Page 4

Fletcher

M y heart wants to leave my chest when I see that Erika is pinned to a branch.

The red stain that has spread across her shirt tells me she's been bleeding for quite some time.

That's why she's so pale. I hear someone behind me giving coordinates so that the field doctor, Brock Masters, can make his way to our location.

"Erika. Come back to me, sweetheart."

She frowns as if she can hear me, but her eyes stay closed, making daggers shoot through my heart. I pull out my handkerchief and pat the sweat that covers her brow. I'm at a complete loss for what to do before the doctor gets here.

So I just start telling her how strong she is and how she's going to be okay after we get her to the clinic. After a while, I begin telling her how much I admire her and that I've got a little crush on her. She probably won't remember any of this, so it doesn't matter what I say.

All I desperately need is for her to know that she is no longer alone and that help is on the way.

It seems like it’s been talking forever when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you the doctor?"

"Call me Brock."

"She's very important to me, Brock. Please take good care of her."

"I understand, but you need to let me get near her so I can do my job."

I realize that I've been blocking everyone from reaching Erika, and I begrudgingly get up and move to the side. Brock checks her and tells us she's lost a lot of blood. First, the team needs to cut the branch that's holding her down so that they can transport her to the hospital.

They've got procedures in place for this kind of thing, but I'm panicking. There are so many people around her that they keep pushing me back. I know I'm only in the way, but I want to be close to her when she wakes—because she will wake up and be okay. She has to.

Even though Erika is still unconscious, I hear Brock say out loud everything he's doing as the team works on cutting the branch. I try to see her face, and find that she’s frowning even in her sleep. Brock needs to move back to let the team work, and I see him approach me.

"The puncture has only affected her side, but no organs have been pierced. It's only the fact that she's lost so much blood that she hasn't woken up yet. Once we're at the clinic, I'll operate and get the branch out."

I don't really know what to say, so I stay silent as I watch him go back and help the team move Erika to the gurney they brought in. They strap her down and make sure she can be safely transported to the town's clinic.

Following after the team like a lost puppy makes me feel useless, but I need to be close to her. When we get back on the road, I see transportation is already there. I beg them to let me ride with her, and they reluctantly allow it.

Throughout the ride, I hold her small hand in mine and keep sending prayers to God and the universe to keep her safe until I can tell her how much she means to me. Once we arrive at the clinic, things move fast around us, and I'm left in the waiting area until she comes out of surgery.

I must look pretty bad because Dean approaches me to talk.

"I didn't know you were so close to Ms. White."

"She sells my artwork at her gallery. She's an amazing woman."

"I'm sorry, Fletch, but this looks like more than that."

"Yeah. I'm utterly and completely in love with her. But I've been trying to keep my distance. She's so young, and my time serving messed me up. I don't deserve a woman like her."

"I think you're being too hard on yourself and should let her make that choice."

We continue talking for a few more minutes when Brock comes out to join us.

"She's going to be okay. I told a little white lie, and they think you're her fiancé, so they'll let you in to see her."

"Thank you so much, Brock. I owe you."

I immediately ask for directions to where she's recuperating, and a nice nurse leads me there. When I walk into the room, I'm shocked by how frail and pale Erika looks, and I rush to sit down beside her. I once again take her hand into mine.

Leaning forward, I place a kiss on her forehead and then sit back. She's hooked to some IV bags, and the beeping of the machines seems like bad elevator music. It feels like I wait for hours until, at last, she starts coming to.

"Hey there, beautiful. Welcome back."

She opens and closes her eyes with difficulty, finally trying to focus on my face.

"Fletcher?"

"It's me, sweetheart."

"I feel like a truck ran over me. Where am I?"

"You're at the Hunter's Peak Clinic. They're taking good care of you."

Her gaze finally steady, she looks deep into my eyes, her own blue ones showing how vulnerable she is right now.

"I've missed you, Fletcher."

A pang of guilt goes through me. I've been doing my best to avoid her, which is probably why she decided to brave the mountain in her little car, just to see me.

"I've been a coward, sweetheart."

"A little birdie told me you have a crush on me."

"You heard that?"

"I was mostly in and out when you guys found me. Your voice was very distinct from the others. Thank you for being by my side."

"There's nowhere else where I would be, Erika."

"Can you get me some water?"

I hurry to pour some water into the small cup they have for her and bring it to her lips. She drinks a few sips and then leans back against the pillow.

"Will you stay with me, Fletcher?"

"I'll be here."

Apparently, saying those words made her feel secure enough to fall back asleep, so I spent the rest of the day and night watching over her. The next day, Brock makes an appearance, which surprises me.

"Hey Erika, I'm Brock. I was with the team that found you and brought you back. How are you feeling today?"

"A little run down to be honest. Everything hurts. I did fall down a mountain, after all."

"That explains a lot of your bruises. Let me check the wound to see if everything is progressing as it should."

Brock's bedside manner is amazing, and both Erika and I relax while he examines her. When he's done, he looks serious, and I start to worry.

"Can I go home soon, Brock?"

"I'm not sure. You just had surgery, and I think you're going to need help. If you can find someone to help you, I can let you go tomorrow. If not, I'd rather you stay a few days here at the clinic."

"I'll help her."

The words just jump out of my mouth without me realizing what I'm offering. How am I going to take care of her and keep a cool head? I suddenly realize that I'd do anything for her and for her well-being. Excitement fills me because I'll have her all to myself up on the mountain.

"Are you sure, Fletcher? I won't get in the way of your work?"

"It'll be an adventure."

"Then that's settled. I'll come by tomorrow and sign the discharge papers."

"Thank you, Brock."

When the doctor leaves, I reach for her hand again and kiss the back of it. It's an intimate gesture that shows how in awe I am of her, but I've stopped caring. I'm ready to confess my feelings, I just need to find the right time.