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“I know, Dave. Thanks.” I placed my hand on his shoulder.
“I’ve been praying for her since that day. I want you to know that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” My lips formed a small smile.
“Her breathing is regulated,” Jackson said. “If it stays that way, we can take her off the ventilator in a few hours.”
Jackson walked over to Charlotte, checked her head, and then looked at her vitals.
“She’s doing well. I’m very optimistic she’ll pull through this with no issues.”
“I appreciate it, bro, but no bullshit. We won’t know anything until she wakes up, and you know there are no guarantees with TBIs.” I lowered my head.
Later that evening, Jackson removed the catheter from her head and took her off the ventilator.
“She’s fighting,” Jackson said. “Her breath and heart rate are normal, and she’s stable.” We both stared at the monitors. “Now we wait for her to wake up. If she remains stable overnight, we’ll transfer her out of the ICU and into a regular room.”
It was eleven o’clock at night when Charleigh walked into the room.
“Hey.” She smiled.
“Hey. What are you still doing here?”
“My shift just ended. I wanted to see how Charlotte’s doing before I head home. Christian told me Jackson took her off the ventilator. Her stats look great.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“Yeah. I’m praying they stay that way. Jackson said they’d transfer her to a regular room tomorrow. I really wish my dad was here.”
“He is, Conner.” She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Do you need anything before I go?”
“Nah. I’m fine. I’m going to try and get some sleep.”
The corners of her mouth curved upward as she reached over and cupped my chin.
“Piece of advice. Get yourself cleaned up tomorrow morning. You haven’t shaved since she was brought in. Don’t you want to look your best for when she opens her eyes and sees you?”
I breathed out a laugh. “Yeah. I do. Thanks, Charleigh.”
“You’re welcome.” She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The following morning, I went to Christian’s office, showered, and shaved for the first time in over a week. Christian was sitting behind his desk when I walked out of the bathroom.
“Morning.” He smiled. “I was hoping that was you in there.”
“Morning, bro. I’d love to stay and chat, but they’re moving Charlotte out of the ICU. I have to get back there.”
“I understand. I’ll be by as soon as I’m done with rounds,” he said.
Once Charlotte was settled in her new room, the flowers started pouring in.
“Uncle Conner.” Ella ran over to me as she and Sofia walked into the room.
“Hi, sweetheart.” I hugged her.
“I brought this for Charlotte.” She held up Darla, the deer. “I wanted to give it to her in the ICU, but my dad said it wasn’t allowed. Darla always comforted me when I was scared, so I know she’ll help Charlotte.”
“That’s very sweet of you. She’ll love it.” I smiled.
“Can I give it to her now?” she asked.
