“Oh, you don’t—”
“Lead the way,” I say, reaching out to grab the bag of personal items from her. I step back and watch as they help Winnie into a wheelchair and drape a blanket over her lap. When they start to move, so do I. The nurse gets her settled in her new room, with a promise to come back and check in on her soon.
“Where do you want this stuff?” I ask her.
She points to the cabinet. “I guess just throw it in there for now. I hope no one messes with it in there.”
“I won’t let them,” I tell her.
“What do you mean?”
I finish placing her bag of personal items in the small cabinet and make my way back to her bedside, sitting in the chair and pulling it closer. Reaching out, I take her hand in mine. “I’m not leaving you here all alone.”
“That’s crazy,” she says, pulling her hand from mine.
“My wife and unborn child were in a car accident, and are staying in the hospital overnight. Why is it crazy that I want to be here with you?”
“I’m not your wife.”
“Not yet. But this…” I place my hand over her belly. I can’t seem to stop touching her. “This little peanut is a part of both of us. It’s my job to be there for both of you, and I plan to do just that.”
“Harrison, you should go home, sleep in your bed, get a good night’s sleep.”
“Funny,” I say, except I’m far from laughing. “I’ve not had a good night’s sleep since I moved out.” It’s the truth, the bed is cold and empty without her.
“Don’t do that.” She points her finger at me. “Don’t you dare try to make me feel guilty.”
“Never,” I assure her. “I’m just giving you the facts.” Never again will I let her think she’s not the most important person in my life. She and this baby mean everything to me, and I’ll make damn sure they know it.
Her eyes close and she exhales. That’s when I know I’ve won. She can act tough all she wants, but she’s scared. Our situation is not ideal, and who wants to spend the night in the hospital on their own? “I need to call my family.”
“I can call them for you.” I start to reach for my cell phone in my pocket.
“Wait! It’s late, and there’s no need wake them up, making them worry. I can call them tomorrow when I’m released. I’ll need a ride home.”
“I can take you home.”
“Harrison—”
“Gwendolyn,” I counter.
“Fine,” she concedes.
That was much easier than I thought it would be. I can only assume she didn’t want me calling her family, because then she would have to explain to them why I’m here. “Do they know?” I ask her.
“No. We had dinner at Twist of Lime, and I’ve been sick. Gabby made a comment about if she didn’t know any better, she would think I was pregnant. That’s when it hit me. I told them I wasn’t feeling well, so I could leave to buy a test. That’s where I was headed when the accident happened.”
Lifting her hand to my lips, I kiss her knuckles. “That had to be scary. I’m glad it turned out all right. That you and the baby are both okay.”
“Yeah.” She yawns.
“Get some rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.” She gives me a subtle nod as her eyes drift shut.
I sit here next to her bed, her hand held in mine watching her sleep. I could have lost them both. If that’s not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is. “I love you, both of you so much,” I whisper. Resting my head next to our joined hands, I drift off to sleep.
Chapter 6
Winnie
* * *
My head is a little heavy as I rouse from a deep sleep. Hair hangs in my face, but when I try to lift my hand to move it aside, it’s restricted. I can’t lift my hand. Panic starts to set in, when the reason I’m being held down moves.
Harrison.
He’s sleeping in a chair beside me, his head resting on one of his arms, while the other shifts to hold my hand tighter. He doesn’t wake though, and it gives me a moment to just watch him sleep. His hair is a little longer and his five o’clock shadow more pronounced. I always loved his scruffiness, especially when it would slide along my thighs.
No. Not going there now.
His handsome face is completely relaxed, but I can see the worry lines that mar his eyes and brow. His mouth is slightly agape and his breathing is even and steady. I used to love resting my cheek on his chest and listening to his strong heartbeat and level breathing while he slept. I miss everything about sharing a bed with him.
He hasn’t moved much since we both fell asleep the last time. Once I was settled in my bed and the nurses got me hooked up to their machines, I fell asleep quickly. However, every two hours, someone came in to check my vitals or replace my fluids. Each time, Harrison was wide awake, watching closely as they monitored both the baby and me. A mild cramp started overnight in my lower abdomen, which caused me to freak out a little. The nurse informed me that some cramping during pregnancy was normal, as ligaments and muscles were beginning to stretch. And since the spotting hadn’t gotten any worse, she felt that was a good sign that Peanut was still safe and snug inside me.
Peanut.
From the moment the doctor informed me that I was pregnant, I fell in love. But the moment Harrison referred to our baby as Peanut? I fell even more in love with him.
My bladder takes the opportunity to remind me that I’ve had an IV hooked up to me all night, pushing fluids. Gently, I pull my hand from my ex-husband’s and gingerly start to move. He doesn’t wake but stirs a little until he gets more comfortable. The fact that he didn’t wake this time is a testament to how little sleep he’s actually been getting. Carefully, I slide out of bed, cautious to make sure my legs will support me, and start to shuffle toward the small bathroom, pulling the IV pole behind me as I go.
Inside the room, I quietly pull the door closed and turn on the light. I get my first glance at the damage to my face. No, not necessarily damage, but I definitely look like I’ve been in a car accident. There are a few scratches that are already scabbed up, and there’s no missing the bruised lump on the side of my head. Part of my forehead is a light purple color, reminding me that it definitely could have been much worse.
My bladder cries for help, which has me scurrying for the toilet. Relief washes over me, not only to finally be peeing but because there’s very little blood. I was terrified that I’d glance down and find more, that I was losing the baby. After finishing my business, I carefully stand and go to wash my hands. The moment I do, my stomach lurches and the cold sweats start. I know exactly what’s about to happen.
I barely make it back to the toilet before I’m throwing up. I’m not even sure what I’m throwing up, considering I haven’t eaten anything since the party last night, and I already purged that from my gut afterward. Paying no attention to anything but my miserable puking, I don’t hear the door open or the man enter. I only notice he’s here when I feel my hair being swept from my neck and pulled back. Harrison sets his big hand on my back and rubs gentle circles. As soon as the heaving has subsided, I find instant comfort in his touch, even if I shouldn’t.
“Are you finished?” he whispers, his voice pulling me from the fog in my brain.
I take a quick moment to make sure, and nod.