Every Precious Thing

CHAPTER EIGHTY — SEVEN

Alan slowly opened his eyes, finally waking from his surgery. His head was still a bit cloudy, but the searing pain in his leg seemed to be gone. He knew that was just temporary, the drugs he’d been given dulling his senses.

He closed his eyes again, trying to piece the evening back together, and wondering what had happened. After several seconds he realized something was pressing against his hand. He forced his lids open and glanced down.

“So you are awake.”

He froze. Despite the words, he thought he might still be sleeping, lost in a dream.

Using what strength he had, he forced himself to look to his right.

“Hi,” Sara said.

It was really her. She was sitting in a chair beside his bed, holding his hand.

“Hi,” he managed.

“The doctor says you’re going to be okay. A little sore for a while, but okay.”

He stared at her, unable to form any words.

She smiled. “You will have to stay here for another couple days, though.”

“Oh,” he said, suddenly tense. “Emily. Where is she?”

“Rachel has her. They wouldn’t let me bring her in.”

“Is she all right?”

“She’s fine. She just wants to see her dad.” She hesitated. “I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It was never about you. It was…my past.”

“Don’t,” he said.

“I’ve never loved anyone like I love you.”

He watched her for a moment. “Are you going to disappear again?”

“Never. I promise.”

He could see the pain and the truth and the love in her eyes.

He squeezed her hand. “If you do, I’ll send Logan to find you again.”

She laughed, and after a second, he did, too.