Pacific Northwest Werebears(60)

“Am I okay,” she asked her voice barely above a whisper.

“They had to take out your spleen baby, but hey who needs a spleen right?” Wyatt said still kissing her face.

“You also had a head injury Jinger, that’s why you’ve been asleep,” her mom offered.

“I’m so tired,” Jinger said looking at Wyatt. His eyes were happy and exhausted. She was glad he was there.

“It’s okay, the doctor will be in to check on you. We’ll wake you back up, rest for now,” her dad encouraged.

Looking to Wyatt for his opinion, Jinger saw his eyes were wet and the yellow around his iris was flaring brightly.

“I’m here, gingersnap. I won’t leave your side,” he promised.

Knowing he’d be there the next time she opened her eyes, Jinger let herself slip into unconsciousness. This time she wasn’t lost in the fog. She dreamed about the woods and bears for some reason.





Chapter 17




Jinger’s recovery was slow, the first week she spent more time sleeping than she did awake. The doctors assured everyone that it was normal. Her brain needed a lot of downtime to heal. She was glad when they moved her to a regular room. It was larger and allowed more visitors. Friends from work stopped by and brought flowers and balloons.

Usually after a big visit, Jinger would crash and sleep for hours. Her strength wasn’t even back to pre-accident level. Apparently being in a coma for four days and another week on your back left you weak as a kitten.

Physically the impact of the accident was healing, her bruises fading and cuts almost gone. She was only held back by the occasional inability to find the right word. Another side effect of the brain injury.

“Son of a bunny!”

Wyatt looked up to see Jinger struggling with a knot in her hair. Her brush hopelessly tangled.

“I think you mean, son of a bitch. Let me help you,” he said coming to the bed and sitting behind her. Taking the brush out of her hand he started working through the knot.

“I feel stupid,” she said, her head tipping to stare into her lap. She didn’t like not being able to trust her mind to come up with the right word. It was frustrating because often she’d think the right word, but something completely different would come out.

“Jinger, you are less than two weeks out of a serious brain injury. Give yourself time. Besides I happen to like some of your creative speech.”

“Like when I asked you to kick me last night,” she said wryly looking over her shoulder.

“Hey I knew you meant kiss, it all worked out, right?” He continued to brush through her hair.

Jinger knew she was pushing herself, but deep down she was afraid Wyatt would stop showing up at the hospital. They’d been on one date and he was taking care of her like they had been married for a dozen years. She didn’t want to become a burden.

“Well, at least you’ll get a break from me. Mom and Dad have my old room ready at home until I’m up to being on my own,” she said trying to sound enthusiastic.

Wyatt sat the brush on the bed and got up and dragged the chair over to the bed and sat down. Grabbing her hands in his, he made sure she was looking at him before he said, “We need to talk.”

Oh crap, here it comes. “Really Wyatt, we don’t need to do this. You’ve been amazing and I know how much time you’ve had to take from your work to take care of me. I appreciate it more than you can know. I’m sure you probably need a break from me, and it’s okay. I understand,” she said in a rush.

“A break? You think I need a break from you?” His voice was incredulous.

“Well…you have gone above and beyond what someone who’s been on one date with someone is obligated to do,” she scoffed.

“First, we went on three dates. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Second we didn’t just go on a date, we made love and it was astonishing and amazing up until you bolted. Which I will never forgive myself for letting you drive off in my truck. And thirdly, your parents know we are dating, my parents know we are dating and I’m pretty sure your mom and my mom were discussing wedding plans for the fall. So please don’t tell me that the woman I love is telling me to take a break from her.”

Jinger’s brain tried to keep up with all he was saying and process it into something she could understand. She got the last part clear though.

“You love me?”

“Ask anyone, I’m an incredibly selfish person. Up until now I’ve really only loved my family and myself. Since I have given you my heart and soul, you’re now a part of me. How could I not love you? I almost died when I heard you’d been in an accident. I imagined the worst. When I saw you alive, I had a tiny bit of hope that we could have our life together. Some people are fated to be together Jinger. The universe puts the two souls that are meant for each other in a direct path with one another to build a love that is like no other. The air we breathe, the beats of our heart, are meant for each other. I’m meant for you and you are perfect for me. I can’t let you go, and I won’t.