"I have a question for you that couldn't wait until tomorrow," he said as if they had spoken yesterday instead of five years previously.
She was sure her face registered shock, because his grin grew wider as he continued looking deep within her eyes.
"Did the man you cheated on me with make you cry out the way I did with nothing more than a kiss?"
"He did not say that!" Emily gasped.
Katherine blinked as she looked around the room full of people, feeling like she was coming out of a trance. She'd forgotten she was even telling a story. For those few minutes, she'd been back at that day. The day Joseph returned to her.
"Yes, dear, he did," Katherine said with a chuckle.
"I really hope you slapped him," Amy said.
"What happened next … " Katherine began before a monitor alarmed and everyone went silent, fear written on their faces. Several nurses ran into the room, including Kinsey, and began pushing buttons, before the noise stopped.
"It's okay, everyone. One of his wires just came loose," Kinsey quickly assured them.
"Thank you, dear," Katherine said as she bent down and kissed Joseph on the forehead.
She finally looked around and noticed Bree and Austin had joined them. She'd been so focused on her past, she hadn't noticed her niece and nephew step inside.
"Are you going to continue, Aunt Katherine?" Bree eagerly asked.
"I'll tell you more tomorrow. I'm tired right now, sweetie," Katherine replied. "Can you give me a ride to the house, Lucas?"
"Of course, Mom."
Lucas placed her arm through his and she leaned on her son as he led her from the hospital. She hated to leave Joseph, even for a few hours, but she needed to clean up and gather more supplies. She knew, though, that she'd end up back at the hospital to spend the rest of the night beside her husband. She'd slept beside him too many years to do it alone now.
Chapter Six
"Are you ashamed of me, Esther Lyon?"
"That's simply absurd, George."
"Then why are you acting like a vampire and only visiting me in the middle of the night?"
"You know why, George. We agreed we wouldn't say anything just yet."
"Well, I've changed my mind, woman. I love you, and I don't care who knows. If this accident taught me anything, it's that we shouldn't waste time," George said in a huff.
"Are you snapping at me?" Esther asked with her sternest expression plastered on her face.
"That I am," George said, acting just as stubborn.
"You know I love you, too, George," she started, but quickly covered his mouth when he was about to say something. "But … this isn't the right time. Joseph is still in a coma, the kids are all upset, and if I'm not mistaken, there are possible wedding bells in the future for your youngest son."
"You know my family means the world to me, Esther, but you're my family now, too. I want you to marry me."
"You were just in a horrible accident a few weeks ago. You're finally getting out of the hospital in a couple days, and you're flying high on pain medication. On top of all that, your twin brother, who you love very much, is in a coma. People make mistakes when they're dealing with one of these events, let alone all of them. I refuse to marry you because you're feeling like time is running out."
"I loved you last month, last week, and yesterday. I'll continue to love you today, tomorrow, and fifty years from now," he said, his voice growing thick.
"I'll hold you to that if we're still here in fifty years," she replied with a watery smile.
"Is that a yes?" he asked with hope.
"No, it wasn't. You get some rest. I'm coming in this afternoon, and I'm warning you now that if you give anything away, you won't be getting any of my sweet apple pie when you get home," she threatened.
"I'll behave, but I can't guarantee for how long," he pouted.
"As long as it's long enough for us to get you safely home."
Esther bent down and gently kissed George. With his good arm, he pulled her close and deepened the chaste kiss she'd started. She finally pulled back, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling.
"George Anderson, you make me feel like a twenty-one year old girl again," Esther said with a giggle.
"As long as you only feel that way. I wouldn't take a single day of your life away. Your years have added a beauty only time can give. I'll get you to marry me, Esther, and soon."
She said nothing further as she slipped out the door. Kinsey quickly jumped into the next room so Esther wouldn't see her. Esther had what seemed to be a permanent grin on her face. Kinsey couldn't wait to see Cassie and tell her what she'd overheard.