Page 100 of Faith

“I’m just so happy that you’re here.”

Then, again, the tears started to flow as relief set in. No matter what had happened on the ice, Nicola had known her parents would always be there. She was over the age where she should need her parents; but having them there was a comfort. Jensen had known that. She knew he had come up with the idea on his own. Knowing him, he hadn’t even told his mother or sister that her parents were there.

The fact that Jensen had been so sweet and thoughtful brought on a fresh wave of tears. They only had a couple more days here and she would be able to travel, and their time together would end. What the hell had she been thinking getting involved with him? Where would their relationship go afterwards? And why didn’t she kill Alfie for taking away this precious time?

Her mother pulled her into a hug, being careful of her injured shoulder. The warmth of her arms, the familiar feeling of her mother’s unconditional love filled her with twin emotions of joy and pain. She was losing something she didn’t know she needed; but being here with her mother and father gave her some measure of comfort.

“Aw, baby, it’s all right. We’re here to take care of you.”

And for that she would always be thankful. These two were always there for her.

“We would have been here faster but Denver International was closed down for twelve hours thanks to a freak blizzard,” her father said.

She glanced at her side table. “I think it’s time for another pill.”

“Are you sure?” Her mother asked.

“Is Felicia here?”

“Who is that?”

“A nurse that Jensen hired.”

Jensen opened the door. “Who did I hire?”

“Felicia? Is she here?”

“No. She’s not here right now. She’ll be back tonight. What do you need?”

It was then she noticed the fresh glass of water he was holding.

“I thought it was time for my pill.”

“It is. Nadia, it’s there on the table on your side. She needs just one.”

He handed her father the water, then she took the pill from her mother. After she swallowed the medication, Jensen said, “Brett, I want to show you around a bit.”

Her father nodded, then he leaned down to kiss her forehead. Jensen held the door open for him, and then gave her a warning look before he left the room.

“What was that look for?” her mother asked.

“That’s his ‘you better get rest’ look. It’s rather annoying.”

Her mother chuckled. “You do need rest. A lot of it from what I gather. You were shot, Nicky.”

Her mother hadn’t used the nickname in years and it brought tears to Nicola’s eyes. Once she’d hit her teenage years, she had insisted on Nicola or Nic, but the familiar endearment warmed her from the inside out.

“Oh,Mama. I’m so happy you are here.”

“I am too. Your father was being stubborn and trying to insist that we take a regular flight, but everything was backed up for another two days. Jensen insisted that we come on the plane.”

“He can be just as stubborn.”

“Do you need me to leave you alone?”

“No, unless you want to.”

“Of course not.” She sat in the chair next to the bed. “Now tell me what is going on with Serenity.”