Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
A few minutes later, we arrive and head in through the main entrance. After going through security, the scent of antiseptic hits me in the gut like a horrible reminder that while hospitals help people, not everyone who comes in has the luxury of leaving.
I take a deep breath as I try to slow my racing heart, but when I glance down, I find my hands shaking, and I worry that I’m about to have a panic attack.
“Can I meet you there?” I ask Shane, spotting a little store that has balloons and candy. “I want to grab a few things for Taylor.” And have a chance to calm myself down before I end up in a full-blown panic attack.
“Yeah. They’re on the third floor, room 302.” He kisses my temple. “I know this is hard for you, so if you can’t stay …”
“I’m okay,” I tell him. “Taylor is worth the discomfort. I’m just glad she’s okay.”
I spend a few minutes picking out a cute stuffed dog and her favorite candy, and when I know my emotions and nerves are in check, I head up to their floor.
I find their room number, and I’m about to walk in when I hear voices that halt me in place.
“Dad!” Taylor giggles. “I can’t wear this gown. It’s so ugly. Tell him, Mom.”
“She’s right, Shane,” Jamie chides playfully. “What if that cute doctor comes back?”
“That doctor is too old for you to even be looking at,” Shane growls, making Taylor and her mom laugh.
I step closer, peeking in, and find Shane sitting on the edge of Taylor’s bed with her mom lying in a bed next to her.
I watch them for a few minutes, and I can’t help the way my gut churns at how much they look like a family.
When Jamie groans, Shane gets up and goes to her side.
“You okay?” he asks, concern laced in his tone.
“Yeah.” She smiles warmly at him. “But would you mind fluffing my pillows? I feel like I’m sinking.”
“Sure.” He goes about fixing her pillows, and once he’s done, she threads her fingers through his, making me want to rip her hand off and cry at the same time.
“Thank you, Shane,” she says. “This whole ordeal has been horrible, but I really appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
“It comes with the job,” he says, removing his hand from hers and taking a step back. “Both as a paramedic and Taylor’s dad.”
When he turns around, his eyes lock with mine, so I step inside.
“Hey,” he says, walking over and giving me a kiss.
“Hey,” I say back.
“Kinsley, I’m so glad you’re here,” Taylor says with a soft smile.
I glance over at her, and it’s then I notice all the tiny cuts on her face and arms. Her wrist is covered in a bright pink cast, and her forehead looks like it’s been glued together.
But she’s alive. Her heart is beating behind her rib cage, her eyes are a bright green, and she’s smiling.
I try to keep my tears at bay, but they still come. “I brought you some stuff,” I say, setting her books and items I bought at the gift shop on the table. “But first, I need to hug you.” I lean over and give her a gentle hug, kissing the top of her head and inhaling her scent. “I was so worried,” I tell her, sitting on the edge of her bed. “When your dad told me what happened …”
“I know,” she says, “but I’m okay. A bit banged up but okay. I promise. Though Casey is going to be super pissed when she finds out that I won’t be going to Nationals or Worlds since I’ll be stuck in this cast for the next few months. She’s going to have to rework the entire routine.”
I want to tell her that none of that matters and the only thing that does is that she’s alive, but I know cheerleading is important to her, so instead, I say, “You have next year, right?”
“Yeah.” She shrugs. “If we make it that far.”
“You will,” I assure her. “It won’t help with cheerleading, but I brought your favorite books.” I grab one of the books from the bag. “Figured you could get lost in Marco and Bella.”
She told me they’re her go-to couple when she’s feeling down.
“Thank you.” Taylor grins, taking the paperback from me. “What else is in there?” She eyes the bag playfully.
“I saw this, and it reminded me of Becky.” I hand her the stuffed dog. “And your favorite candy.” I grab them out of the bag and set them in her lap. “When you get out of here, we’re going to need to—”
“Shane,” Jamie says, cutting me off, “I hate to cut this visit short, but my head is pounding, and the noise is making it worse.” Her words come out sugary sweet, but someone would have to be an idiot not to see what her intention is.