Page 125 of Don't Think

She looks at me, and thankfully, she laughs.

“What do you mean?” she asks.

“I’m sorry, I just… don’t understand. You were squeezing the life out of my hand, but—” I soften my tone, not wanting to seem like I’m trying to tell her what to do. Of course, I’d love to see her get out of here,when she’s ready.

Then Dr. O’Neil chuckles, breaking my spiral. “Your husband’s a keeper, Allie,” he says, waving his clipboard at me.

Right. Totally forgot they think we’re married.

“I’m just worried, that’s all,” I say softly.

“I’d be concerned if you weren’t,” she says, placing her warm hand against my cheek. “But I’m fine. I was just”—she shrugs—“nervous.”

My eyes widen. “Thatwas anervoussqueeze?”

“I’ll let you two get ready,” Dr. O’Neil says, backing toward the door. “It might be a few more hours, but I’ll have the nurse bring the discharge papers after lunch.”

“Thanks, Doc,” Allie replies just as the door clicks shut behind him.

Then she slowly turns her attention back to me, her eyes softening. I bring my forehead to hers, inhaling deeply while my eyes meet hers.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t mean you werecrazy. It’s just… it’s only been a couple of days.”

She nods, giving me a small smile. “I know you weren’t callingmecrazy. And I know it seems like such a short stay, but honestly, Jax? If I stayed any longer, I’d sign myself out.”

“But why?”

“When women have their tubes done, do you know how long they stay in the hospital?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. A week?”

She lets out a soft, short laugh. “No.” She shakes her head. “Not even a full day.”

My eyes widen, and I lean back a little to get a better look at her face, trying to figure out if she’s messing with me, but she’s totally serious.

“I got a few extra days because I was in an accident. But he’s right, Iamready. It still hurts, obviously, but I’d be a lot more comfortable, in an actual bed,” she says, tipping her head back like she’s already dreaming about it.

“Alright, well, if you’re going home today, I should probably go and pack some clothes for the night,” I tell her, starting to lift myself from the bed until she grabs my arm and gently pulls me back down beside her.

She shakes her head. “You really don’t have to do that. Ana and Nora will be there. You don’t have to stay with me. You’ve already been here the last three nights.” She gestures toward the stretcher that the nurses set up for me. “Plus, we’re only at the house for one more day before we have to head home.”

“I’m set to go back on Monday,” I say with a shrug.?“That way I can drive you all home.”

She throws her arms around my neck, pulling me close before pressing her lips softly to mine.

“I love you, Jax,” she whispers.

“I love you, Allie,” I say with a smile, then slowly pull away from her.

When I get to my feet, I cross the room and grab my rucksack, slinging it over one shoulder, adjusting the strap.

“I’m gonna grab a few things, chat with the guys a bit, and be back to pick you up. If you need anything, call me,” I say over my shoulder.

She presses her lips together and nods before murmuring, “Okay. I’ll be here.”

The anxiety simmers for the entire drive, making me want to sayfuck itand turn around at least four different times. Not knowing how this conversation’s going to go eats away at every nerve in my body, leaving them open and exposed.

James? He’s like a golden retriever in human form. If I said we should move here, he’d probably just start packing.