The Amendment (The Contract 2)

He nodded in encouragement. “Good.”I sat, staring at the cold cup of coffee in front of me. My half-eaten sandwich was pushed aside. It tasted like dust, and I had no appetite. Despite what Alan had advised, I couldn’t eat. I would try later. Alan’s words kept running through my head. Richard’s recovery—the difficulties we faced. The way our life together would change. Everything I knew, everything that was us, wouldn’t exist anymore. At least not right away—in fact, perhaps never.

It depended on what happened when Richard woke up. If his mind was affected. If he was still Richard—or an altered version of the man I loved.

I rubbed a weary hand over my face, one thing certain in my mind. Whatever happened, whatever the result was, I still loved him. I would always love him, and somehow, we would find our way through all of this together.

I had texted Graham and Laura to let them know Richard was being moved and that I would send the information as soon as I had it. They responded with encouraging words and promises of being at the hospital later that day. Laura attached a picture of Gracie in the pool, splashing and having a good time. Beside her was Graham, holding Heather protectively, swishing her little feet in the water. She loved it when Richard did that with her. The delight on her face made the picture swim before my eyes as I wondered if he would ever be able to do so again.

A deep voice and a hand settling on my shoulder startled me from my thoughts.

“Katy.”

I looked up, shocked.

Beside me was Maddox Riley. Co-owner of BAM and, aside from Graham, Richard’s closest friend. They had struck up a relationship when BAM hired The Gavin Group as their marketing company, and it had grown and developed into a solid friendship. Maddox was tall, lean, and despite his young age, completely silver-gray. His warm blue eyes met mine, his gaze filled with worry.

I blinked, unsure he was real. I knew Graham had let them know what had happened, but I hadn’t expected to see him. The surprise somehow tipped me over the edge, and with a gasp, I stood, flinging myself into his arms. I sobbed into his chest as he wrapped me up, holding me close.

“Hey, hey, shh,” he soothed. “It’s okay, Katy. It’s going to be okay.”

He didn’t move or try to stop my tears. He held me and let me cry it out. When I managed to calm myself down, I pulled back and met his sympathetic gaze.

“Sorry,” I sniffled.

In true Maddox fashion, he winked and wiped my cheeks. “Usually women don’t cry until they’ve spent a little time with me. It’s not often it’s on first sight.”

A smile pulled at my mouth. “What are you doing here?”

He sat down and tugged me into the chair beside him. He pulled some napkins from the dispenser and handed them to me.

“I’ve been here for two days, Katy. Graham let me know they were moving Richard and you were finally off the floor.”

I blew my nose and gaped at him. “Two days? Why didn’t I know?”

“Because I didn’t want to interrupt or worry you. Graham has been keeping me abreast of the situation.” He studied me. “Did you really think I wouldn’t be here for him? For you? After what he did when I was lying unconscious in the hospital?”

I sighed, the sound long and shaky. “I haven’t been thinking clearly, Maddox.”

He reached out and clasped my hand. “I know. I had to come, though. As soon as we heard the news, Dee wanted to book me a ticket, but I waited a couple of days until I couldn’t stay away anymore.”

“Thank you.”

He glanced at the table then back at me with a scowl. “You aren’t taking care of yourself, Katy. You need to be strong.”

A ripple of anger went through me, but once again, I pushed it down. However, it showed in my voice when I responded, the tone clipped.

“I’m trying.”

He frowned.

“I know you are. But you’ve lost weight, and it’s obvious you’re not sleeping. You look like shit.”

I regarded him, trying not to bristle at his bluntness.

“I imagine this is usually when the crying comes in for most women with you? Have you considered hiring yourself out for motivational talks?” I asked, hearing the snark in my voice, even though I knew he was right.

“I’m stating the facts.” He stood. “If you won’t look after yourself, I’ll have to do it.” He held out his hand. “Come with me.”

Confused, I stood and accepted his hand. He pulled me along, and we took the elevator down. At the front door of the hospital, I hung back. “Where are you taking me?”

“There’s a great little diner two minutes away. I’ve spent a lot of time there the past couple of days. You’re going to eat something. We’ll come back, you can see Richard, and I’m taking you to Graham’s so you can see your girls and sleep.”