Return To Sender (The Hart Brothers #2) - J. S. Cooper Page 0,61

still friends?”

“Always! You’ll never get rid of me.” I smiled and the expression on his face changed into one of absolute happiness. “We’re family now, Gordon. Some families we’re born into and others we make.”

“I love you, Savannah Carter. You’re amazing.” He let go of the wheel to reach over to hug me and as he leaned over, a bright flash of white light poured through the window and the next thing I knew a horn was sounding and something was smashing into us. The car was spinning and spinning and spinning. As the car careened towards a group of trees, I pictured my mom and dad playing with me as a child; I’d never doubted their love for me. Then I pictured Lucy, dancing around our living room, singing a Whitney Houston song to me while Jolene stared up at her with wide eyes from her spot under the table. And then I pictured Wade. Tall, masculine Wade with his enigmatic smile and beguiling green eyes. I pictured him staring at me, kissing my cheek and playing with my hair. And I knew as I’d known from the very beginning that I loved him. I loved him and all I could think was I hope he knew just how very much I adored him. For all his flaws there was nothing I would change about him. Not even his secrets. I didn’t want to leave him and I knew that I could forgive him anything. If only I’d have a chance to tell him that. If only I could tell him that he could tell me anything. I’d never judge him. Never. And then the car slammed into the trees. I heard my screams and then everything went black. All my worries, questions and concerns were finally gone. And I was at peace.

Chapter 23

Life is made up of moments and each moment defines whom we are. Many times we’re distracted, or hurried, or annoyed. Many times we don’t realize that one insignificant moment has shaped something bigger than we ever knew. Don’t let this moment pass you. Don’t let this be just another moment. Love your friends. Love your family. Forgive. Make Peace. Protect your heart and your soul. It all ends too quickly. Far far too quickly and then it’s too late. Then you’re returned to your maker and all you can do is look back. And when you look back you want to say, I lived my life. I loved my life. I cried and I laughed. I had heartache and heartbreak. I had true friends and a true love. And I cared about the humanity of others. For what can be better than that.

Chapter 24

“She’s gone.” She’s gone? I felt like I was floating looking down. I could see the hospital room. Was I dead then? Was that it for me? I lived a good life. A short life, but a good life. I’d known love. Oh I’d never know love could feel like that.

“She’s gone to get some coffee, but she’ll be back.” The voice was husky. “You should get some sleep, Wade. They say she could still be asleep for a while. She has a severe concussion.” It was Henry talking. Who had gone?

“I’m not leaving until she’s up.” I recognized Wade’s deep voice. My Wade. He was here. He was here. I wanted to look at him, but I couldn’t see.

“Shall I text Lucy and tell her to get you some coffee as well?”

“How do you have Lucy’s phone number?” Wade sounded suspicious.

“Does that matter right now?”

“No.” Wade sighed. “I just need her to wake up. I need to tell her how I feel.”

“She’s going to be okay, Wade. They said that.”

“Then why hasn’t she woken up? It’s been a week now.” He sounded like he wanted to cry. “She has to wake up already.”

“She will.” Henry shifted to the door. “I’m going to go and help, Lucy. I’ll be back.”

“Okay.” Wade said and I don’t even think he looked at his brother as he spoke. He was sitting at the side of a bed. A pale figure lay there hooked up to machines. Wait, was that me? “Savannah Carter, I need you to wake up please. I have some things to tell you.” His voice cracked and he started crying. “Please Savannah.”

He’s talking to me. I was still floating. Why was I still floating?

“Why did you go with Gordon? Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice cracked. “He was my brother. I