Whispers of You (Lost & Found #1)(90)

I frowned at the doctor. “Her lung not working doesn’t sound like the surgery went wonderfully to me.”

Dad stepped forward. “Apologies for my son. He’s a bit on edge.”

Dr. Sanchez gave me a sympathetic smile. “I get it. Why don’t I take you to her? That way you can be there when she wakes up.”

I felt a flicker of something in my chest and nodded. “Thank you.”

Dad patted my back. “I’ll go loop everyone else in.”

The waiting room on the surgery floor was jam-packed with people who loved Wren. My mom, Nash, Grae. Lawson’s boys: Charlie, Drew, and Luke, even though Lawson had had to stay behind to deal with the aftermath of what had happened. Abel.

I turned, pulling my dad into a hard hug. “Thank you. For everything.”

“I love you, Holt. I know I may not always be there for you in the right way—”

“You show up. You love me. Couldn’t ask for more.”

Tears filled my dad’s eyes as he released me. “Go to our girl. Make sure your face is the first one she sees.”

I jerked my head in a nod and turned to follow the doctor. He led the way to a bank of elevators. But just before we reached them, a familiar figure stepped into the hallway.

Chris gripped the brim of a ballcap, shaping and reshaping it. “Holt.”

My name was a hoarse whisper, more sound than an actual word.

My steps slowed and then halted altogether. I didn’t have the first clue what to say. But Chris spoke before I had a chance.

“I didn’t know. I swear. God. How could he—?” Chris cut himself off with a shake of his head.

“I know you didn’t.”

Chris swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “It’s why you called earlier, isn’t it?”

I let out a breath. “I had to be sure. To know if I was walking into a situation with multiple assailants.”

He nodded. “I did that. Being such an asshole to you since you came back. I put that doubt in your head.”

“No. I hurt you. I get that.”

Chris shook his head. “I’m sorry. Holding onto petty bullshit… Such a waste of time.”

At the end of the day, none of us had been the best friends to one another. But every day was a chance to start again. I met Chris’s dark gaze and extended a hand. “I think we both deserve a fresh start. What do you say?”

Chris stared down at my palm and then took it. “I’m glad you’re back. And I know Wren is, too. She never stopped loving you.”

Pain lanced me, a mixture of the good and bad, but I held tight to the good. “Thank you.” I released his hand. “I gotta go see her.”

Chris bobbed his head. “Tell her we’re rooting for her.”

“I will.” I strode to the bank of elevators where the doctor waited, the same set I’d ridden in countless times after my dad’s surgery. If I never saw these fluorescent lights again, it would be too soon.

Dr. Sanchez punched a button for the elevator. “She’s strong. Fought her way back to you. She’s going to come through this.”

“Strongest person I know.”

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside.

“The best ones always are,” he said as if he knew from experience.

We were quiet as the elevator rose, letting us off on the fifth floor. The doctor inclined his head to the left. “This way. Ms. Williams is on a regular floor. If everything goes as planned and her oxygen levels are good, she should be able to go home tomorrow.”

My eyes flared at that. “What about her other injuries?”

“She likely has a mild concussion, but none of the bones in her face are broken. Her cracked ribs will be the worst of her recovery. And that will simply take time. You’ll have to make sure she doesn’t push things too fast.”

“Me and what army?” I muttered.

Dr. Sanchez chuckled. “We’ll make sure to give her strict orders. And the painkillers should make her sleepy. For the next few weeks, the best thing for Ms. Williams will be rest.”

He ushered me into a room. The sun streamed in through the window, illuminating Wren. She looked so damn small in the hospital bed. So fragile.

“She has a heart monitor and IV. The thing on her forefinger helps us track her oxygen.”

I nodded but couldn’t look away from Wren. But I couldn’t move forward either.

The doctor spoke quietly. “Just knowing you’re here will be the best medicine.”

That was all I needed. I strode forward, sinking into the chair at her bedside. Careful not to dislodge the oxygen monitor, I took her hand in mine.

Her skin was cool, not full of her usual vibrance of life. I bent and pressed my lips to her knuckles as if that would restore it all. Scooting my chair closer, I brushed my lips against her temple. “I’m right here, Wren. Just need you with me.”

So much of her face was bruised and scratched. The anger that seared me nearly stole my breath. I struggled to keep my grip on Wren’s hand gentle and keep the rage from my face.

I pictured those hazel eyes in my mind, remembered the feel of her body wrapped around mine. Imagined her laugh.

I lifted her hand to my lips. “Love you, Cricket. Every day. Every minute. Come back to me.”