Page 45 of The CEO

“Hi, my name is Doctor Kukraja.” She didn’t extend her hand but went directly to the computer. “I’m glad to see you in bed. I’m keeping you here overnight and then will re-evaluate you tomorrow. I want to make sure your medication is working and you’re ready to go home.”

Adam stood on the side of the bed with the window. “I’ll have everything ready. Will she be able to walk up the stairs?”

“Probably, but not without pain. If you can arrange a room on the main floor that would be best,” said the doctor.

“I’ll see to it.”

Bree frowned. “Where are you putting me? On a couch in the living room?”

Adam grinned. “No, I’m getting you a hospital bed and putting it in the family room off the kitchen. You’ll be able to see Lilly that way and she can see you, too.”

Adam had been nothing but kind. “That’s nice of you. Thank you.”

“I like to think I can take care of my wife. At least I’m trying to take care of you.”

Doctor Kukraja folded her arms across her chest and observed her with Adam. Then she pointed at the recliner. “It’s not very comfortable for sleeping, but it’s slightly better than the floor.

Adam looked over at the recliner and shrugged. “It’ll be fine.”

Bree followed suit and gazed at the chair before she turned to Adam. “You don’t have to stay. I’ll probably be doing a lot of sleeping.”

“Then I’ll bring my Kindle and read. It’ll be fine. I’m not leaving you. I’ve already talked to Carole, and she’s fine staying with Lilly until we return home.”

That was news to Bree. “She is? What about her family?”

“It’s just her and Gary now, and she said he can fend for himself for a few days.”

Bree settled back onto her pillow. “Well, as long as it’s Carole, I’m good with that. I won’t worry as much. But I’m still going to worry until I get home and see her for myself.”

“I figured you would. Now, why don’t you just relax and let your pain medication do its work?”

Bree nodded. Her eyelids were heavy anyway, and though she was trying, she had a hard time keeping them open. She had more things she wanted to say, doggonit. “I love you, Adam.” Her lids closed.

Adam smiled downat his wife. He doubted she would even remember what she’d said, but he would never forget it. He had come to the realization some time ago that he loved her, too. He didn’t know how to tell her, though. She would never believe him after what happened their disastrous first night together. Right now, that didn’t matter. He would take care of her the best he could. He would keep Lilly near her but far enough away that she didn’t inadvertently hurt her mother.

Yes, he loved his little wife. Theirs was a complicated relationship, but one he was willing to work at. He would have to work to get Bree to believe him. He would find a way to convince her his love was true. He just didn’t know how.

Bree was home,but she had yet to see Lilly. She could barely walk, but refused to let Adam carry her. She knew that would be even more painful. The prescribed pain meds were potent, and she always slept after taking them. She was determined to take them only enough to stop the pain for a while. To be with Lilly, she would put up with the pain, however bad it got.

Adam walked beside her into the kitchen and then to the family room. He’d set up a hospital bed in there, and she couldn’t wait to be in it. Her ribs were killing her. Every breath she took, no matter how shallow, hurt like crazy and every step was jarring.

She needed to be in bed and lay there without moving very much.

Bree had just climbed into the bed with Adam’s help, when Carole came in with Lilly.

The baby looked at her and hollered, “Mama. Mama.” She leaned her little body away from Carole and toward Bree.

Adam took Lilly from Carole. “I’ll take her for now. Thank you so much, Carole. We owe you more than we can ever repay, for taking care of our heart.”

“Yes, thank you so much,” echoed Bree. She looked at the remote and then adjusted the bed, so she was sitting up as much as possible. “Bring her closer, Adam. I want to kiss her and smell her baby smell.”

“That’s probably the Spaghetti-O’s she had for lunch. I didn’t have a chance to bathe her yet.” Carole stood at the edge of the family room while Adam took Lilly from her.

Adam spoke to the baby. “Lilly, sweetie, Mama is hurt and not feeling good. You can kiss her, but she can’t hold you right now. Do you understand? Mama is hurt.”

“Mama. Mama. Mama.” Lilly leaned her little body with her arms stretched toward Bree. “Mama. Mama.”

“I told you she wouldn’t understand.” Tears filled Bree’s eyes.