Ignite

Malcolm nodded; I knew he felt the same. Malcolm and Emmit may be rivals, but I knew this was tearing Malcolm apart like it was me. If I hadn’t called out Emmit’s name, he wouldn’t have looked over at me, causing everyone else to see where he was looking. No one saw the fan lifting the beer to hit Emmit until it was too late.

Closing my eyes, I fought to hold back my tears. If I hadn’t left at all, none of this would have happened. Emmit wouldn’t be sitting here in the hospital bed.

“The doctor came in while you were gone.”

My eyes snapped open as I felt my heart slam against my chest. “What did he say?”

“Said the swelling is down and his brain function all looks normal.”

I swallowed hard as I looked over at Emmit. “He’s not waking up though.” I barely said. I knew Emmit’s body was doing what it needed to do to allow him to heal. Just because I knew the medical reasons why he hadn’t woken up yet, didn’t mean I had to like it.

Malcolm stood up and stretched. “I’ve got an interview tomorrow. I’m going to head back to the hotel and get some sleep.”

Not even bothering to look at him, my eyes stayed focused on Emmit. “Okay,” I softly spoke as I felt Malcolm’s hand on my shoulder. One gently squeeze let me know Malcolm wouldn’t be far. “I’ll text you if he wakes up. Go get some sleep.”

“Do me a favor, Adaline.”

My head slowly lifted as I looked up at Malcolm, “Please get some sleep and try to eat.”

A weak smile played across my face as I gave him a slight nod. “I’ll try.”

Malcolm quietly left the room.

I picked up Emmit’s hand as I kissed the back of it. “Emmit, baby, please wake up. Please, please wake up for me.”

My head dropped as I began crying. This was my fault. I’d give anything to take the last three weeks back.

Lifting my head, I wiped my tears away. My eyes traveled over Emmit’s perfect face. His features were breathtaking.

I let out a laugh as a memory popped into my head. “Do you remember what we used to do for fun in high school?”

I smiled bigger as I thought about the trouble we used to get into. “That plow race you had with Mitchell Worington. You were bound and determined to win. I begged you not to do it. The idea of you getting caught and having the wrath of your granddaddy come down on you was a scary thought. You assured me you would be okay, the plow would be okay and that you would win.”

My stomach sunk at the memory. “You were right. You won and your granddaddy never found out.”

My eyes closed as I let all the memories of Emmit and I growing up together sweep through my mind.

“The time we got stuck in the mud and you insisted if we waited long enough the mud would harden.” Opening my eyes, I looked out the window and let the moment surround me. “We crawled through the back window of your truck and laid in the bed and watched the stars.”

Shaking my head, I glanced at Emmit. He looked so peaceful. “You know I knew you had that planned. No one carries that many quilts in their truck.”

A tear slowly made its way down my cheek as I lifted Emmit’s hand to my lips and spoke against softly. “It was the most magical night of my life, Emmit. It was the first time you and I became one.” Sobs over took my body as I pressed my lips to the back of his hand.

“I’m so sorry I left you again. I was so confused, Emmit. I knew in my heart though it wasn’t true. I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to it. Please forgive me, Emmit. Please.”

My tears were soaking the sheet on the bed as I cried. No amount of tears or pleas would ever make up for the hurt I’ve caused this man. I didn’t deserve him.

“I want a do-over.”

My head jerked up as I tried to see through the blurriness of my tears.

My stomach clenched at the sound of his voice. I was sure I had imagined him talking. Emmit’s eyes were closed and he wasn’t moving.

“W-what did you say, Emmit?”

Without opening his eyes, he squeezed my hand and spoke softly. “I want a do-over.”

The chair pushed across the floor as I stood up and leaned over. “Baby, what are you talking about? Emmit, can you open your eyes?”