Page 176 of Halo

It would've been nice, but I got better.

So much better.

Nick’s hand settles briefly at the back of my neck. “You okay?”

I glance up at him and slowly nod. “Maybe give us a minute.”

He agrees, reaching for my cup. “I'll go grab some ice.”

I catch his fingers before he can pull away.

He bends and presses a kiss to my forehead, lingering just long enough to tell me he doesn’t actually want to leave. “I’ll be right outside, darlin’.”

He gives my parents a curt nod before slipping past them into the hallway.

A chill filters into the silent room as my parents step in further. They casually glance around, assessing the place, but I know their eyes are snagging on Nick's folded up linens and overnight bag.

“So … how are you feeling sweetheart?” Mom asks.

“I'm fine.” Do they really want to know?

“Have they told you anything yet?”

“Not much.” I tenderly take a seat on the edge of my bed—and immediately regret it. A sharp pain pulls low across my abdomen. I grab my pillow, hugging it to my belly as I sink back. I catch my breath. “We’re still waiting on pathology.”

They exchange a look.

“When will that come back?” Dad asks.

“Hopefully soon.”

“And then?”

I shrug. “It depends on what's in the report.”

Another awkward silence charges between us.

Mom rubs her thumb over the back of my hand. “What happens when they discharge you?”

Here we go …

“Well, I'll go home.”

“With who?”

The question catches me strangely. She already knows the answer.

“With Nick.”

My parents exchange another knowing look.

“We thought maybe you could come stay with us,” Mom says carefully. “Just until you’re stronger. You shouldn’t be alone after something like this.”

“But I won’t be alone. I'll have Nick.”

“We know, but Nick has Grady.” Dad’s tone is gentler than I expect. “He has a child to take care of. That’s already a full responsibility.”

“I know.”