“Thank you,” Vanessa whispered. “What time is it now?”
“Ten thirty. Your brothers dragged your husband out to get him to eat something.”
He was here! Vanessa sagged. Even after I was so stupid.
The nurse went on: “He didn’t want to leave you alone. I’ll let them know you’re awake.”
“No, let them finish eating first.”
“All right. Are you hungry?”
She shook her head. “Just tired.”
“If you need anything, all you have to do is press the button here.” The nurse showed her the call button and left.
Vanessa relaxed against the pillow and swallowed. Her baby was all right. Justin was here. Everything was going to be okay. She could feel it.
She dozed for a while. Then the door opened, and Justin walked in. She almost wept, her heart fluttering with relief. Mark and Iain followed, along with Hilary and Jane. Even Dane came. And her mother was there too. The only noticeable absence was Salazar.
Justin settled next to Vanessa and held her hand. Fatigue lined his face, but his eyes were warm. “I thought the nurse was mistaken when she said you were awake.”
She smiled, linking her fingers with her husband’s. “Nope. Awake and totally fine now.”
“Oh, thank god.” Ceinlys burst into tears.
“Mom, you’re going to cry now?” Mark said weakly, while Iain handed her a handkerchief.
Hilary and Jane turned to Vanessa. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”
“You could look worse,” Dane said, which Vanessa took as equivalent to her mother’s reaction.
“I want to go home,” Vanessa said. “Now. The nurse said I’m fine.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart,” Justin said, kissing her forehead. “Whatever you want.”
* * *
Justin was somehow able to get her discharged so fast that they were on their way home within forty minutes. He was quiet as he drove; she held his hand, wanting the reassurance of physical contact.
He helped her get out and walk from the car. She gasped when she finally noticed her reflection in the mirror-shiny elevator door. “I look like a boxer. A boxer who just lost.”
Justin squeezed her hand. “No, you won. You survived. Besides, you still look gorgeous.”
“You are such a liar.”
She yelped when he swept her off her feet and carried her over the threshold. “Isn’t it a bit too late for this?” she said with a laugh.
“It’s never too late. Where do you want to go?” he asked, turning on the light.
“I want to sit on the couch. I’m tired of lying down.”
“Okay, but only for a bit,” he said. “You need to rest.”
She nodded. “Okay. Half an hour then.”
Her legs felt rubbery, and her knees had started aching. She’d probably banged them against something in the accident. She didn’t remember much of it.
“Do you want anything?” he asked.
“OJ?”
He returned with a glass of juice and sat next to her, taking her free hand. “Hey, listen…I’m sorry.”
She stopped in the middle of raising her drink. “For what?”
“The things I said. I shouldn’t have. And I should’ve told you about Peggy’s situation before I went to meet her.”
Vanessa shook her head. “I’m sorry I lashed out at you too. You were right; I was trying to make you pay for my father’s…indiscretions.” She blinked back tears. “When they took me to the hospital, I was so scared I’d lose you and our baby both. I was sure you wouldn’t want to be with me anymore.”
“Vanessa. I’ve wanted you since forever. I’m not going to give up on you over an argument.” He turned her hand over, running his thumb over the wedding band. He kissed her on the mouth gently, careful of her bruises. “I love you, Vanessa. I’ve loved you for years and I’ll always love you, no matter what.”
“I love you too, Justin. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to figure that out.” Then she shook her head. “Actually, I do know. I was too afraid to take a chance.”
“Do you think we can start over? I know you’re worried we’re going to end up like your parents, but I believe we can be better than our parents. And our child will be greater than us.”
This time she let the tears fall. “You say the sweetest things.”
“How can I not?” He put the glass of juice on the side table and took her gently into his arms. “We have the sweetest future.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The singer’s voice soared as she sang “Cheek to Cheek.” The orchestra provided a romantic accompaniment.