Page 12 of Wilde Hearts

Turning to look at me, the nurse quietly asked, “Do you need anything?”

I smiled. “No, thank you.”

Once she was finished, she quietly left the room. I picked up my phone to see Lynn hadn’t called or texted, which hopefully meant she was resting. I walked over and looked down at Jacob. He looked so peaceful. It was hard for me to believe that a man who was in such great physical condition could have a heart attack. Yes, he was sixty-five, but the way he moved about, you’d have thought he was thirty-five.

Turning, I walked over to the windows and looked out. It had snowed last night up in the mountains, and the tops were dusted in a beautiful white, leading down to the fall colors of yellow and orange. October in Colorado was one of my favorite times of the year. The sky was a stunning deep blue, making the snow look even brighter. Soon, winter would set in and tourists would start flooding the streets of Granby. In the summer, they came for the lake and the hiking in the mountains. Winter, it was all about skiing.

River Falls would get some of the tourists, as well, but mostly on weekends, and they were there for shopping. It would be good for Lilibeth’s store.

I pulled out my phone and sent my mother a quick update on how Jacob was doing. I also texted Lilibeth to let her know this weekend was out for me, as I wanted to stay with Lynn and Jacob until he was out of the hospital. I had a feeling she’d be glad, and so would my sister. As much as they talked about wanting a night out, I’m pretty sure they’d both rather be tucked inside with their little ones.

Lilibeth had texted me back that it was fine. She asked about Jacob, and included a selfie of her and Nellie. Two different emotions hit me at the same time. Love and jealousy.

I hated that a simple photo could evoke those emotions in me. I closed my eyes and drew in a long breath before slowly letting it out. The two feelings were a heavy combination. On one hand, I was so happy for my brother and sister. I loved my new little niece and nephew, and I looked forward to seeing them both again. Yet…this deep ache inside of me nearly left me breathless at times. Hell, had even given me a panic attack. I longed to be a mother, but I also wanted someone to look at me with the same love in their eyes that my brother had when he looked at Lilibeth. Or how Levi stared at my sister when he didn’t think anyone was watching.

Then you have my mother and father…the greatest love I’d ever witnessed.

I stared out the window.

What is wrong with me? Why can’t I move on from my past like I lectured Caden to do? Why does my heart still ache for a man I know I can never have?

My phone buzzed, and I expected it to be my mother. Instead, it was Doug. I hit the message.

Doug: I’m just checking in. How’s Jacob doing?

I smiled.

Me: He’s doing good. Lynn finally went to the hotel to get some sleep. I’m at the hospital with him now.

I watched as the three dots bounced.

Doug: I’m off for the next few days. I can drive to Granby and maybe take you to get a decent meal. I’m sure you’ve been eating hospital or fast food.

My heart hammered in my chest, and it wasn’t because I was excited that Doug was willing to drive to Granby just to see me and make sure I’d eaten. Still, on the heels of that picture from Lilibeth, I was tempted to reply with a yes. Maybe he could even stay the night with me at the hotel, and I could lose myself in him for a short while.

I started to type back…and when I saw that my hands were shaking, I replied:

Me: You’re so sweet. Once I know Jacob is out of the woods, I’ll be coming back to River Falls. Rain check?

Doug: Absolutely. If you need anything, Ensley, you’ll let me know?

Me: Yes, I will for sure. Thank you, Doug. Talk soon.

Pushing my phone into my back pocket, I heard the door open again. I turned, expecting to see the same nurse, or maybe the doctor.

Instead, it felt like I’d taken a punch to the stomach as all of my breath was ripped from my lungs.

The room nearly spun as I stared into golden-honey eyes that I hadn’t seen in years.

Those same eyes that never looked back when he left me.

Colt

The last person I expected to see when I walked into my father’s hospital room was Ensley Wilde. The instant those sky-blue eyes met my gaze, the air was yanked from my body.

She was clearly shocked, as well. She took a step back before glancing around the room, almost as if in a panic, before her gaze met mine again.

It took everything I had in me not to rush forward and pull her into my arms. I’d never gotten over her, and to this day, I loved her with my every breath. But if things were that simple, we wouldn’t be here right now.