, the window and then Eddie. He stopped moving and focused his eyes.

“Eddie?” Lars mumbled.

Eddie felt tears stream down her cheek. “Yes! It’s me!” She kissed his hand.

“I’ll get the doctor,” the nurse said. “You are a lucky man, Mr. Fiske. Your fiancé has been by your side for two weeks. She really loves you.”

Lars curved his lips upward and looked at Eddie. “My fiancé?”

Eddie laughed. “I had to tell them that to stay in your room. Your grandfather has been here a few times, but he said he had to get back to the cattle.”

Lars tried to sit up. “That sounds like Grandpa. He has a crew of cowboys but he still feels like he has to be there.”

Eddie put some pillows behind Lars’ back to make him more comfortable.

The doctor came in to the room and examined Lars.

“What’s the diagnosis, Doc?” Lars asked.

“You suffered some serious injuries, Mr. Fiske, but you are healing nicely. I believe you can expect a full recovery in a few weeks.”

Eddie jumped for joy. “That is great news!”

“Be patient with yourself. You’ll need to stay here at least another week to be monitored,” the doctor continued.

“Whatever you say, Doc.” Lars grabbed Eddie’s hand and held it.

Over the next two weeks, Lars got better and worked with a physical therapist to improve his mobility. Eddie was there all day every day and spent the nights in the chair by his bedside. He couldn’t believe how loyal she was after such a strange beginning to their relationship. He didn’t want to ruin it by asking her about it, but he finally couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Eddie, why are you here with me? What made you want to stay by my side? You were under no obligation,” Lars said.

Eddie looked down. “I know. It wasn’t about obligation. I guess it must seem strange to you. It’s just, at the rodeo, when you were injured, all your so-called friends abandoned you. Even Tanya didn’t seem to care. She walked away from you at your worst moment. I couldn’t let you travel to the hospital alone. Then, for the next few days, I didn’t want you to wake up without anyone here for you, so I stayed. And, I guess, after caring for you for so many days, my feelings for you just grew and became very real. I fell in love with you, Lars. I hope that doesn’t freak you out.”