Finding Our Course (Finding our Way 3)

“I’m okay,” I reassure him.

“Come here.

”

I detach from Quinn and go to his side. He slides over gently, so I can lay down. His lips brush against my cheek, and I melt into him.

“What’s the deal with the baby balloons?” He looks at the window ledge.

“Don’t’ knock it!” Quinn throws her hands out. “They were cute.”

“Really? It’s a boy? It’s a girl?” He raises an eyebrow at her.

“I was in a hurry.” She shrugs.

“Yet you had time to tell a man in a coma that his girl was being hit on by the doctor?”

“Yep! I’ll own that proudly.”

“Is it too late to kick her out of the wedding party?” he asks loudly.

“Listen here, buddy. You can still go on the loser list. Don’t mess with me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He holds me close and whispers, “Dean is a saint.”

I nod my agreement and bury my face into his neck, absorbing all that is him. People talk around me, but the stress of the last week takes over and I drift off to sleep on his shoulder. Tomorrow will be here soon enough, and hopefully, this nightmare will be over.

Chapter 36

I pack my bag quietly and refuse to look at Bryce, who’s lying on his bed watching me.

“You shouldn’t give the silent treatment to an injured man.”

“How would you react if I was kicking you out of my apartment?”

“I’m not kicking you out. I’m insisting you go back to school for the one week until spring break.”

“I don’t want to. What happens if you need me?”

“Baby, it’s not a question of needing you. I’ll always need you. But school is important.”

I toss my sweater on top of my bag and decide to try one more time for him to come with me. “Come with me.”

“You know I’m going back to work tomorrow.”

“Ugh!” I throw my hands in the air and swing my head to him. “You are infuriating. Absolutely, one-hundred percent, off the wall maddening! I can’t believe you’re going back so soon!”

“Devon, get over here.”

I stumble across the room and sit between his legs, facing him.

“Do we need to go over this again?”

“Will it convince you to stay home and rest?”

“No.”

I slump my shoulders in defeat. As hard as I try, this is an argument I can’t win. Bryce was released from the hospital three days after he woke up with instructions to rest for another full week. All bruising was almost gone, and his brain was fine and functioning. He was given strict orders to restrict movement and keep his arm in the brace to help the collarbone heal. Otherwise, he was fine.