Once again, I can’t process the rest. I heard what I needed to hear. Bram is the one who told the doctor to come talk to me. That means he’s awake—he’s conscious—he’s telling them what he wants. That’s the best sign in the world.
“Can I see him? Please?” I’m trembling so hard I can barely get words out.
“Yeah, that should be okay. He’s in recovery now. Tough guy, that one. He wouldn’t even let us give him anything for the pain after he woke up.” The doctor motions to the door.
“I’ll wait here.” My mother squeezes my hand. “Hopefully, I’ll get to see your father soon.”
I follow the doctor to a drawn curtain and when he opens it, I see Bram’s face. He looks like he’s in a lot of pain, but his entire demeanor shifts when he sees me. He lifts his arms and I practically topple the doctor over as I rush to Bram’s side. Tears begin to fall, but they’re happy tears—not the agonizing ones that have stained my face.
“You’re okay! Thank god!” I give him a hug—carefully.
“Yeah, I think I’m going to make it.” He grimaces. “How’s your dad? I asked, but they wouldn’t tell me anything.”
“He’s okay. He’s out of surgery now, but we can’t see him until they move him to a room.” I force myself to smile through the tears.
“Thank goodness.” Bram’s head leans back against the pillow.
“You’re hurting. You need to let them give you something for the pain.” I sit down beside him and hold his hand.
“I know, I just didn’t want to be out of it until I saw you and found out how your dad was doing.” He nods and I see him wince.
We talk for a few minutes before the doctor returns. I finally convince Bram to let the doctor give him something and promise I’ll be there whenever he wakes up. We share one tender kiss before I finally take a step back so the nurse can put the needle into his IV. I watch his eyes close with a smile on my face—knowing that they will open again, and all will be right with the world when they do.
We survived the impossible.
Nothing will ever come between us again.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Bram
I’d lay in this bed and suffer for the rest of my life if it meant Kiana never felt an ounce of it. When I realized Mr. Diaz was about to pull the trigger, the only thing I could think of was getting between that bullet and her. In that moment, I didn’t care if I lived or died, I just wanted Kiana to survive.
Two shots.
Mr. Diaz’s hit me. Mine hit him. That was the end of it. It was a blur after that. I swore I saw the light at the end of the tunnel—so white and warm—but the angel that came for me had Kiana’s face. That’s when I knew it wasn’t my time. I was going to see her again. I’ve never believed much in destiny or fate, but something brought me back to her. Something decided we needed more sweet, precious time.
“How are you feeling?” A voice summons me from my slumber, and I open my eyes to see Dr. Colter’s face.
“Hey doc…” I force a smile. “I’ve been better.”
“I knew you were in no condition to leave the hospital the last time I saw you, but I didn’t think you’d end up right back in here. Things don’t seem to be going your way this week.” He raises an eyebrow.
“I think they’re turning around now.” I try to sit up, but it hurts too much.
“I certainly hope so.” He nods. “I’ll be your doctor while you’re on this floor, and I really need you to listen to my advice this time. Please don’t sneak off the second I leave your room.”
“He’s staying put right where he is.” Kiana walks into the room behind the doctor.
“Yeah, doc.” I chuckle under my breath and immediately cough. “I’m not going anywhere right now.”
“Hit the button if you need me.” Dr. Colter nod to Kiana and leaves the room.
“Hey… I don’t even know how long I was out.” I look towards the window.
“They kept you sedated through the night.” She walks over and sits down beside me. “I wouldn’t have left to get more coffee if I knew you were about to wake up.”
“It’s okay.” I reach for her hand. “How’s your dad doing?”
“He’s driving my mom crazy and asking every nurse when he can go home.” She smiles. “I guess he’s doing a little better than you right now.”
“Good.” I use what little strength I can muster to pull Kiana close so I can kiss her hand.
“The cops have a lot of questions…” Kiana sighs. “My mom has been fighting them off, but I think we may need to get a lawyer.”
“Where’s my phone?” I look around the room and am surprised to find it laying on the table beside me. For once, it isn’t broken.
“You aren’t in any condition to call anyone right now.” Kiana moves it out of my reach.
“Find a number in there. Keaton Ramsey. Call him.” I sigh. “He’ll get this straightened out.”
“Is he a lawyer?” Kiana raises an eyebrow inquisitively.
“Nah, but he knows the right people. Just call him.” I nod.
Kiana looks somewhat perplexed, but she does what I ask. We told Keaton what was going down so he could talk to the De Luca family. They should be able to get the cops to back off. I never thought I’d need something like that, but there is no way I can answer the questions that the cops will have right now.
“He said he’ll take care of it.” Kiana puts my phone down. “Is it really that simple?”
“You can thank your dad.” I nod. “He made a few friends when he used to run the company with me.”
“There are a lot of things I need to say
