Forever (Fallen 3)

“Only Patrick, he was here when the doctor told me, but the others don’t know. I asked Patrick not to tell them.”

“Thank you.” A single tear escaped the corner of my eye and began to cascade down my cheek.

“Oh, principessa,” he leaned over, and with a soft, hesitating finger, he gently wiped the tear away. He kissed me again just as the door to my room opened. He stood and moved back to the other side of the bed and deposited himself in the chair.

The doctor strode in, he was probably in his late forties early fifties, with dark hair, skin, and eyes. He also had a beard. He seemed friendly.

“Good, you’re up,” he smiled pleasantly, “How are you feeling?”

“Sore,” I answered. Jonathon gently took my hand in his.

“That’s good. Sore is better than painful or broken. You’re a very lucky girl. Very lucky,” he said. He came over and checked some monitors and then took my temperature. “Everything looks good. I’d say you can expect to be released some time tomorrow. If the pain gets to be too much just push this button and a nurse will come in with some pain killers. Your ribs are bruised and they will be sore and tender for quite a while.” He gave me another small smile and said, “Your family has been waiting eagerly for you to wake up shall I send them in?”

I looked at Jonathon. He gave me a small smile and squeezed my hand. “Yes, of course. I’d love to see them,” I nodded.

He left, and a moment later Patrick and Amelia appeared with Diana, Joseph, Danny, Mason, and a surprise visitor.

“Gabriel,” I gasped in shock.

He looked like he would blush if he could. “I heard what happened and I wanted to make sure you were okay, so here I am.”

“I’m glad you came,” I said, and held my arms out for a hug. They all took turns hugging me.

Diana whispered in my ear, “I’m so happy that you’re okay. We’ve been so worried.”

They all looked so relieved that I was inclined to believe her. Diana was famous for her exaggerations.

“How are you feeling?” asked Amelia taking my hand that Jonathon wasn’t holding.

“I’m fine, Amelia, really. I’m sore, but like the doctor said, it could have been a lot worse. I guess I have Jonathon to thank for that.”

“What?” he said, looking surprised.

“Didn’t you put your arm out stop me from moving? It felt like you did, anyway, maybe I’m crazy and imagining things.”

“I did, but I’m no hero. If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t be there. I overreacted,” he looked down at the floor, “it’s my fault you’re laying here now.”

“Jonathon,” I put my hand to his cheek. His silver eyes met my green ones. “It was not your fault. It was that man’s fault for stepping in front of the car. Stop blaming yourself. We’ve already been over this and you know I hate repeating myself.”

“I’ll stop,” he said with a small smile, “you are much too kind to me.”

“I just hate thinking that you blame yourself for something that was out of your control.”

“Ugh,” Mason groaned, “can we please stop this love fest already? You’re making me ill.”

Jonathon laughed and it was so good to hear his laugh, “Mason, you just wait until it’s you.”

Mason smirked, “I guess you’re right. I’d be a whole lot worse than you. I mean, look at me, the poor girl won’t be able to keep her hands off of me.” Danny laughed and punched his brother in the arm.

They laughed and even Jonathon and I joined in the fun. It was nice to smile and laugh after all that I had heard when I woke up. This is what family is supposed to be, I thought to myself. Even Gabriel was loosening up to the rest of the family, instead of just me.

I was ready, I knew, to be a part of this family permanently.

“Diana? Amelia?” I said. They came forward and the others stopped talking. Jonathon looked at me and I gave his hand a squeeze. I could feel the heavy engagement ring on my finger. I was glad it hadn’t been damaged in the accident. I looked up at him and smiled. Then I looked back at the two waiting women. “I think it’s time to start planning a wedding,” I grinned.

They both squealed and hugged me. The smile on Jonathon’s face was huge. “Are you sure?” he asked.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” I answered honestly.