A Healing Heart (19 page)

Taking my place by his bedside, I sat there holding his hand and looked out the window toward the mountains in the distance. My mind was drifting when I felt his fingers moving in my hand. My eyes flew back to search Collin’s face.

“
Collin? Collin, can you hear me?”

This time, the squeeze was harder, and I knew I hadn’t just imagined it.

“
Collin, I’m here for you. You’re going to be just fine.”

The grip relaxed but then tightened again. The beeping of the machines started accelerating slightly. I watched his face intently for any sign of movement. Then his eyelids began to flutter a bit, and finally they opened, and I could see the crystal blue of his eyes.

“
Bailey.” Just the one word, so quiet, barely audible, brought the tears back to my eyes and they streamed down my cheeks.

“
Oh, Collin. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. You had us all so scared.”

“
What...What happened?”

“
You were in a car accident; your car ended up wrapped around a light pole. Your dad has been worried sick, Lacey too.”

His eyes closed, and I worried he had slipped away again.

“
Collin? Collin, can you still hear me?”

“
Yes, just so tired. Everything hurts. I remember now, the car was headed straight for me. I swerved; I thought I’d cleared it. I don’t remember anything after that.”

“
They said the back of your car clipped the other car, sent you into a spin and around the pole. Your airbag probably saved your life.”

“
I’m sorry.”

“
Sorry? Why are you sorry?”

“
For putting you through this. I’m so sorry.”

“
It’s not your fault. Everything is going to be fine now. You’re back with me. I’m okay; I’m complete now. Just please don’t do anything like this again. I’m not sure my heart can handle it.”

“
Love you, Bailey.”

“
I love you too, Collin. I need to go get a nurse and let them know you’re awake and to let your dad know too.”

“
Don’t go, not yet. Please, just sit here for a minute.”

“
Okay. Whatever you want.”

“
I could hear you talking to me. Everything was fuzzy. My mind was telling my eyes to open, my body to move, but it wasn’t listening. It was very frustrating for me.”

“
It’s okay. I’m just so happy you’re awake.”

“
Yeah, me too.”

I got up and leaned over to kiss him. This time he was able to return my kiss, his lips dry but gentle. His right hand touched the side of my face.

“
Thank you.”

“
No, thank you, for returning to me, Collin.”

“
I’ll never leave you. I’ll always be here for you.”

“
You better! Now, I really need to go get the nurse and your dad. I promise I will be back.”

“
Okay.”

I walked out of Collin’s room with a lighter step. I informed the nurse that he was awake, and then I proceeded to the waiting room to give everyone the good news. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders; all would be well.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

C
ollin
had only spent a couple of days at the hospital after the accident and was released, the cast on his left leg a constant reminder of that horrible morning. He still wore the bandages around his ribs, although the pain from them being cracked was slowly going away. I knew firsthand how badly cracked ribs could hurt. All things considered, he was mending quickly, and I was thankful. Since Collin’s car had been declared completely totaled, I had taken up chauffeuring him around, and it was a task I enjoyed. I knew, though, that he missed his Camaro and had been on the lookout for a replacement. My little Cobalt just didn’t cut it.

Finals were over and I could say goodbye to my junior year. After graduation tonight, I’d officially be a senior, and I was really looking forward to the following year.

It was Collin’s graduation day, and today was going to be a hot one. It was early morning and already the temperatures were climbing into the nineties. The sun was bright and intense as it beat down, a huge contrast from just a few short weeks ago. Thankfully, the graduation ceremony was in the late afternoon, so maybe the temperatures would cool a bit.

Collin had asked if I’d pick him up before graduation. He’d forewarned me that the Porter family had arrived from Las Vegas and would be in town for a few days. Having Savannah back in town made my skin crawl, but I bit back any comment and was hoping for the best. So far, I had yet to run into her, and the longer I could put that off, the better.

I sat at my desk, finishing the graduation present I was making for Collin. It was a scrapbook full of photos of us from the past couple of months. I was finishing the notes and detail work. Flipping through the pictures made me smile. It had taken me a long time to figure out what to give him for graduation; I wanted it to be something special and I hoped he’d like it. Reworking the note at the end for probably the hundredth time, I finally finished it.

Deciding the book was complete, I carefully wrapped it up, finishing it off with a ribbon. I was never one for the standard stick-on bows and always used real ribbon. The gift bags so common these days were nice when you were in a hurry, but never looked as pretty. Setting the gift back down on the desk, I went to my closet and removed the outfit I would wear tonight.

Mia, Natasha, and I had spent several hours at the mall looking for the perfect dress. I’d come across an ivory, halter-top sundress that skimmed just below my knees. The dress had faint emerald green pin striping. The wide belt around the waist was a deep emerald green. I had found ivory ballet flats that were comfortable, matched perfectly, and completed the outfit.

The afternoon flew by, and before long, it was time for me to get ready. I curled my long hair and fastened small sections allowing, the soft ringlets to taper down my back. Applying my makeup, I accented my eyes, glad that I no longer had deep shadows under them. It was amazing what a good night’s sleep could do for a person. I misted my neck and wrists with my favorite perfume and left the bathroom.

Reaching my dresser where my jewelry box sat on top, I opened it and pulled out the necklace that Collin had given me. I wore it every day, only taking it off at night. It was such a special gift—I knew that I would treasure it forever. Sifting through the section that held my earrings, I found the pair of emerald and diamond studs that had once belonged to my mom. I had never worn them before; the painful memories had always been too intense. My dad had given them to my mom as an anniversary present the year before they had been killed. Today, as I fastened them in my ears, they felt right. It was amazing how well they matched the necklace—almost like they were a complete set. It was as if my mom was there with me, nodding in approval. I knew she would be happy that I was wearing her jewelry instead of letting them sit unworn.

Tucking Collin’s gift safely under my arm, I left my room and glided downstairs and outside. The second I started my car, I turned the air conditioning up full blast. The heat outside was stifling, and I hoped it would begin to cool off soon. It already felt like my makeup was melting off. I sent a quick text to Collin letting him know I was on my way.

Collin was coming out the front door, his deep green gown slung over his arm, the cap dangling in his fingers, just as I pulled up. He was wearing an ivory long-sleeve shirt that was rolled up just above his elbows, a tie that had greens and browns swirled through it, and khaki dress slacks. The cast on his leg was almost entirely concealed. His hair was slightly tousled with gel. When he smiled as he walked toward me, it sent shivers down my spine. Every time I was with Collin the energy between us was intense. It still amazed me that out of all the girls in our school, I was the one Collin had chosen.

The passenger door opened and Collin gracefully slid in, an amazing feat since one of his legs was bound in a cast. He laid his cap and gown on his lap and shut the door. Before buckling his seatbelt, he leaned over to kiss me.

“
Hi, sweetie. I’ve missed you. You look amazing.”

The heat quickly flashed to my cheeks. It was still hard for me to accept the compliments he lavished on me all the time.

“
Thanks. You look incredibly handsome yourself.”

“
Well, let’s get this show on the road. My family will be on their way to the stadium shortly. You can sit with them if you’d like.”

“
It’s okay. Mia and I are going to sit with Natasha’s family. Natasha is already there and saving us a spot.”

“
You know, Savannah has been on her best behavior since they arrived. You don’t need to worry about her, okay? She’s already apologized to me about a hundred times for what happened during spring break. She’s just a friend and that’s it.”

Forcing a smile, I turned to look at Collin. “Okay.” It didn’t relieve the awful sensation I had in the pit of my stomach every time her name came up. I still didn’t trust her.

We arrived at the stadium and I had to circle around a couple of times to find a parking spot. Getting out of the car, we were blasted by the severe heat. The asphalt parking lot intensified the heat waves, and it felt like we were walking through an oven. I was glad that at least it was a dry heat and not dripping with humidity. Collin grasped my hand in his as we walked toward where the rest of the senior class was gathering.

Quinn found us first, his gown unzipped and the golden tassel on his cap bouncing as he walked toward us.

“
Hey, buddy, glad you finally got here!” Quinn gave Collin a good-natured slap on the shoulder.

“
Hey, Quinn. Let’s get this over so we can go have the real fun after.”

“
Yeah, no kidding, I hear the party after is supposed to be crazy.”

Collin handed me his cap while he slid his gown on and zipped it up. Setting his cap on his head, I helped adjust it.

“
Hey, Quinn, can you take a picture of Collin and me?”

“
Sure.”

I handed over the camera I had tucked in my purse and leaned against Collin. His arm wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me against his side. After snapping a couple of pictures, Quinn handed back the camera.

“
Thanks, Quinn! I better go find Natasha and Mia. I’ll see you both when this is over.”

Turning, I found myself in Collin’s warm embrace and being kissed soundly.

“
I love you, Bailey.” His grin lit up his eyes so they sparkled mischievously. One look from him could completely undo me.

“
I love you, too.” Totally embarrassed since Quinn was standing right there, I said goodbye to Collin and went inside the stadium, knowing my cheeks were bright red.

~ Savannah ~

Standing in the bedroom window on the second floor of the McKenna house, I pushed aside the gauzy white curtains and peered down at Collin as he walked toward Bailey’s car. I had learned a valuable lesson the last time I was here, and I would not be repeating the same mistake. During the past months, I had hoped that, when my family returned for Collin’s graduation, Bailey would no longer be in the picture, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Incredibly frustrating.

Knowing that Collin’s family would be moving to Las Vegas in just a few short weeks, though, was a huge step in the right direction. Surely Collin would forget about Bailey after a while, and I would be there waiting. Smiling, I turned to finish getting ready for the graduation ceremony. Patience...I just needed to be patient. I would have the one thing I desired most: Collin. I’d always gotten what I wanted, and this would be no different.

~ Bailey ~

The graduation ceremony had moved quickly through the speeches and award presentations but bogged down during the tedious process of reading the names of five hundred-plus graduating seniors. Finally, it was over, and we were trying to thread our way through the thick crowd and reach the group of seniors before they could all scatter. I caught sight of Collin standing under a tree. Lacey was wrapped in his arms, and she was laughing. It made my heart catch; he was so tender and loving with her, and she was such an important part of his life. It made me love him that much more, if that was even humanly possible.

As I reached Collin’s side, I caught sight of Savannah standing next to Jared. I pasted a smile on my face and nodded to her.

“
Hello, Savannah.”

“
Hi, Bailey.”

Her response was almost as forced as mine, but I could feel the strength of Collin’s arm as it wrapped around my shoulder, holding me tightly against him. With that reassurance, my jealousy and uneasiness slipped away. I turned my attention back to him.