Arnold’s words were like a balloon growing in my chest.
Van loved me.
It was unbridled and real.
With moisture blurring my vision, I smiled. “Thank you. You’re the only other person who noticed that Phillip wasn’t Van other than me. I knew something was off.”
“I don’t know him—Mr. Sherman—but if you’ll listen to an old man, be patient and strong. Most men don’t like to be less.”
“Van could never be less.”
“I mean about the injury.” He shook his head. “We should have brought Rosemary. She’s better at this—knowing what to say.”
I reached out to Arnold’s hand. My gaze met his. “I think you’re saying everything perfectly.”
“Rosemary and me, we want you to be happy and safe.”
“Thank you, Arnold, for everything—for driving me here and talking to me. Michael is here, in Van’s room. He sent me a text.” My cheeks lifted as I smiled, and my chest felt lighter than it had in days. “He’s going to send me the room number.”
“I’ll stay with you until you go in the room. Then I’m handing you off.”
“Like a baton,” I said in jest.
“You’re a very special baton, Miss Julia. Don’t let Mr. Sherman forget that.”
“I’ll remind him every day.”
My phone buzzed.
Anticipation built within me as I lifted the phone from the pocket in my purse and hit the text message icon. “I have the room number.”
“I’ll walk with you.”
I nodded as we both set off toward a set of double doors. While the threat of Phillip lingered in the back of my mind, I was focused on getting to Van.
The plain hospital décor barely registered. My eyes were on the prize, the finish line.
Pressing the button beside the two doors, I waited to be allowed passage. The sign beside the door readRestricted.
“Yes?”
I spoke into the speaker. “Julia McGrath to see Donovan Sherman.”
Instead of a response, the doors opened.
“I’ll be safe,” I said to Arnold.
Arnold reached for my hand. “Please be happy.”
Swallowing my emotions, I nodded. “Drive safely. And if my parents ask, I asked you to come with me.”
Arnold grinned. “I’ll tell them I delivered you safe and sound. That’s the most important thing.”
After saying goodbye, I stepped between the open doors and entered a long hallway. At the far end I saw a nurse’s station. On each side of the corridor were doors. I read the numbers on my right and my left until I turned the corner, finding an isolated room. The number near the door was the one Michael had sent.
Pushing the door inward, I paused. As a man’s voice came into range, I closed my eyes.
There wasn’t any doubt in my mind of who I was hearing, who I was about to see. I felt his presence. The deep timbre of his voice reverberated all the way to my soul, leaving my flesh peppered with goose bumps. My skin tingled at the memory of his touch. My lips ached for his.