“I’ll check in with Keely and Mac and then return to sit with Wynn,” Scarlett told them.
A nurse gave her instructions to the waiting room and Scarlett took the stairs down one flight, glad to be able to move after sitting for so long. Her stomach growled and she thought she better grab a sandwich at the cafeteria before she returned to Wynn’s room. She was eating for two now and wanted to do everything possible to ensure she had a healthy baby.
When she stepped inside the waiting room, the number of people present overwhelmed her. Carreen was the first to reach her, embracing her in her typical motherly fashion.
“What are you doing here?” Scarlett asked. “You live in Arizona now.”
“I got your text,” her sister said. “I had to come.”
She began to cry. Carreen dabbed her cheeks with a tissue. “Everyone’s here.”
Scarlett glanced around and saw not only that Keely and Mac had stayed but Rhett, Cassie, Dash, Sydney, Knox, and London had all come.
“Thank you for being here,” she said through her tears, going around the circle and hugging each one tightly.
“How is Wynn?” Keely asked. “We don’t know anything beyond him being in intensive care.”
“He finally woke up a few minutes ago.”
Scarlett took a seat and walked them through Wynn’s injuries and what the doctors had shared about his condition.
“It’s going to take time for him to heal. Time for his thoughts to quit jumbling and calm down. He may never remember the past few days.” She sighed. “He’s alive, though. That’s all I care about.”
Her gaze met Cassie’s and somehow Scarlett knew her sister-in-law had learned about the argument with Wynn. It made sense because if Wynn had come looking for her, Rhett and Cassie’s would have been the first place he’d gone.
“I need to get back upstairs. But while you’re all here, I wanted to tell you that I plan to be with Wynn. Whether he makes a full recovery or not. I’m committed to him.” She paused. “I love him. I did before this happened and nothing’s changed.”
“You know we’ll support you in whatever, Scarlett,” Rhett said. “I’m speaking for the entire group. Whether it’s launching your own firm or being with Wynn, we love you.”
“Thank you. I love all of you, too.” She stood. “I want to get back. Everyone needs to go home. There’s nothing more you can do here. I’ll send out a group text if anything changes.”
Hugs were exchanged again. She admonished Mac for staying so long, knowing he had to be back for a second night shoot in a few hours.
“Don’t worry about me, Scarlett. I stayed up three days straight in the army on missions. This is a piece of cake.” He grinned. “Besides, my character is supposed to have a haggard look. My lack of sleep is just saving the makeup artist time trying to un-pretty me.”
He enfolded her in his arms. “You take care. I’m going to get Keely home and into bed. Call if you need anything.”
“I will,” she promised.
London pressed a bag into her hand. “I sent Knox downstairs while you were updating us on Wynn’s condition. You need to eat.”
“Thank you. Thank you for coming.”
London smiled. “What are friends for?”
Carreen walked out with her. “I can see you’re okay. I’m going to fly home tonight but let me know if you need me.”
“I will. Thanks for rallying the troops.”
Rhett stepped forward. “I’ll walk back with you.”
Scarlett led him to the stairwell and they climbed the flight to the next floor.
“I’m sorry I sent you the vague text yesterday. I know you’ve already received the email from Lymon McGraw. Normally, I’d run something of that magnitude by you.”
“You don’t have to. You may be my baby sister but you’re a smart, mature woman.” His hand cupped her cheek. “In the future, I’m sure that’s the kind of thing you’ll talk over with Wynn.”
“I hope so. Did Cassie tell you he and I had a huge fight?”
“She did. Not what it was about. It wasn’t important. I knew somehow you two would work it out.”
“I don’t think Wynn remembers it went down,” Scarlett admitted. “I’ll tell him, though. I know it won’t always be smooth sailing between us but I’ve found The One, Rhett. I’m not letting him go.”
“Good.” His thumb stroked her cheek. “Let us know if he makes any progress and when he’s out of intensive care and can have visitors.”
“I will.”
Rhett opened the stairwell door for her and Scarlett returned to Wynn’s room. She ate the sandwich and chips and was excited to find a chocolate chip cookie at the bottom of the sack. A new nurse came in to check Wynn’s vitals and she saw Ted’s name had been replaced on the whiteboard.
After the nurse left, Scarlett climbed into bed with Wynn. She turned on her side and snuggled against him, resting her head gently on his shoulder. Feeling his warmth against her reassured her that everything would turn out fine.
CHAPTER 26
Wynn slowly became aware of the warmth against his side. Then the scent of vanilla wafted through the air.
Scarlett lay beside him.
He opened his eyes and blinked several times. Looking at the ceiling tiles, he realized the blurred vision he’d experienced the last time he awoke had subsided. He wanted to look at Scarlett but something stiff held his neck in place. Something cold was also draped over his head. Fortunately, the painful throbbing at his temples had eased to a low, dull ache.
At least this time, he knew he was in a hospital room. And why. Both Scarlett and some doctor mentioned a car accident. The doctor—what was his name?—had said Wynn might never remember the actual impact. Knowing how
