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She thought I was going to tell her I was sorry we’d ever gotten involved. Her worry was etched into the furrow of her brow and within her rounded brown eyes. I knew Wren at such a deep level I never should have doubted her or our relationship.
“I’m afraid if I don’t, I won’t have another chance to make this right.” She frantically tugged to free her hands from mine. I tightened my hold in response.
She closed her eyes, her arms going limp.
“I love you. I never should have pushed you away the other day.” I didn’t even recognize the desperate tone to my voice. She had to believe me. My heart wouldn’t accept anything else.
Her head whipped up so fast I was afraid she might have hurt herself. “What did you say?”
“I. Love. You.” I said slowly so there was no mistaking my words. I let go of one of her hands to dust my fingertips across her cheek. “I need you, and I want our relationship even if we need to hide it for a while. I just can’t be without you. These last few days have been miserable for me. I never should have pushed you away.”
“They’ve been awful.” Tears gathered in her eyes once again.
“Don’t leave me,” I pleaded. It was time to put all my cards out on the table. I was nothing without her. “I’m only half living without you by my side.”
“I don’t want to leave you. I want a life with you and Zoey ” Wren slipped her arm around mine.
“Thank God!” I groaned and crushed her mouth to mine in a fast and furious kiss. A promise to work things out.
When we pulled apart she reached up to cup my cheek. “I love you too.”
“I love you so much,” I whispered back, so grateful for a second chance with her.
“Mr. Hunter.” A nurse stood at the door going into the back of the emergency room. “It’s time.”
“I promise we’ll finish this conversation later.” I kissed Wren’s forehead.
Hand in hand, she followed me to the back of the room to go take care of our girl. Even if Zoey wasn’t hers biologically, I knew Wren loved her like she was and that was all Heather wanted for her daughter. Someone to love her and treat her like she deserved to be treated.
Wren’s phone dinged indicating she had an incoming text message just before we walked through the doors. “I’m so sorry. Let me get this. It might be the school.”
I nodded even though the nurse appeared annoyed at the delay.
She pulled out her phone and tapped quickly at her screen.
Her face sheeted white.
“Wren?” Panic clawed at my insides.
“It’s fine,” her voice sounded soft and distant, as though she was curling in on herself for protection.
Whatever happened, itwasn’tfine. “What did the message say?”
Her shaky hand reached for my arm again. She forced a smile to her face that appeared brittle enough to crack. “We can talk later. Zoey’s our priority now.”
I hated that she was shutting down after the moment we had, but this was the Wren I’d fallen in love with. She put everyone before herself. And I was determined to spend the rest of our lives putting her first.
“This way.” The nurse gestured in the direction of Zoey’s curtained off space.
“We’ve got it,” I told him. I sent a nervous glance at Wren, noticing the blank expression on her face. She was on autopilot.
I pushed open the curtain.
“Ms. Winter!” Zoey held out her arms.
Wren immediately let go of me and rushed to her. “Are you okay?” she asked. Her blank look was quickly replaced by concern.
“My head hurts, but the doctors and nurses have been nice. I didn’t want to go back for the test without you.”