Gorgeous: Book One (Gorgeous #1) - Lisa Shelby Page 0,80

we are. No turning back now.

"This is her," the nurse says outside of room 127.

The door is already open, and in the middle of the room is a tiny woman with dark brown hair. Her hands are folded together, and if I didn't hear the beeping of the machine attached to her, I would think she had already passed. She looks fragile, and it's clear she's been through a lot in her lifetime.

The nurse approaches Susan's bedside and tries to get her attention. She seems to be looking out the window and hasn't noticed our presence. Gently rubbing her arm, the nurse says, "Susan, you've got some visitors." Still no reaction. "I'm sorry, dear, what was your name?" she asks my shaking beauty.

Clearing her throat, she manages to squeak out her name. "Olivia."

Susan's head slowly turns toward the door and one slim hand lifts toward her.

Olivia lets go of my hand and rushes to her mother's side. "Mom," she says, gently taking her mother's frail hand in hers.

Standing beside her, not leaving her side as promised, I gently stroke her back. I have no idea if this is what she wants. I just want her to know I'm here.

"My sweet girl,” the frail woman can barely get out on a whisper.

Not replying, Olivia simply takes her thumb to wipe the tears that have fallen from Susan's eyes.

"Sweet girl, you are beautiful." She lifts her hand and reaches for Olivia's face. Olivia leans forward so she can touch her. "I never thought I would see you again. Is this a dream?"

"It's not a dream. I'm really here. I've missed you."

"Oh, sweet girl, I have missed you every day. You are the first thing I think about when I wake and the last vision I see when I close my eyes at night. Please tell me you are happy and well?"

Turning to me with a small smile and a little blush, she says, "I am, Momma, I am so happy. Mom, this is Ronan."

I stop touching Olivia so that I can reach in front of her and take Susan's hand. It's startling how important it is to me to make a good first impression. I'm meeting Olivia's one and only parent. I need her to know her daughter is taken care of.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Susan."

"Well, aren't you handsome? Are you taking good care of my girl?"

"I am certainly trying. She's mighty independent, this one." I motion my head toward Olivia. "You're her mother. Please tell her it's okay to let me spoil her."

A smile lights the woman's face. "Oh, I like him, honey, and he seems to like you too. He's a keeper."

"I'm a lucky man to have your daughter in my life, ma'am. She's brilliant, beautiful, kind, and sassy. It’s more than like. She couldn't get rid of me if she tried."

The moment the last sentence leaves my mouth, her expression darkens, and fear coats her entire body. It's almost atmospheric. Dropping her hand, I take Olivia's and she says, "Mom, what is it?"

"Diane, what time is it?" she says louder than she has been since we entered the room, and her question leaves her in a coughing fit. Diane brings her a cup with a straw in it and lifts it to her to try to help with the cough. "It's morning, Susan. It's ten fifteen. Why, darlin'?"

After what feels like forever, but is really only a couple of minutes, her coughing fit subsides, and Susan lies in her bed, her tiny body breathing fiercely, looking exhausted. Once she regains her breath, she turns to Olivia.

"Can I have a moment alone with my daughter please?"

"Of course, Susan. I'll be right outside if you need anything. If she has a hard time breathing, just lift her oxygen mask over her mouth and nose, like this. She doesn't talk much, and it can wear her out."

"Okay." Oliva agrees to Diane's request but it's obvious she sounds unsure if she is up to the task.

"Me too. I'll give you ladies a moment."

With panic in her voice, my gorgeous girl is the next to be overtaken by fear. She squeezes my hand, and when her eyes connect with mine, she is practically begging, and I can hear her plea before she says, "Please stay."

"If that's what you want?"

"It is."

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into my side, and kiss her head. "I'm here, baby."

Susan smiles a small smile, and once she's hears the click of the door signifying