Merry Christmas, Paige (13 page)

She giggled as she ran to Janis.

“I’m sorry, Janis.”

“Nathan, it’s no trouble. I hope Dr. Weston will be all right.” She hung her head. She’d been with the family long enough for him to detect that something wasn’t right.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

When she raised her gaze to meet his, there were tears in her eyes. “I don’t have anywhere to go,” she choked.

He got up from his chair and approached the young woman. He didn’t think twice about wrapping his arms around her. “Paige will love you as we do. You don’t have to ever worry about not having a family. We’re your family.”

She glanced toward Paige. “Will she feel the same?”

“There isn’t anyone as loving and caring as Paige. I’m sure the two of you will become BFFs immediately.” She laughed at his effort to make a joke. Janis was always telling Cami that she was her BFF.

“Me too,” Cami chirped. “I want to be her BFF too.”

That was just what he was hoping for. “I’m sure all three of you will be best friends forever as soon as she’s feeling better. Now get out of here and go help Nana with tomorrow’s preparations. Make sure you don’t drink all the eggnog.”

“Yuck.” Cami pinched her mouth.

Before Janis intertwined her fingers with Cami’s, she glanced over a shoulder. “Thank you.” Her expression was one of appreciation. As the door swung shut behind them, the blonde nurse returned.

“Sleeping?” Her nametag introduced her as Sally.

“Yes.” He stepped closer to Paige and looked down upon her. He loved her so much. “How long do you think she’ll be out?” Paige didn’t even stir when Sally activated the blood pressure cuff.

She held Paige’s wrist while looking at her watch, silently counting. “Depends. It could be an hour or half the day.”

“I need to run a couple of errands. If she wakes before I return, will you tell her I’ll be here shortly?” He hated not to be there when she woke, but there was one thing in particular he had to do. He’d call his mother on the way and let her know additional company would be joining them.

“Of course I will,” Sally said.

He leaned down and pressed his mouth to Paige’s. “I’ll be back,” he whispered.

Chapter Thirteen

Groggy, Paige woke slowly. She attempted to stretch, work out the soreness, but only one arm rose. The other felt numb, pinned to her side like before. Air burst from her lungs in terrified gasps. Her eyes widened. She sucked in a wild breath. A quick scan of the hospital room should have eased her racing mind, but she couldn’t hold on to the rational thought. Visions of her cemented in the sandy mud popped into her head.

Panic was only an inhale away when she felt something soft and silky beneath her fingers. She jerked her gaze down to her side. Instead of a sea of slush she saw Nathan. A wave of relief rushed over her. Sleeping in a chair, he was hunched over her bed atop her arm.

It took her several minutes to slow her heartbeat. When she did she eased her arm from beneath him and began to work the sensation back into her limb. As blood surged throughout, tiny pinpricks tingled against her skin. She fisted her fingers, flexing.

Something shiny caught her eye. Her jaw dropped. A band of gold sporting a brilliant diamond circled her finger.

For a moment, she didn’t breathe, and then she gulped air into her lungs all at once. It was the engagement ring she’d returned to Nathan five years ago. He had kept the ring all this time.

Emotion bubbled up inside her. He did love her. She blinked to rid herself of the sudden tears clouding her eyes.

“Merry Christmas, Paige.”

Her bewildered gaze snapped away from the ring to see Nathan staring at her. “Will you marry me?”

She pinched her eyelids together to stop the river of tears that threatened. When that didn’t work, she opened her eyes and let the waterworks burst.

“You okay, baby?”

She nodded rapidly. Her voice was temporarily absent due to the knot the size of a golf ball in her throat.

His forehead furrowed. “Is that a yes?”

She didn’t have time to answer before Dr. Waters entered. He took one look at her, and then Nathan. “Is everything all right?”

“Um. I’m not sure,” Nathan responded, frowning.

Paige still couldn’t speak. She simply raised her hand. The subtle light glistened off the diamond.

Dr. Waters smiled. “Wonderful. Congratulations to the both of you.” He handed her several tissues, and she wiped her eyes and dabbed at her nose. “It looks to be a dandy Christmas. Let me take a listen to those lungs and we can get you out of this place.” Nathan moved aside to allow the doctor to step nearer. He placed his stethoscope against her chest. “Sounds like that heart of yours is racing, but I think that can be expected at a moment like this.” The bed moaned as he angled the head of her bed so he could place the stethoscope on her back. “How are you feeling this morning?”

Morning? She had slept the entire day and night away?

“Good,” she croaked.

He flipped on a light, drawing it close, before he checked her eyes. His touch was gentle, but thorough, as he continued to examine the rest of her injuries. “I think you’re going to live.” He patted her knee. “I want you to take it easy for the next couple days.”

“She will,” Nathan chimed in.

“Remember rest. Give your body…” he paused, “…and mind, time to heal.”

How could Dr. Waters know the fear that lingered beneath the surface within her? Every time she closed her eyes she relived that night.

“You can’t go through a traumatic event like this and not have aftereffects. Just be good to yourself. Take it slow. Now…” the doctor patted her leg, “…you two lovebirds get out of here.” He patted her knee. “Oh. I expect your resume on my desk by New Year’s. I’m anxious to close the position and add you to my staff.” His warm smile comforted her. “Merry Christmas, you two.”

“Merry Christmas,” Paige and Nathan chimed at the same time.

Dr. Waters shook Nathan’s hand before exiting the room. They were finally alone again.

Paige pushed into a sitting position, and every muscle in her body screamed in pain. “Yes,” she groaned.

“What?” Nathan turned to her. A look of confusion tugged at his brows.

“Yes, I’ll marry you.”

His mouth rose in a crooked smile. With four large steps he closed the distance between them. “That’s what I needed to hear.” He gingerly wrapped his arms around her. His kiss was even more cautious. “What do you say we get out of this place? I know Cami will be pacing the halls waiting to open the rest of her presents.”

Cami? In Paige’s happiness she’d almost forgotten about his daughter, the one who had screamed at her to get out of her house. “I don’t want to ruin Cami’s Christmas. Maybe you could take me back to the cottage.” The thought sent shivers up her spine. She really wasn’t ready to go back there.

“The cottage isn’t safe. You don’t remember the balcony collapsing?” He frowned again.

Everything had happened so quickly. “No.” She didn’t recall that detail.

“You can’t go back there. I don’t know how stable the dwelling is. Besides, Cami and I’ve talked. She knows that you’re joining us for Christmas.” He brushed his lips across hers once more. “And that you’ll be living with us.”

“Sounds like you’ve been busy.” She couldn’t help wondering what the fallout had been from that conversation. Still, she gathered some comfort from his grin. His face literally beamed with something more. “What?”

“You’ll see when we get to the island. Let’s get you dressed.”

She glanced around the room for the clothes she’d come in with. Heat flushed her face when she remembered she had been naked, her robe lost in the mud. “I don’t have anything to wear.”

He pulled the bags of clothes she had purchased when they went shopping together from beneath the bed. “I hope I got everything you need.” He laid the sacks on her bed.

Nathan had a clean change of clothes. Instead of the green scrubs, he wore a pressed pair of khakis and a dress shirt. He even had loafers on.

She began to dig through the clothes and toiletries. “You really have been busy.” She extracted a short red evening dress and matching heels. They would be perfect for Christmas. She picked up a mirror and gazed into it, cringing. “Oh my God. I look like I’ve been mugged.” Scratches, bruises and one black eye marred her face. Not to mention, her hair was a mess. Thankfully it was free of mud. But it was her inflamed eyes streaked with red that glowed as if she were a demon.

“You’re beautiful.” Nathan ran a brush through her tangles, pulling gently.

“Even my hair roots are sore.”

“I’m sorry.” He stopped, and she felt badly for complaining.

She touched his hand. “Don’t be. Please continue. I love it when you touch me.”

He chuckled. “Is that an invitation?”

“Maybe tonight.” Of course, she didn’t know what to expect at his parents’ island. Would they have separate rooms? Lord, she hoped not. She needed to fall asleep in his arms, better yet wake up in them. But the last time she had visited his parents’ home, they had given her and Nathan separate rooms. She might as well get used to the idea. Besides, it wasn’t right sharing a bed with Nathan, knowing his daughter was right down the hall. Especially so soon after Cami had caught them in bed together.

After he finished brushing her hair, she stood up and shrugged out of the hospital gown. He helped her fasten her bra. She reached for a pair of lacy red panties.

“Do you have to wear those?” he grumbled.

“Yes.” She slipped them on. The dress was short. A gust of wind or bending over too much would raise her hem and everyone would know she was naked beneath.

“I like you without panties.”

So did she, but there was no way she would spend the day with his daughter and parents without being fully dressed. He knelt and helped her with her heels.

Excitement built as the nurse came with the dismissal papers and wheelchair. In less then an hour she would be face-to-face with Nathan’s family. She only half-listened to the directions Sally spouted, before she signed the forms.

What would his parents say about their engagement?

What would Cami say?

Paige had never been so afraid of one child as she was Nathan’s daughter. She took a seat in the wheelchair and her anxiety rose. She glanced at Nathan walking beside her. “Maybe we should wait to announce our engagement.”

“Cold feet?” he asked.

“No. I’m just worried about Cami.”

“I’ve handled everything.” He sounded so confident she didn’t bring the subject up again.

When they exited the hospital there was a black limousine parked out front. The second the driver saw them he opened the back door.

“Ours?” she asked.

Nathan nodded. “Nothing but the best for my fiancée.”

She liked the sound of that.

“Congratulations,” Sally said.

“Thank you,” Paige and Nathan said in unison.

She climbed in and he followed her inside the big car. As the driver got behind the wheel and started the vehicle, Nathan popped the top on a bottle that had been chilling in a bucket of ice. He poured the effervescent drink into two wineglasses and handed one to her.

“To us,” he said.

She took a sip and choked. “Apple juice?”

“No alcohol with your medication.”

“Don’t tell me, you’re going to be a doting husband.”

“If you’ll allow me to. Come here.”

She snuggled close to him. He felt so good—so right. She yawned, closing her eyes.

“Mr. Cross, did you want to make a stop at the pharmacy?” the driver asked.

Nathan pulled Paige closer into his embrace. “Yes. Thank you.” She slept soundly. He could hear her light breathing, see her chest rise and fall with each inhale/exhale. He loved the way she held on to him unconsciously.

The pharmacy wasn’t far and the hospital had called in Paige’s prescriptions to save them time. In minutes they were back on the road. He had gotten word earlier that Paige’s mother and sister had arrived at the airport. They would be meeting them at the dock for the ride over to the island.

Needless to say, Evelyn was anxious to see her daughter since he had called her about the accident yesterday. The weather had postponed their trip until late last night. It took every negotiating skill he had to keep her from calling Paige and ruining his surprise, but Susan had jumped on his side and assisted him.

As they drove around a corner, he could see Evelyn and Susan waiting on the dock. The minute the limo pulled to a stop they rushed over.

“Paige, baby, it’s time to get up.” He kissed her forehead.

“What?” She sounded so groggy, tired.

Paige became wide awake when Evelyn jerked open the door and leaned over him. “Sweetheart, are you okay?” The woman’s light perfume, something citrusy, filled the enclosed space. He pressed his back against the seat to allow her more access to her daughter.

“Mom?” Paige glanced at him. “Did you do this?”

He nodded.

Evelyn’s eagle eyes scanned over her daughter, frowning each time she encountered a bruise. Tears built in her eyes when she saw the numerous stitches. “Nathan Daniel Cross. You were supposed to keep my daughter safe.”

Susan tugged her mother’s arm, pulling her backward. “Come on, Mom. At least let them get out of the car.” She gave him an apologetic shrug as he exited to assist Paige. When she stepped out, both her mother and sister bombarded her with hugs and kisses. It was like a gaggle of geese all talking at the same time. That didn’t last long before the tears began to fall.

Then an uncomfortable silence ensued.

Evelyn raised Paige’s hand. “Is this what I think it is?” Apprehension simmered in the older woman’s eyes.

Nathan moved beside Paige. He snaked his arm around her shoulders protectively.

She nodded before answering, “Yes.”

Susan snatched Paige’s hand from her mother’s and stared at the ring. “I’ve always adored this ring.” Yet even her expression held a measure of unrest. “Congratulations.” True joy was missing in the felicitation.

Immediately, he went into defensive mode. “I know what you’re thinking. Maybe this is too fast—”

“You think?” Susan clapped a hand over her mouth, removing it before she uttered, “I’m sorry, Paige.”

Paige looked exhausted, but still she mustered a smile. “Don’t be. It’s what I want.”

“We want,” he added. The captain of the cruiser waved at him. “Let’s get going so Captain Dean can get to his family.” They lived on Lotus Point and worked exclusively for the Crosses.

Nathan led the way aboard the F46 Sealine Cruiser. Without a word, each of them took a seat on the L-shaped seating portside. Corky, Captain Dean’s eldest son, sometimes served as cabin boy. Dressed in a Hawaiian print shirt, white board shorts and deck shoes, he approached. His long dark hair looked as if he could use a haircut.

“May I get you something to drink?” he asked politely.

“Thank you, but I’m good,” Evelyn said. A smile crept across her face as she stared out over the ocean. The water was calm. The sky was a vibrant blue. Only a couple clouds still hung around.

Susan scooted closer to Nathan. “Tell me this is for real?” She spoke softly. “She can’t go through another letdown like before.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” he tried to assure her.

“You won’t mind if I worry until I see it for myself?” she muttered.

“Not at all.” If he had his way, he would have taken Paige straight to the justice of the peace and married her the minute she was released from the hospital.

Susan and her mother chatted during the twenty-minute ride, while Paige once again fell asleep. To make the ride smoother, he raised her into his lap, holding her close.

When they arrived at the island, his parents, Cami, Janis and a host of friends and family awaited them. Paige stirred, and he captured her first waking moment with a kiss. “We’re here.”

She yawned, moaning as if moving hurt. “I must be a mess.”

“You’re beautiful,” he reassured her.

Hand in hand, they disembarked. He only released her to his father as he helped her to the dock. “Paige, it’s such a pleasure to see you again.”

She stepped carefully off the cruiser. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Cross.”

“Dan,” he reminded her. “I heard what you did for the boy on the plane. Kudos to you, young lady.” He shook her hand vibrantly.