“It’s going to be okay. I’ll get the best doctors in the world if I have to.” Those violet eyes look up at me, filled with tears.
“Thank you.”
“I told you, Fawn. All you ever have to do is ask. I’ll make it happen. Unless you ask me to let you go.” Her lip twitches. She’s softening towards me faster than I thought she would. I pull out my phone and fire off a few text messages.
Jones gets us to the hospital in record time, pulling up to the emergency room. I follow Fawn out as she tries to bolt for the door. I don’t stop her. She runs up to the desk and starts asking questions.
“I’m sorry. We can’t give any information out at this time.”
“Roman. It’s good to see you.” Dr. Luck holds his hand out. I shake it.
“Can you take us back to wherever her grandmother is?” I cut straight to the point as Fawn comes to stand next to me. She actually leans into me.
“Yes. Ms. Hawthorne is this way.” Relief shows on Fawn’s face as some of the tension leaves her body. I hold my hand out to her. She takes it as we follow the doctor through the doors and into the patient area.
“Rest assured, she’s fine. No need to get worked up,” Dr. Luck tells her. My Fawn bursts into tears. I stop walking and pull her into my chest, wrapping my arms around her. I rub my hand up and down her back. Soothing her. All of her emotions have caught up to her. I kiss the top of her head. There is only one other person in my life that I show this side to and that’s Ace.
After a few moments, she leans her head back to look up at me. “Sorry.” She sniffles.
Fuck, she’s so damn sweet. Sweeter than I ever imagined she could be. I thought I’d fallen for her already, but I keep sinking deeper into her. There is no turning back. Ever.
“Nothing to be sorry for.” I wipe the tears from her cheeks before releasing my hold on her. She takes a deep breath before we start following the doctor again. He motions towards the door to a room. I hold it open for Fawn and motion for the doctor to give us a few moments.
I know he will. Hospitals are always in need of some kind of donation. I’ve always been generous with them here. You never know when you might need to call in a favor. It’s paying off for me today.
“Grams.” Fawn rushes over to the side of the bed. An older lady is sitting up. Her gray hair is cut short, but it’s her eyes that draw my attention. They are the same as my wife’s.
“I told them not to call you,” she says with a huff. I immediately see where my wife gets her feisty side from.
“What? Of course they called me. They were taking you to the hospital. What happened?” She grabs her hand. She sits there for a moment not looking like she wants to say. “Grams.” Fawn pushes for an answer.
“It was gas.” She finally gives. I hold back a laugh. Fawn smiles, realizing for herself that she’s okay. “Thanks for making me admit that in front of the handsome young man. Who is he, by the way?” She motions towards me.
“Roman” is all Fawn says, biting her bottom lip.
“Ms. Hawthorne. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I walk over, holding my hand out. She takes it, but I can tell she’s sizing me up.
“You work here or something?” She releases my hand.
“No. I’m Fawn’s husband.” I go ahead and rip the Band-Aid right off.
“I see I’m not the only one not wanting to tell things.” She notices the ring on her finger. “He’s rich.” A bark of laughter leaves me.
“It was sudden,” Fawn tells her. “I’m so happy you’re okay.” She leans in, kissing her on the cheek. “I was so worried.”
Her grandma keeps eyeing me as they fall into small talk. I get the feeling Rose doesn't much care for the nursing home. After about thirty minutes, the doctor comes in, notifying us that she’s going to be released.
“Can we take you home?” I offer.
“That would be great.” She gives me a smile for the first time. We end up ordering takeout and staying in Rose's little apartment until the sun goes down. She interrogated me for over an hour. I think I passed the test.
“Did you get the feeling that she doesn't much care for that place?” Fawn asks as we head back towards the house.
“A little bit.”
“She kept talking about how she wished our family was bigger. I think she’s lonely.” Fawn drops her gaze, looking defeated.
“Why don’t you let me make a few calls? See if there is a better option out there.” She stares at me for a long moment.