have my word."
Miguel showed up a few minutes later to take Jenny upstairs.
"How is he?" Miguel asked quietly, so Jenny wouldn't hear.
Megan shook her head. "I don't know."
"We're praying for him, Meg. For both of you."
She blinked back tears. "Thanks, Miguel, but Jake needs them more than I do."
Miguel took Jenny's hand and they disappeared down the corridor toward the elevator bank. She was so little, so innocent. So sure that life would hand her nothing but roses.
Megan closed her eyes against the image of Jake lying motionless in the street...of Jenny standing next to him, crying as if her heart would break.
So many mistakes. Such a terrible misuse of time. Her mind leapfrogged wildly over the missed opportunities and each one was a knife in the heart. They belonged together, the three of them, and now all she could do was pray they'd have the chance. They could have lived these past six years as a family, building memories that would warm them against the cold winds of fate.
If only she hadn't walked out on him at the first sign of trouble.
If only he hadn't been living in La Mirada when she tried to find him.
If only they'd told each other the truth the first night on the Sea Goddess--
The list of "if only's" was endless and it didn't change a thing.
When you came down to it, all you had was the moment. This brief fleeting instant in time that was gone before you drew your next breath.
All she wanted was another chance. One more opportunity to tell him what was in her heart, what had been in her heart from that very first moment when she saw him on the beach in Key West and fell in love.
She paced the length of the waiting room, unmindful of the cut on her knee or the bruises that were blossoming on her hip. She had to keep moving. If she kept moving she'd be able to stay one step ahead of the fear building inside her. She willed her strength into his body, willed her love into his heart.
A lifetime seemed to pass by the time the doctors left Jake's side and approached her.
"Mrs. Lockwood?"
She nodded. This was hardly the time to get technical. "H-how is he?"
The doctor, a slim black woman, sighed. "I wish I could say with some certainty but I can't."
"You can't! What do you mean you can't? You're a doctor, aren't you? You have to know what's--"
The doctor placed a hand on Megan's forearm. "He's unconscious. His vital signs are strong. We've found nothing wrong beyond some broken ribs and a compound fracture of the right leg."
"But he's unconscious. Why is he still unconscious?"
"He sustained a trauma, Mrs. Lockwood. Determining the extent of the trauma takes time. It may be nothing more than a simple concussion. We're going to take him up for an MRI. We'll know a great deal more after that."
"I have to see him," she said. "I want to talk to him." There's something I have to tell him...something I should have told him a long time ago....
The doctor sighed. "As you wish. But please don't expect a response."
The doctor led her into the room.
"He looks like he's sleeping," Megan said, choking back her tears.
"I can only give you a minute with him. They're waiting upstairs to run the MRI."
Megan placed her hand against Jake's cheek. She smiled at the faint scratch of his beard against her palm. Bending down she kissed his forehead. His skin was warm against her lips and a crazy feeling of hope grabbed hold of her and wouldn't let go.
"You'll do anything for attention, won't you, Jake Lockwood? Throwing yourself in front of a moving vehicle like you're some Aussie superman." She forced a laugh. "Can't you find a better way to get the women to notice you?"
Nothing. No response at all.
Was it over? Was it possible that she'd never have the chance to tell him how she felt?
Next to Megan the doctor cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Lockwood, but the orderlies are here to take Mr. Lockwood up to x-ray."
"One more minute," she begged, unable to tear her eyes away from him. "Please."
The doctor stepped aside again.
Megan placed her lips against Jake's ear. "I love you," she whispered, putting her heart and soul into those simple words. Praying for their healing power to work their magic one more time. "I've never stopped loving you, not for a second. And I know Jenny will love you just