I heard someone clear their throat, and I turned to see a man across the street, walking a big dog. The man froze and stared daggers at me.
I showed my hands, a peace offering. I wasn't some hoodlum looking to knock off the rich people's houses in town.
With my head down, I stuffed my hands into my pockets and walked back to my truck.
I didn't know much in life or about life, but I knew one thing.
I was meant to be with Lacey.
Lacey
PRESENT DAY
It was like coming out of a really good night's sleep. My eyelids fluttering. My body so relaxed. I sucked in a breath and let out a little sigh. I expected to find myself in River's bed, cuddled tight, the sun poking through the blinds.
Instead, the moment my eyes fully opened, I surveyed the room, realized I was in a hospital room, and everything went straight to hell. Starting with my fingertips, it was like someone was setting me on fire. Pain crept up and all around, except … well … my left leg. I couldn't feel my left leg.
Wait.
My right leg, too.
Well, from the knee down.
I grabbed the sheets, and suddenly, it all came back to me.
I'm driving down the street. I'm in River's truck. I'm a little uncomfortable, not familiar with the feel of it. But it's a truck. I am driving it. The light up ahead. See that light? The light is green. Bright green. Grass green. It's totally and definitely green. My brain says to keep going. I have to get to River's place. That's where he wants to meet. My heart is still twisted as is my stomach because of Axel. All those mean things he said to me. I didn't hurt his moth-
There's no sound for me.
From the corner of my eye I see an object flying at me, and that's it.
I feel movement. I hear no sound.
Then it's all dark.
My eyes filled up with tears as I tried to say something. Instead, I let out a gurgling, crying sound.
From the corner of the room, River popped up from a nap.
"Lacey," he said. "You're awake. Holy shit. You're awake."
He came rushing to my bedside.
He reached down and wiped my cheek.
"Oh, darling."
"I ruined your truck," I whispered.
"My truck? I don't give a damn about my truck." He crouched down. "You're awake."
"My legs, River. I think there's something wrong."
He nodded. "The doctor told me all about it. They're not sure how bad everything is yet. But you're okay. Right? You know who I am. You know who you are. Let me get the doctors to check you."
"My legs," I whispered. "I'm not going to be the same for you."
River grabbed my face with gentle care. "Darling, I'm not after your legs. I'll carry you across this world and back. I'm after your heart, Lacey. That's all I care about."
I blinked fast and tears started to fall again.
He leaned in and kissed me.
I felt a surge of life go through me.
Then he stood up.
"Let me get the doctors," he said.
"Promise you'll be back?"
"I promise," he said. "I'll always be back for you, Lacey. I never went anywhere."
I shut my eyes and smiled.
Why did it feel like the universe wanted to rip us apart?
The doctor rambled off a bunch of medical jargon. Stuff about nerves. Stuff about my leg, my bone. Whatever. I was in a daze the entire time as he stood there, looking somber, talking at River, talking at me.
The end result was simple … I would need physical therapy, and I would be monitored from there. There was a chance I'd never regain feeling in my legs and never walk again. There was also the same chance that I'd wake up one day and have feeling and just start moving like nothing happened.
"When can she leave, Doc?" River asked. "I want to get her home and comfortable."
"Hopefully soon," the doctor said. "I do know the police are here and will want to speak with you, Lacey."
"With me? Why?"
"The accident. The other driver was drinking, so the police will need a statement from you."
"A drunk driver," I said. I looked at River as my eyes welled with tears again.
"No, no, no," he said. "We've got this, Lacey. Together. You and me. I prom-"
There was a loud yell outside the hospital room door.
A second later, Axel came blasting into the room. He looked very rough, wearing the same clothes I remembered him in. At first, I didn't see the blood on his knuckles, at least not until he grabbed the railing of my bed.
"Lacey," he said. "I'm so sorry for what I said to you. What I tried to shovel onto your back, that wasn't fair. You did amazing for my mother. You made her comfortable. You made it okay for her to peacefully let go. I can never thank you enough for that."
Behind Axel came two police officers. They all but tackled him down on top of me on the bed.