The Greatest Fight of All (The American Soldier Collection 5)

* * * *

She was in surgery for hours. They paced the hallways and the waiting room as more friends arrived and then their parents. Everyone was exhausted and had no sleep as fear that Amelia might die ruled their minds.

Ricky looked at his brothers, as the four of them stood alone, by the windows in the waiting area. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“She has to make it. It can’t end like this. I won’t be able to live without her,” Waylon stated.

“God, she looked so scared, and there wasn’t a Goddamn thing we could do. I never felt so helpless,” Brody stated.

“She’s a fighter. She’s a Goddamn stubborn—” Murphy’s voice cracked and he covered his face with his hand. Ricky placed a hand on his shoulder.

“How fucking long until someone gives us an update?” Brody asked.

“Guys. The surgeon is here,” their father, Tysen, interrupted.

They hurried inside and listened as the surgeon explained Amelia’s condition.

“She’s alive.”

They all sighed in relief.

“The knife punctured her lung, broke two ribs, and caused some tears in the tissue surrounding the area. Basically, she’s rather lucky. If the knife went deeper or a little further to either side, she would be facing other issues. I’ve repaired what I could and placed a chest tube between her ribs to help release the air when her lung collapsed. She’ll need to stay in the hospital for at least a few days, and then we’ll remove the tube and see how she does on her own. This is going to be a long recovery for her. She’ll be in a lot of pain, but we’ll talk more tomorrow. Right now she’s in intensive care.”

“Can we see her?” Waylon asked.

“Not for a little while and until I’m sure she’s stable. She’s a very lucky young woman with an obvious desire to live because we nearly lost her on the table twice. I’ll keep you posted and the nurse will let you know when you can see her.”

“Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much,” Murphy said and shook the doctor’s hand. His brothers shook his hand next.

* * * *

“Oh God,” Waylon said then ran his hand over his face. His father, Sam, placed an arm around his shoulder as Velma, Regan, and Elise cried while hugging one another.

“She’s going to be okay, son. She’s strong and determined to be with the four of you. Love like that is special. You treasure her. You hear me. You keep positive and when you see her, you treasure every waking moment together.”

Waylon nodded his head, and then looked at his brothers, who acknowledged the emotions and bond they shared.

She was special, and they would get through this and love her for the rest of their lives.

Epilogue

Amelia sat on the lounge chair inside the gym and watched Waylon do his workout. It had been a few months, and a lot of resting. But she was doing well now, and moving around more easily. Last night was the first time in a while she had gotten to make love to her men. They had taken their time. Loved her long and slowly, being conscious of her injuries, although, fully recovered.

She did suffer here and there from some breathing issues, but that was expected. Murphy had taken her to a special plastic surgeon, to ensure that there wouldn’t be any scars on her forearm and ribs to remind her of that tragic night. He had done a fantastic job. They weren’t completely invisible, but anyone looking would have to look carefully to see the thin lines. They weren’t visible to her, so that wasn’t a concern.

She watched Waylon in appreciation of his hard work. He had taken some time off to be with her after she was discharged from the hospital. But she insisted that the time to achieve his dreams were then and that his brothers could take care of h

er while he secured some contracts and did what he did best.

He argued, but she got her way, which was taking the men a bit of time to get used to. She smiled to herself. She sure could use one of their spankings they used to give her. She had been racking up the points, but they weren’t budging yet. They were so careful with her. They kissed her every opportunity they got, and showered her with love, gifts, and simply their presence.

She jerked in surprise, when she felt the hands on her shoulders.

“Sorry. I forgot,” Murphy whispered then took a seat next to her. He gave her a kiss, and she soon forgot the fear that gripped her slightly, whenever someone approached her from behind.

Ricky and Brody came in next, both kissing her before Ricky took a seat on the other side and Brody approached the boxing ring.

It was strange, but she was most content here, surrounded by her men, and in the training room, of all places.