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He’s still asleep.
The nurse must see the concern in my expression because he says, “We just gave him something to relax him.”
“Thank you. I should let my…brothers,” I say awkwardly to keep up with our lies, “know what room we’re in. They can come back here now, right?”
“Just keep it to three at a time. And if he does wake up, don’t overwhelm him.”
I thank him, then step beside Lance’s bed and rest my hand against his chest, watching him breathe. He looks so peaceful. So vulnerable. I take his hand. “You’re gonna be okay. And I’m not gonna leave your fucking side. You got that?”
As I stand there, looking at this beautiful man, I feel thedepths of what I shared with Mom.
Because he’s got me.
I’m so fucking in love with Lance Fehn.
29
Lance
“You need anythingbefore we head out?” Mom asks for what must be the fifth time since I woke up maybe fifteen minutes ago.
I’ve been in and out all day. I had a tube down my throat for a few hours, and during that time, Ty got me a journal and a pen to communicate with him, hospital staff, Mom and Dad, and our friends. Some of the guys are still lingering in the waiting room, here for support. So on top of being tired from all that went down last night and whatever I’ve been pumped with while here, it’s been exhausting knowing everyone’s running around, worried about me.
And yet, I’m so grateful I get to see everyone again.
“I’m good,” I assure them, my voice still hoarse from when the nurse took out the tube.
Ty, who’s sitting beside the bed, tightens his hold on my hand, which he’s been holding since before I woke up. There are some serious bags under his eyes, and he still has some soot on his face from the fire last night. I can’t imagine he’s gotten much sleep since we got out of Sigma Alpha. Every time I’ve woken up, he’s been right here at my side, ready to get me anything I need.
Being in that smoke, struggling to breathe, my eyes burning, there was a moment when I thought I might never see himagain. Or my parents. That I would leave them all even more grief-stricken, adding to so much existing pain. It’s the sort of thought that reminds me how special they all are to me. Really reminds me of what’s important in my life.
“Please don’t talk too much,” Dad says.
“They said I can talk a little, just need to take it easy. Now go. You said you haven’t eaten since you got here.”
“The guys could grab you something to eat,” Ty tells them.
As helpful as he’s been, I wish he hadn’t offered. I love my parents, but despite how wonderful they’ve been and how nice it’s been to see them again, it’d be even nicer to have a moment alone with him.
“No, no,” Dad tells him. “Trust me, they’ve been helpful enough. So helpful that I think we could both use a minute to ourselves.”
“I agree,” Mom says, and I smile. It must’ve been overwhelming for my parents, though my guys would’ve just wanted to make sure their president’s parents were comfortable. “We’ll be right back, though,” Mom promises, like she’s feeling guilty for leaving, despite them being here most of the night and morning.
“I’m fine,” I insist.
“You’re right, you’re right.” Dad turns to Ty. “Thank you for being here.”
“It’s my honor, really,” Ty assures them.
Mom and Dad give me some big hugs, and we exchange I-love-yous.
After they head out, Ty asks, “How you feeling?”
“I’m glad they’re getting lunch. Love them, but their worrying is stressing me out.”
“They’re not the only ones worried about you.”
I know. I’ve seen his concern. That’s one of the reasons Iwanted to be alone with him. Because while I’ve had so much support, he’s been dealing with that on his own.