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“Oh, Taron.” I put my hands on his shoulders as the tears heat my eyes.

He doesn’t take his eyes off her. He only waits, holding her hand.

32

Taron

Sleeping Beauty. Our first conversation was about the story of that prince. He was in a dungeon and then he had to fight through thorns and slay a dragon…

I said I’d cut through thorns and slay a dragon for her.

“Wake up, Dove. It’s Daddy. We need to practice your dance for Princess Peach.”

Silence…

I’ve been in combat.

I’ve gone up against drug lords.

Hell, I survived Marine boot camp, but nothing like this.

Her pretty little face is so still and calm. It’s like she’s only sleeping, but she won’t open her eyes. She’s somewhere we can’t reach her, and the helplessness is overwhelming.

After twenty-four hours, they’ll have to intubate her. It’s like the point of no return, throwing in the towel, and waiting for the end to come.

My chest aches. I can still see the moment she walked away from me in the store. It’s so clear in my mind. My heart said to stop her.

Why did I let her go?

Noel can’t sit still. She’s nervous and panicky, and her hands won’t stop shaking. I try to hold her, and she lets me for a little while. Then she has to move again.

I want to give her my strength, but I feel it draining out of me just as fast.

It’s like being on watch. I study her dark lashes lightly touching her soft cheeks. My ears strain for the sound of her breathing. I want to hear her voice again.

She said my name at least a thousand times, but still it wasn’t enough. I haven’t had enough time with her. Please, God… Don’t let this be my punishment…

“I think I’ll go to the chapel.” Noel touches my arm. “Maybe if I pray…”

I lift her hand and kiss the top of it. “Sounds like a good idea.”

I can’t leave her side. If she opens her eyes, I have to be here. When I was in the water, I had her in my arms. I felt the life in her… I think I heard her say my name, and I was sure I’d get her out alive.

The ice broke, and I lost my hold.

Another hour slips past.

“Angelina, it’s Mr. Mouseling. Wake up so we can build a sled.”

Silence…

Another hour slips past.

Warm hands grasp my shoulders. “How are you doing?”

I look up to see Mindy’s mother standing over me, smiling kindly. “I’ll be a lot better when she wakes up. Where’s Noel?”

“She’s talking to Pastor Sinclair.” She puts her hand on Dove’s. “Come on, baby girl. Time to wake up.”