Alexandria looks at me with large, brown eyes so like her father’s, and I give her a reassuring squeeze. “Right here,” I whisper.
“I’m his daughter,” Alexandria whispers. We know you have to be blood related to get information. We both rise, and I wrap an arm around her as we walk to meet Dr. Jones, who’s frowning. His blue eyes narrow behind his wire rimmed spectacles and his forehead is creased.
“I can only release medical information to a family—” The tightness around his thin lips gives his angular face an even more severe look.
“She’s his fiancée,” Alexandria lies. “A-And I just … I can’t handle this alone.” Her lower lip trembles, and my heart contracts painfully.
His gaze softens and he looks out on the group of men. “Is there any other family?”
“They’re in England, Doctor, please,” I plead.
He sighs. “He’s lost a lot of blood. We had to give him a transfusion because his levels were dangerously low. We made repairs to his liver ,which was damaged, and we’ll keep an eye on that. Currently, the wound has been stitched and stapled, and he’s being moved to a room for recovery. If he follows directions of care and allows himself enough time to properly heal, he should recover nicely. Your father is in wonderful heath, I don’t anticipate complications.”
The air leaves my lungs in a grateful whoosh.
“Thank you, Doctor,” I whisper.
He nods. “You should be able to see him briefly once he’s settled in.”
“I don’t want to leave him here,” Alexandria whispers.
“Then we won’t.” I squeeze her to my side. “There’s no law against staying in the waiting room.”
She smiles at me. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“You are important to your father, and therefore important to me. I’d like to be friends.” I lift my chin. “Because I won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.”
Doubt and fear shine in her eyes.
“I know words aren’t the same as actions. But if you’ll give me a chance, I’ll prove I mean it.”
“I guess I have no choice but to see.” Clearing her throat, she stiffens, and I remove my arm. We’ve got a bumpy road ahead of us.
“Why don’t we tell the guys the good news before they explode?” I gesture toward them with my head as we walk back.
We stop in front of Grimm. “There was some liver damage they had to repair, and he needed a transfusion, but they’re optimistic about a full recovery.”
“Good.” Grimm nods.
“As Preacher would say God is Good,” Aries says.
“All the time,” I reply automatically.
“When can we see him?” another man asks.
“Once he’s settled, I think they’ll allow a few of us in, but I don’t know how conscious he’ll be. Alexandria and I plan to hang out in the waiting room until he’s more lucid after that.”
“You’ll have Smiley with you,” Grimm promises.
Alexandria’s stomach grumbles, and I smile. “How about we hit up the vending machines?”
“I think I might be able to eat now,” she says softly.
I guide her down the hallway, allowing her to choose to speak or remain silent. I want her to know I’m here if she needs me, but the last thing I want to do is smother her. I remember the teen years vividly. It’s an awkward time where you’re trying to figure out who you are. Constantly trying to gain independence while fearing what that means for your relationships with your family and friends is exhausting and complicated.
Stopping in front of the large rectangles, I hand her a twenty-dollar bill.
“Thanks,” she mumbles. “I can pay you back later.”