“I let nothing get in the way, and I let no one in.”

Her hand raked through my hair. “You were just as lost as me.”

“Maybe when I get out of this chair, even if things look different, I can loosen those shackles a bit.”

Her fingers lowered to my face, thumb brushing where she had kissed. “Caleb, this moment couldn’t be more perfect.”

“There will be many more just like it. That’s something I can promise.”

Ten

“How’s my favorite patient this morning?” Whitney asked as she came into my room, wearing a pair of purple scrubs, her hair in a high ponytail, a much different look than last night.

Veronica was at the foot of my bed, supervising my last set of exercises.

“I’m doing great,” I answered.

Whitney’s smile made up for the loose-fitting outfit.

“He’s sore and a little stiffer today,” Veronica told her.

Whitney came around to my side, fixing the pillows that surrounded me. “It’s raining; that could have something to do with it. Fortunately, it’s going to clear up in a few hours.” She watched me lift my leg into the air, and then I straightened my ankle and rolled my foot in a circle before bringing it down to the bed. “How many sets have you done?”

“Three,” Veronica responded. “He did six last night after you left.”

Whitney sat in the chair next to me. “That’s another reason you could be so sore.” She looked at Veronica. “How about breakfast?”

“I made him a smoothie and a couple of eggs.”

Whitney gave me another grin, showing how pleased she was.

She harped on about eating every chance she got. Even though my appetite hadn’t returned—pain just didn’t trigger hunger—I was doing my best to keep myself fueled.

Veronica checked her watch after I completed my last leg lift. “Do you want me to grab anything before I go?”

“No,” I said. “Thank you.”

Once she left the room, Whitney moved over to the bed, sliding down the blanket. “Lean up for me. I want to check your bandages.” I rose several inches, and she gently lifted my shirt. “Perfect. You can lie back down.” She examined my hip and thigh, going as far as my foot. “Just making sure everything looks okay.”

“Does it?”

“I don’t see anything too alarming.” She winked and covered me back up, sitting on the mattress again. “Promise me something?”

I nodded.

“As you get stronger, you’ll continue being honest with me about how you’re feeling. And you’ll tell me if you’re in pain and if you’re doing too much.” Her hand went on top of mine, fingers linking. “Caleb, I know how badly you want out of this bed and your wheelchair, but you have to move at a pace your body can handle.”

“I promise.” My other hand went behind her head, holding her hair, and she grazed her face against my forearm. “You know what would make me feel even better?”