up from this nightmare he’d found himself in.
But as he gazed at the purple bruise on the side of her precious head, he couldn’t deny the events that had taken place. There were four stiches, marring her perfect forehead. The area was beginning to darken, and she’d forever have a scar to remind her that this world could be a dangerous place. She should’ve never found that out. He should’ve kept her safe.
“I promise you no stone will be left unturned. I’ll get you the best doctors and we’ll fight this together. I won’t leave your side my love, just as you didn’t leave mine when I was fighting to come back to you,” he promised.
He hadn’t been able to understand how much pain she’d been in when he’d had his heart attack and then been in a coma. He’d apologize to her profusely when she was woke. He’d been unconscious while his family had been tormented. No one should ever feel this kind of pain. It was nearly unbearable.
He couldn’t bear to think of what ifs anymore. It was killing him. Instead he focused on that scar, on what had put her in this hospital in the first place. Anger began taking over the pain.
“Those men will pay,” he promised. Though even as he said it, he knew the revenge was for him. Katherine would tell him he needed to have forgiveness in his heart. Well, she was wrong this time. Some deserved absolution, but so many more deserved retribution.
“Joseph,” Dr. Whitman said from the door. Joseph hadn’t even noticed it opening. He looked up.
“She’ll wake up, right?” Joseph asked, aware he was practically groveling.
Spence nodded. “Yes. We want to allow her to rest for at least a couple more days. Then the plan is to begin the process of waking her as soon as the initial wounds have healed.”
Joseph nodded, then looked back at his wife. She appeared as if she was simply sleeping. If it weren’t for the tubes and IVs, and of course the terrible bruise, he could almost pretend they were simply going to sleep together as they’d done every night for close to fifty years.
Joseph didn’t hear Spence exit. There was no way he was leaving his wife’s side. Exhaustion filled him as he gently cupped his large hand against her delicate cheek. Then he stood, removed his shoes, and rolled his sleeves. He took great care not to bump any wires or tubes on Katherine’s bed as he carefully slid in next to her, unable to bear another moment of them not connecting.
He lay on his side, facing her as he reached out an arm and gently cradled her against him. He kissed her cheek before making her a promise. “When we said our vows, I told you we’d spend the rest of our lives together, that I’d love you for eternity, and I’d always put you first. I won’t forget those vows. I love you, darling. You’re my world yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You stay here with me, and I promise you I won’t ever take us for granted again. I’ll never assume there will be a tomorrow. I’ll live each and every moment with you as if it’s our last. I promise to cherish you, protect you, and appreciate you.”
He so wanted a response from her, and in his heart he knew he’d gotten one because he felt warmth in his heart. He had no doubt that was Katherine warming him, assuring him she wasn’t going anywhere. His eyelids drifted closed as weightlessness washed over him.
He finally fell asleep, his love right beside him.
Chapter Fourteen
Carl watched Avery practically run from the restaurant and he wanted to smack himself. Of course she wouldn’t understand the supermodel in front of him was actually dating one of his friends. Yes, she was slutty, and yes, she liked to be the center of attention, and yes, he was very aware she inappropriately touched men. It had simply never bothered him before, as he’d never been trying to go after another woman when Janine was around.
“What in the hell was that, Janine?” he asked as he unwound himself from her.
She batted her fake lashes, something he was unimpressed by, as she tried to touch him again. He stepped back so she couldn’t. He’d had enough of her games, possibly for a lifetime.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said.
“Damn, you have the innocent act down to a science. I like that woman you managed to