Page 41 of Charm Me

Chapter 16

Wyatt

I’d grown to hate hospitalsover the past two weeks. Aside from the few days I flew home to make arrangements for full-time care for Abigail, I’d spent most of my time in this chair beside her bed.

The pneumonia almost took her life. She had been stable when I arrived that first day, but on day three she took a turn for the worse. Her body was weak, and her lungs were failing. A part of me wondered if she’d already given up.

Her past life in Montana had become nothing more than a distant memory and her current life had deteriorated to near death. I’d never begged for anything before in my life, but on that night, I pleaded with her. I begged her to fight and stay with us. I promised her I’d take care of her and never let anything bad ever happen to her again if she stayed with me.

I stayed by her side for five days, refusing to leave. I liked to think my begging helped. And if not my begging, my presence. With every minute, hour, and day that passed, she became stronger. She wasn’t back to full health yet, but the doctor said she should make a full recovery within a couple months.

She was almost strong enough to leave the hospital. And when that day came, I planned on taking her home.

Now, all I had to do was convince her it was the right move for her to make.

Elise stood outside her of room ready to help me convince Abigail to move home. As much as she liked having Abigail close to discuss her books, even she agreed Abigail needed to be close to family. She’d been concerned about Abigail’s health for some time now and with how close this had been, she too wanted Abigail to have constant care from those who loved her most.

“Are you ready for this?” Elise asked. She was a stern woman and appeared cold and distant on the surface, but once she opened up, she had a heart of gold. She cared deeply for Abigail and I appreciated that she put Abigail’s health above all else. It gave me some comfort knowing Abigail had this woman in her life all these years and that she had never truly been alone.

“I guess now is as good a time as any.” I sighed and pushed through the door. Abigail smiled up at me with rosy cheeks. I instantly relaxed knowing she was going to be okay. A healthy color had returned to her skin and she’d even put a little weight on during her hospital stay.

“Wyatt. You’re still here?” She took my hand when I stopped beside her bed and kissed her forehead.

“You saw me last night. Why wouldn’t I be?”

She dropped her smile and shrugged. “I guess I keep expecting you to have to go home. Running the ranch has to be a lot of work and stress.”

“It is, but all that can wait. You’re more important.” Her smile returned and she looked like my sister again. I’d waited fifteen years to see the woman I grew up with and I’d do just about anything to keep her like this.

“I forgot how sweet you can be.”

That put a huge grin on my face. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Nonsense.” She squeezed my hand and let her head drop back on the pillow. Even the light in her eyes had returned. I loved seeing her like this and I didn’t want to do anything to set her recovery back. Her doctor said she was strong enough for me to have this conversation with her, but I still worried she’d get upset. I needed her to get well and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I was the reason she took another turn for the worse.

“Are you going to tell me what’s on your mind or are you going to sit there and brood all morning?” I couldn’t help but smile at her tone. She even sounded like the old Abigail again.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yes.” I chuckled at her bluntness.

“Come home, Abby.” I took her hand in mine and held it to my lips. “Please. I’ve already arranged for the medical care you need. Mom is cleanin’ up your room at the house. We miss you and want you home.”

She held her eyes on mine and her body tensed. But her expression remained unchanged—neutral. The seconds dragged out into minutes and I wanted to beg, but no words came to me. I didn’t want to push her for fear she’d withdraw from me again. I just got my sister back, and I couldn’t lose her again.

“Abby.” Elise’s voice called from behind me. “Wyatt’s right, hon. You need to be around your family right now. Once you regain your strength and you’re ready to get back to work, I’ll come to you. You don’t have to be in the city.”

She shifted her eyes away and stared out the window. I opened my mouth to speak, but I stopped myself. I wanted to tell her she didn’t have a choice, that I was taking her home whether she liked it or not, but that would only push her away again. I had to find a way to get her to see this was the best choice for her.

“Everyone misses you, Abby. We all want you back. Please, let me take you home.” My voice cracked and my eyes welled with tears. When her eyes joined mine again, her expression softened, and a gentle smile lifted her lips.

“Okay,” she whispered.

I perked up. Please, God. Let me have heard her correctly. “Okay. As in yes?”

She chuckled. “Yes. But I’m not staying with Mom and Dad. I have my own house.”

I raised my brows. “What?”