Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
As I stand there, looking at this beautiful man, I feel the depths of what I shared with Mom.
Because he’s got me.
I’m so fucking in love with Lance Fehn.
29
Lance
“You need anything before we head out?” Mom asks for what must be the fifth time since I woke up maybe fifteen minutes ago.
I’ve been in and out all day. I had a tube down my throat for a few hours, and during that time, Ty got me a journal and a pen to communicate with him, hospital staff, Mom and Dad, and our friends. Some of the guys are still lingering in the waiting room, here for support. So on top of being tired from all that went down last night and whatever I’ve been pumped with while here, it’s been exhausting knowing everyone’s running around, worried about me.
And yet, I’m so grateful I get to see everyone again.
“I’m good,” I assure them, my voice still hoarse from when the nurse took out the tube.
Ty, who’s sitting beside the bed, tightens his hold on my hand, which he’s been holding since before I woke up. There are some serious bags under his eyes, and he still has some soot on his face from the fire last night. I can’t imagine he’s gotten much sleep since we got out of Sigma Alpha. Every time I’ve woken up, he’s been right here at my side, ready to get me anything I need.
Being in that smoke, struggling to breathe, my eyes burning, there was a moment when I thought I might never see him again. Or my parents. That I would leave them all even more grief-stricken, adding to so much existing pain. It’s the sort of thought that reminds me how special they all are to me. Really reminds me of what’s important in my life.
“Please don’t talk too much,” Dad says.
“They said I can talk a little, just need to take it easy. Now go. You said you haven’t eaten since you got here.”
“The guys could grab you something to eat,” Ty tells them.
As helpful as he’s been, I wish he hadn’t offered. I love my parents, but despite how wonderful they’ve been and how nice it’s been to see them again, it’d be even nicer to have a moment alone with him.
“No, no,” Dad tells him. “Trust me, they’ve been helpful enough. So helpful that I think we could both use a minute to ourselves.”
“I agree,” Mom says, and I smile. It must’ve been overwhelming for my parents, though my guys would’ve just wanted to make sure their president’s parents were comfortable. “We’ll be right back, though,” Mom promises, like she’s feeling guilty for leaving, despite them being here most of the night and morning.
“I’m fine,” I insist.
“You’re right, you’re right.” Dad turns to Ty. “Thank you for being here.”
“It’s my honor, really,” Ty assures them.
Mom and Dad give me some big hugs, and we exchange I-love-yous.
After they head out, Ty asks, “How you feeling?”
“I’m glad they’re getting lunch. Love them, but their worrying is stressing me out.”
“They’re not the only ones worried about you.”
I know. I’ve seen his concern. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to be alone with him. Because while I’ve had so much support, he’s been dealing with that on his own.
“How do you feel?” I press.
His gaze drifts. “It’s been rough, but better now that the docs said you’ll be fine.”
“And I will be.” I feel a tickle in my throat and cough. “Despite how I sound,” I joke, which earns a smile. When I groan, he tightens his grip on my hand.
His phone buzzes, and he checks with his free hand. “It’s Ash and Colin.”
Last update was that the vet checked Frat Cat and he was fine. Still sick with his infection, though. There was some talk about Colin and Ash returning to be here for us, but I made sure Ty let them know they needed to go on their trip. Frat Cat and I are fine, and we’ll be even better by the time they return.
“They said they almost booked a flight back but then changed their minds. Unless something happens here.”
“Fair,” I say as he messages them back.
“Also, there are pics on Instagram of the damage to the house.” Ty shows me images of what Sigma Alpha looks like now. The fire must’ve progressed fast because the side with Dax’s room is now an open space with charred pieces of wooden frames.
There’s a sadness in Ty’s eyes. It’s there every time the topic of Sigma Alpha comes up.
I can’t even imagine if this had happened to Alpha Theta Mu. It sucks that he has to deal with this. Still, as terrible as what happened to Sigma Alpha is, I’m just glad everyone made it out safe.
That I got to see Mom and Dad and my friends again.