Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3) (22 page)

Dr. Billings asked him various questions like where he was presently, the date, and what his last memory was. The only thing Aidan wasn’t sure about was the exact day, but he got the month and year correct, which seemed good enough.

Next, Dr. Billings shone a light in his eyes and had him perform basic motor function exercises. Afterward, the physician announced with immense satisfaction that he presented no clinical signs of permanent brain damage. Apparently not remembering the crash was normal, given the seriousness of the accident.

Some questions about what happened to him that night were also answered. Road conditions were slick because it was raining, and he lost control of his Porsche one mile from the freeway. His seatbelt had saved him from launching through the windshield and into the tree he hit. He would never tell Beth that he was speeding back to L.A. to see her. He didn’t want her to blame herself for his carelessness.

“Hey, Doc. Is there something you can do about that damn machine?” Aidan jutted his chin at the piece of medical equipment with the green blips on the screen.

“The cardioscope must stay for now, Mr. Evans,” Dr. Billings said as he jotted down notes in Aidan’s chart.

Aidan cursed under his breath, ensuring that Beth didn’t hear him. He looked at his hand and fiddled with the tube stuck into the back of it.

“And the IV stays, too. At least until tomorrow.” Dr. Billings chuckled when Aidan scowled. “Not to worry. You’ll be taking medication orally soon enough.”

Aidan’s attention was diverted as Beth set down the blanket she’d retrieved and sat at his bedside. Her withered face gave away her exhaustion. How long had it been since she last slept soundly?

The nurse shifted Aidan in different positions while Dr. Billings concluded the physical examination—which didn’t help his pain situation— and his diet was changed to solid foods.

During the doctor’s assessment, Aidan caught Beth’s gaze on a number of occasions, and she always offered a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. He longed to get her alone so they could talk about a few important things—like the incident with Mr. Mertz and his abrupt departure from L.A. Then there was Beth’s career to worry about, and their future as couple…

Aidan’s head spun, but he was also eager to get out of the hospital and fix everything. The physical healing was only the beginning.

Dr. Billings hung Aidan’s chart at the foot of the bed. “Before I leave, how is your pain? You received your last dose of medication almost four hours ago.”

Aidan lifted his shoulders flippantly, aggravating his broken ribs. The grimace that followed told Dr. Billings the truth.

“I’ll have the nurse administer another dose. You’ll feel better in no time.”

Aidan shook his head. “I don’t want any more medication.”

“Please let the doctor help you.” Beth placed her hand on his forearm. “I don’t want you in pain.”

If Aidan weren’t already lying down, the torment behind her words would’ve brought him to his knees. “Fine, but only a little. I don’t wanna fall asleep.”

Beth pouted. “You need your rest.”

“Yeah, well, so do you.”

Dr. Billings grinned. “Yes, the pain medication will make you drowsy, Mr. Evans, but it’s best to take it easy anyway. You don’t want to push yourself too far too soon.” He relayed some orders to the nurse before leaving the room.

“When am I getting out of here?” Aidan asked as the nurse swapped his IV bottle for a new one.

“Relax, Mr. Evans. You’re in good hands. As the doctor said, there is no need to rush your recovery.” The nurse paused in the doorway. “I’ll be back soon to give you a bed bath and administer your pain medication.”

Aidan cringed. He’d have to find some way to bathe himself.

When they were alone again, Beth draped him in the blanket she removed from the closet.

Aidan took her hand. “I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. “Sorry for dying?”

He shrugged. “Yeah, that. And everything else, too.”

She waved him away. “Let’s get you well before we talk about what happened.”

“No, baby. You gotta know that
I
know it was completely wrong for me to take off like I did. You and I are better together than apart.”

Beth choked back a sob. “You obviously didn’t think that at the time.”

“I’d convinced myself that I was responsible for what happened between you and Mertz, that I was weak and should’ve done more to protect you. My only weakness was abandoning you.‎ I think I just needed to sort out some personal stuff by myself in order to truly realize my mistakes. I promise I’ll never leave you again, no matter what.”

She sniffled. “You vowed that before—”

“This time it’s forever.” Aidan shifted in bed to make room for her. “Lay down with me?”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.” He lifted his arm in invitation.

Beth snuggled up to him and cried into his gown.

Aidan held her tightly. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too. I just hope you stay true to your promise this time. I’ve told you repeatedly that you’re a good man, but you never believed me.”

“Things are different now.”

“How are they different?”

“I talked to my father before my accident.”

Beth’s eyes widened. “You did?”

“Yeah. He works here, you know.”

“Yes, I know.” Beth looked away as she replied, which only meant one thing.

“He never inquired about me, did he? Or visit me?”

“No.” Beth whispered the word, as if she didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news. “To be fair, he might not know you’re here. He’s been on a leave of absence for just over a month now. The hospital’s attempts to notify him of your admittance have failed. Yes, the media has covered your accident, but we can’t assume he has all the correct details.”

Aidan’s eyebrows shot up. This news was more shocking than learning about his brush with death. Last month was the fourteenth anniversary of his mother’s passing. His father never mentioned anything about taking time off work. Then again, they didn’t exactly sit around and catch up on all the goings-on in each other’s lives. As for his father not knowing he was here, Beth wouldn’t be making excusing for the man if she knew the truth.

Aidan exhaled deeply. Since they were all about confessions today, it was only proper that she learn the full story. “The night of my mother’s murder, my father was with Betty.”

Beth gaped at him. “Together as in…romantically?”

Aidan nodded. “For years, I blamed myself. Meanwhile, he was out betraying my mother’s trust. Our encounter the other night was anything but cordial, but out of the whole mess, I realized you were right. I beat myself up over my mother’s death, but it was the drifter who took her life. Then there’s my father, who should’ve been around more but wasn’t. Hell, maybe I could’ve done more to protect her on my own, but I was only a kid and scared out of my damn mind.”

He shook his head. “Basically, I’ve learned there are many factors that come into play, which if handled differently, would’ve changed the entire course of how things worked out. But things unfolded how they did, and no matter how painful it all is, I have no choice but to accept it. Either that or I spend the rest of my life hating myself and hating my father for placing the blame on me to ease his own guilt. Part of moving on was forgiving him for the affair.”

“That’s very mature of you, Aidan. I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”

“And in terms of forgiving myself—well, I want to talk to an analyst.” He looked at her hesitantly. Hopefully, she didn’t think he was taking the cowardly way out. “We have a second chance at a relationship…if you still want me.”

“Of course I do.”

Aidan grinned. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. So, you see, that’s why I need to take this step. Your support is crucial to me, but I also know professional guidance is required if I finally want to win this battle against my past. I don’t wanna mess anything up this time around. I want to focus on our future together, not guilt or sadness, just the joy spending the rest of my life with you will bring me.”

“Oh, Aidan. I’m so glad. I’ll see an analyst, too. I’m dedicated to our relationship and want to do anything I can to help us move forward.” Beth wrapped her arms around him.

Aidan groaned as pain seized what felt like every bone, muscle, and organ in his body.

“I’m sorry.” She tried to pull back.

“No. Don’t let go.” He held her tighter and brought his lips to hers, despite the difficulty his bandaged nose presented.

A knock sounded at the door. Beth leapt out of bed and straightened her dress. The nurse from earlier entered the room, holding a basin full of supplies.

“It’s time for your bed bath, Mr. Evans.”

Aidan tensed. “No way. I can wash myself.”

The nurse scowled. “I don’t see how that’s possible.”

“Ma’am, may I please bathe Aidan?”

All eyes shifted to Beth.

The nurse scoffed. “Absolutely not. You two are not married. It’s unethical, against policy. You’re not even supposed to be here! If not for Dr. Billings bending the rules for you—”

“May I bathe you?” Beth directed her request to Aidan.

As much as he didn’t want the nurse to do it, Beth helping him seemed much worse. “As I said, I’ll bathe myself.”

“It’s not safe in your condition.” The nurse glared at him.

Aidan glared back. “You can leave now.”

“Fine. I don’t get paid enough to deal with the likes of you!” With a huff, she set the basin on the bedside table and stalked out of the room. The door slammed shut behind her.

Beth reached for the bath items.

Aidan took her hand, bringing her to a halt. “I won’t allow you to bathe me. It’s not right.”

When tears reappeared in her eyes, he wished he hadn’t refused her offer so bluntly.

“Please let me take care of you.”

Aidan stared at his ring and their entwined fingers. He had felt so helpless when he took Beth home from the hospital. Bathing her had brought him his only relief. He never believed the act was enough, but now he realized it had actually helped them both heal.

“Beth, I’d be honored if you bathed me.”

A smile swept across her face. Aidan couldn’t help but grin again, too. He wasn’t sure how a bed bath worked, but Beth gathered the basin, removed the supplies, filled it with water in the bathroom, and got right down to it like an expert. As he’d learned before, love was enough to make up for lack of practice.

When Beth removed his gown, the full extent of the bruises and bandages on his body were revealed all at once. Under her loving gaze, he wasn’t ashamed. He could recover his physical being by giving himself time to mend and then returning to the gym. The important thing was he was alive and reunited with Beth.

Beth completed her task with the utmost dedication, soothing his battered body until his pain slipped away and all that remained was serenity. After his gown was changed, she climbed back into bed with him.

He studied her bloodshot eyes and frowned. “Baby, when was the last time you slept?”

She stifled a yawn. “Don’t worry about me.”

A suitcase sat in the corner of the room. One of the bedside chairs had a blanket draped over it and a wrinkled pillow cradled on the seat—details Aidan had missed earlier. Damn it. She hadn’t left the hospital since her arrival, had she?

Part of him wanted to berate their friends for allowing her to stay here instead of checking into a hotel, but he knew better. Beth was stubborn and probably refused to listen to them. He chose a gentler approach.

“I understand your desire to take care of me, but you need to look after yourself, too.”

Beth shrugged. “I’m all right.”

“You can rest now.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m not going anywhere, little dove.”

After some additional encouragement, Beth fell asleep. While she rested in his arms, Aidan tried to ignore the throbbing pain that coursed through his body now that his bed bath was done and his medication had worn off completely. It got to the point where he was so desperate to ease the ache in his chest he would’ve stopped the beating of his heart if it were without consequence.

Shifting his position, calling for the nurse, and risk waking up Beth wasn’t an option. Instead, he recalled his mother in his dream—all the details about her he thought he’d lost forever. For the first time in a long time, there was no sorrow accompanying his recollections. He had a feeling this was how it would be from now on.

About fifteen minutes later, the nurse returned. Her eyes drilled into Aidan and Beth lying in the bed. “You two better not have displaced any tubes or wires.”

Aidan placed his forefinger to his lips, indicating for her to be quiet.

The nurse muttered something about protocol and indecency but didn’t press the matter. “I’ve come to give you pain medication. Or would you like Miss Sutton to do it for you?” She rolled her eyes.

Aidan shooed her away. “Not now.”

“It’s now or never.”

“Then never.”

Beth stirred and opened her eyes. “What’s going on?”

Aidan silently cursed the nurse.

“You must get out of the bed, Miss Sutton.” The nurse stomped across the room. “Mr. Evans will fall asleep when the medication takes effect. He doesn’t need you crowding him.”

Beth shifted in the bed.

Aidan tugged on her hand. “Stay.”

Matthew stuck his head inside the room. A grin lit his face. “Oh, good! Evans is decent.”

The door swung wide open, revealing Nathan, Olivia, and Connie. Beth pulled out of Aidan’s grasp and stood, rubbing her tired eyes. He groaned. Bad timing for a reunion.

“You’re looking much better, Aidan,” Nathan said as the group entered the room.

Aidan glanced at the nurse. She’d already started administering the medication. He took Beth’s hand again. “Baby, I want you to stay at a hotel tonight.”

“No. I’m not leaving you.”

Aidan opened his mouth to protest, but a yawn won out instead. “Then stay with me…in my bed,” he said, trying to fight the fatigue that attacked him. He would rather sleep on the chair than have her sleep there anymore.