Page 89 of Seven Minutes
“Watch me.”
I laughed into his chest, the sound shaking both of us. His hand curved around my back, holding me as if I wasn’t fragile or broken or missing pieces—just his.
“Eli,” he murmured into my hair, “I’ll wait as long as it takes. For all of you. Even the parts that are still healing.”
I tipped my head up, eyes stinging again. “You won’t have to wait forever.”
“I know.” He kissed the corner of my mouth. “You’re already findingyour way home.”
I breathed him in—his warmth, his strength, his scent, his love—and finally let myself believe it.
We were still us
Still reaching.
Still coming back.
Even if the tide had dragged us out farther than either of us ever expected.
Chapter 33
The Consequences Of Our Actions
ADRIAN
The peace didn’t last.
It never did—not for us, not after everything. But I’d hoped we’d keep the morning intact.
My phone buzzed on the dresser while I was buttoning my shirt. Eli lay propped up on pillows, watching me with that soft, sleepy look that made my legs feel untrustworthy.
I checked the caller ID and exhaled.
“Hospital,” I murmured.
I’d said the word a thousand times before, but this time it felt heavy—as if it was dragging something behind it.
Eli straightened, expression shuttering. God, I hated how fast he could fold in on himself lately.
“What do they need?” he asked, voice too even.
“Consult. There was a complication on the night shift.”
He nodded once. Crisp. Polite. Like I wasn’t his husband, but someonehe barely knew who’d just announced they were stepping out for groceries.
Anxiety twisted in my chest.
“I won’t be gone long.”
He looked away. “You don’t know that.”
He sounded defiant, already bricking up a wall between us. But I reminded myself Eli wasn’t being bitter. He was scared. Scared of the old version of me. Scared of history repeating itself.
I crossed to the bed and sat on the edge, reaching for his hand. He didn’t pull away, but he didn’t squeeze back either.
“Eli,” I said gently, “this isn’t before. I’m not leaving you alone for twelve-hour shifts. I’ll go, I’ll do what they need, and I’ll come back.”
He stared at a spot on the duvet and nodded. “Okay.”
