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Priscilla
Healing isn't linear, but it's always progress.
-Cilla’s Post-it note
This morning, two days after the incident at the pool, the doctor discharged Serene. He confirmed she was well enough to travel, and we made the decision that it would be best to move Serene back home as soon as possible. With that in mind, Tyler hired a doctor and nurse to accompany us on the flight back. He also sourced a private aircraft already kitted out with everything needed to transport our daughter.
The main bedroom on the flight is equipped with a medical bed to ensure Serene's comfort. There are IV poles on hand, as well as an adequate supply of medical-grade oxygen with an easily accessible mask. Tyler insisted on adding medical monitoring equipment, a defibrillator, and an emergency kit. The pilot confirmed there's sufficient power sources for medical devices, as well as a backup power supply. The filtration system was upgraded to ensure her immune system is not compromised. And of course, there are extra blood units of the correct blood type—mine—as well.
There's an additional bed in the room for one of us to sleep in, as well an adjoining bedroom where we can retreat to for some privacy. Tyler's attention to detail is astonishing. He personally supervised everything. It's a testament to just how involved he is in Serene’s well-being.
Sinclair, Summer and Matty, as well as Connor, are traveling with us. The grown-ups have insisted on relieving us by taking turns spending time with Serene. Serene trusts all of them. And she's happy to have Matty with her. The boy marched in with his books and toys and hasn’t left Serene’s side since we took off. With the presence of the doctor and nurse onboard the flight, I feel reassured that Serene will be fine.
We’re halfway through the flight home. Sinclair, Connor, and Matty are with Serene. Tyler and I are seated in one of the double club seats, and Summer is in the one next to us across the aisle.
I left Serene smiling and enjoying Matty’s company. Sinclair and Connor are keeping watch over them. With my head pillowed on my husband’s shoulder and a soft blanket covering me, I feel warm and secure.
My phone buzzes with an incoming FaceTime call. It’s Zoey, so I answer it.
"Oh, my God, there you are, finally! We were so worried." Zoey’s face fills the screen. "How is Serene? And are you okay?"
"Serene’s doing much better. And I’m fine."And it’s all thanks to Tyler.
As if sensing my unspoken words and confirming to me again that he can read my mind, Tyler lowers his chin and presses a kiss to my hair.
"Is that Tyler? Oh my gosh, you guys are so cute," she cries.
I pull the phone back so Tyler can smile at Zoey. "How are you doing?"
She flashes him a smile. "I’m good." Then she sobers. "I'm so pleased Serene is better."
"She’s a survivor. She’ll pull through, and hopefully, there won’t be any lasting damage from what happened, neither physically nor emotionally." His jaw tightens.
"I’m going to step aside and talk to Zoey, so I don’t disturb you and Summer, okay?" I kiss his cheek and rise to my feet, walking to the far end of the aircraft where there’s a meeting area, complete with a bar, a couch, and a coffee table. I sink onto the couch and look up to find Tyler’s eyes are on me across the length of the plane. He responds to something Summer asks, but his gaze is fixed on me. There’s no mistaking the possessiveness or the love on his face, even at this distance. He’s sprawled in the club seat, and the solidness of his body seems to take up all the oxygen in the space. With those broad shoulders, his arm flung over the seat, and his long legs kicked out in front—he’s an impressive specimen of male virility. And warmth. And sexiness. An apex predator at rest.
One side of his mouth kicks up. There’s a teasing glint in his eyes. A combination of affection and possession which makes me blush. Damn, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing the lust in his eyes and realizing it’s for me.
I hear the low murmur of Summer’s words as she says something else to him. With a last heated glance, he turns to her. My muscles slump. I feel like I’ve broken free of a riptide I didn’t know I was caught up in.
"Priscilla, you there?" Zoey frowns.
"Yes, of course. What were you saying?"
"Harper and Grace also want to join the call. Is that okay?’
"I’d love to talk to them."
She brings them on. Harper and Grace appear in their squares on screen.
"Hey bish, I’m so happy to see you," Harper cries.
Grace looks at me closely. "How are you holding up?"
I smile, grateful for my friends’ concern. "I’m not bad, considering."
"So sorry you had to cut your honeymoon short. But Serene’s fine, and that’s all that matters, right?" Harper’s eyes soften.