Chapter 6 - The Hospital Room
Thirty minutes later, I walked through the doors of St. Jude’s Private Clinic.
Sarah was sitting in the waiting area, holding a sleeping Noah in her arms. When she saw me walk in alone, without a bride, without a wedding party, she stood up slowly, her eyes shining with tears.
"Is it over?" she asked softly.
"It's over," I said, walking over to wrap my arms around my sister and my sleeping grandson. "Where is she?"
"Room 204."
I walked down the quiet hospital corridor and pushed open the door to Room 204.
Emily was sitting up in the hospital bed. Her left eye was swollen shut, a dark purple bruise blooming across her cheekbone and jawline. An IV line ran into her hand, and her face looked pale and exhausted.
When she saw me stand in the doorway, her good eye filled with tears.
"Dad..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "I'm so sorry. I tried to stop her before the wedding, but—"
I didn't let her finish. I walked across the room, leaned over the bed, and pulled my daughter into a tight, gentle embrace. I buried my face in her hair, feeling the heavy, agonizing weight of the last two years finally lift from my chest.
"Don't you ever apologize," I sobbed quietly, letting my tears fall freely for the first time all day. "You saved me, Emily. You and Noah saved my life."
Emily wrapped her arms around my neck, weeping softly against my shoulder. "I was so scared you wouldn't believe me, Dad. She was so persuasive... she had you so convinced..."
"I was a fool," I said, pulling back to look at her face, my heart aching at the sight of her injuries. "I was lonely, and I let my guard down. But I promise you, sweetie, she will pay for every single mark on your skin."
Emily wiped her cheek with the back of her hand, offering a faint, bruised smile. "Noah gave you the drive?"
"He was a brave little man," I smiled back. "He held my hand in the corridor and told me she hurt you. He was the smartest person in that hotel today."
The door creaked open, and Sarah stepped in, carrying Noah, who was rubbing his sleepy eyes.
When the little boy saw me, his face lit up. "Grandpa!"
I walked over, took Noah into my arms, and held him tight against my chest. "Thank you, buddy," I whispered into his ear. "You did a great job today."
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Noah looked at his mother in the bed, then back at me. "Is she going to sleep too long now, Grandpa?"
"No, buddy," I said, looking at Emily with absolute certainty. "Mommy is awake now. And so am I."
