As Luck Would Have It (12 page)

“We’re going to take good care of him. Don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be just fine,” the paramedic reassured her.

When they got to the hospital, they wheeled Marcus into the emergency room and began working on him immediately. It seemed like hours before she realized that Natalie and the kids had been waiting for her. She needed to call home immediately. Sydney went to the nurses’ station to use the phone.

Dominick answered the phone at home. “Dom, It’s Mommy. Is Aunt Nat around?” She tried to sound calm so she wouldn’t upset him.

“Yeah, she’s right here, hold on.” Dom handed the phone to Natalie.

“Hello,” Natalie said.

“Nat, it’s Sydney. Marcus was in an accident, and I’m at the hospital with him.” She couldn’t hold it together any longer and began sobbing again.

“Syd, is he okay?” Natalie sounded worried. “I’ll have Sam stay with the kids, I’m coming. Don’t worry, I’m sure everything will be just fine.”

Natalie situated the kids at home and went to the hospital. When she arrived at the emergency room, Sydney was balled up on the floor in a corner, crying into her knees. “Syd, Oh my God, are you alright?” Seeing the sadness on her sister’s face made Natalie start to cry.

“He’s all banged up. I can’t go through this again, Nat. He’s got to be okay.”

“I’m sure he’s gonna be fine. They’ll do whatever they have to do to make him better.” Natalie couldn’t believe this was happening again.
God, you have to make him okay. She can’t lose another husband. It will kill her. Please make him okay.

The two of them sat in the waiting room for more than three hours while the doctors worked on Marcus. Finally, a doctor came out to talk to her. “Mrs. Matthews?”

“Yes.” Sydney stood up and went to the doctor.

“We’ve moved your husband to the Intensive Care Unit. His femur bone was broken, so we inserted a metal plate and some screws into his leg. He has an immobilizer on so he doesn’t move his leg. We cleaned up his face, but he has quite a few cuts and bruises. He’s lucky he was wearing his helmet. We medically induced a coma so that we could check for bleeding and swelling. There doesn’t seem to be any damage to his brain. It’s just a waiting game now. It could be a couple of days before he comes out of the coma.”

“Oh, thank God he’s alive. Can I see him?”

“The two of you can go in, but only for a few minutes,” the doctor advised and led them to Marcus’ room.

When they reached his room, the doctor reminded them that visiting in ICU is limited. “I’m not fucking leaving his side,” Sydney whispered to her sister.

“I figured you wouldn’t, but he doesn’t have to know that,” Natalie whispered back.

When Sydney entered the room and saw Marcus all bandaged up with tubes up his nose, she lost it again. The tears came pouring out. She rushed to the side of his bed, leaning over him to gently kiss his lips. “I love you,” she whispered into his ear. “You have to get better. I can’t live without you.”

Natalie went to Sydney’s side, took one look at Marcus, and gasped. She could see some of the tattoos on his arms and a little peeking out from under the blanket. “Shit, Sydney, he’s even hot banged up. When you said he was hot, I figured your taste hot, but he’s just hot, hot.”

“Really?” Sydney couldn’t believe that even in a situation like this, her sister couldn’t act mature.

“I’m gonna go home and make sure everyone is okay. Don‘t worry, I’ll stay a few more days. I’ll get you some things and come back later. I know you’re not leaving Mr. Hotness’ side. I wouldn’t, either.”

Sydney stood up and hugged Natalie. “Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ll be back.” Natalie left the room.

Sydney searched for Marcus’ cell phone. She needed to call Stella or Stewart and let them know what happened. She found it in his jacket pocket, which was ripped but still wearable. She searched through the contacts and called Stewart.

“Stewart, it’s Sydney. Marcus was in an accident, and we’re at St. Francis Hospital.”

“Is he alright?” Stewart asked.

“He’s got a broken femur bone, some cuts and bruises on his face. I’m waiting for him to come out of the coma. He’s in ICU, but I’m not leaving his side.”

“I’ll let Stella know. She’ll want to go and see him, but since you’re there watching over him, I’ll advise her to go in the morning. Please, Sydney, if there’s anything you need, you let me know. I know how much Marcus loves you, and he’ll pull through this with you at his side. We’ll see you in the morning.”

Natalie stopped by later with some clothes, and then it was just Sydney. She sat and held Marcus’ hand the entire night, whispering into his ear all the things they had done while in Vegas and all the things she had planned for their future.

CHAPTER
sixteen

The next morning, the nurse escorted Stella and Stewart into the room. Sydney was still there with her head resting on the side of the bed, fast asleep.

“She was up all night whispering in his ear,” the nurse informed them. “I didn’t have the heart to disturb her this morning.”

Stella and Stewart approached the bed. The nurse reminded them that they only had a few minutes and left the room. They couldn’t believe the shape Marcus was in but knew he was in good hands with Sydney. Without waking Sydney, they left what they had brought and went home.

The doctor finally woke Sydney when he entered the room to check on Marcus. “Mrs. Matthews, have you been here all night? You know you’re not allowed to stay in ICU.”

“You don’t understand. I lost my first husband about seven months ago. Marcus and I have only been married three days. I’m not leaving his side, ever.” Sydney gave the doctor a very stern look.

“Understood. We just need to run some tests, and we’ll be out of your way.” The doctor and nurse quickly ran the tests and left.

Sydney continued to whisper in Marcus’ ear until suddenly, she felt his hand move.

“Babe, I’m here. Can you hear me?” He squeezed her hand lightly. “Thank you, God. Marcus, babe, I love you.” She was startled when she looked at his face and saw his eyes opened. “Hey, good looking, can you hear me?”

Marcus tried to clear his throat. “Who are you?”

It had never dawned on Sydney that he would not remember her. She dropped her head down on the bed and began hysterically crying again. She felt a hand on her head, and when she looked up, she saw Marcus trying to smile. “Just kidding. If a Mack truck ran me over, I’d still remember you.”

“That is so not funny. I thought I’d lost you, and having you not remembering me would have been worse. Having you here and not being able to touch you would have killed me,” she whimpered.

“I’m here, and I don’t plan on leaving you ever.” He kissed her hand. “What happened anyway? I remember following you, then bam.”

“As soon as I passed the intersection, I looked back to make sure you were still following me, and this little red sports car rammed into you. You went skidding across the road. It was horrible.” She started to cry again.

“Babe, it’s okay. I’m alright, or I will be soon,” Marcus said, grimacing from the pain in his leg.

Now that Marcus was awake, the room buzzed with nurses checking his vitals, changing bandages, and making sure he was comfortable. Once the doctor arrived, everyone else cleared out. “Mrs. Matthews, now that your husband is awake, why don’t you go and freshen up and get something to eat?”

Sydney looked at the door and then back at the doctor. “I’m good really, and I’m not leaving unless it’s with Marcus.”

“We’re going to move him to a regular room, and if all goes well, he can probably go home in a day or two,” the doctor informed her.

As the doctor was leaving, Marcus inquired, “Can I get a private room?” The doctor looked back into the room and nodded.

“A private room? Why would you need a private room?” Sydney asked.

“I figure if you’re not leaving my side, you might as well be comfortable for the next day or two.”

When the orderlies came in to move Marcus to his regular room, Sydney took the opportunity to get a cup of coffee and some body spray from the gift shop. Even though Natalie had brought her clean clothes, she still hadn’t showered after her sexapade with Marcus yesterday.

Before Sydney entered Marcus’ room, one of the male nurses came ran up to her. “I noticed you’ve been here in the same clothes since yesterday. I put some extra towels in Mr. Matthew’s room if you want to shower.” He winked and walked away. Sydney was so thankful for that. She wasn’t sure the body spray would do the trick.

When she entered Marcus’ room, she was startled to see people with him.

“Babe, you remember Stewart, and this is Stella.” Marcus held his hand out in her direction.

“Oh, yes. Hi, Stewart.” Sydney gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Nice to see you again.” She turned to Stella and gave her a hug and a kiss. “Nice to finally meet you.” She went to sit next to the bed.

Marcus put out his hand for her to hold. “Are you okay, babe?” Sydney asked Marcus.

“Yeah, this isn’t the way I wanted to do this, but under the circumstances, I don’t want to wait.” Marcus squeezed Sydney’s hand. “Stewart and Stella, Sydney and I are married.”

Stella looked at Stewart, Stewart looked at Marcus, and Marcus looked at Sydney. Sydney’s eyes were as big as golf balls, but when Stella came running up to her for a hug, they returned to normal size. “I’m so happy to hear that. Marcus sounded so happy when he called us from Vegas.” Stella turned to Marcus. “I want to give you a hug, but I don’t want to hurt you.” She leaned over and gently kissed his forehead. Stewart congratulated both of them. “See, instant family.” Stella said with a smile.

“We have a bit of a problem, though. Neither of us wants to be without each other, yet neither of us wants to spend the nights at other’s house. Sydney can’t leave the kids, and I haven’t met them yet,” Marcus confessed.

“Listen, my kids will have to deal with it eventually. When they release you from here, come to my house and meet them. If I have to stay one more night by myself, then so be it. I have my cell phone.” Sydney smiled. “If there aren’t any problems, I’ll pack up the kids for an overnight and see how that goes. If all goes well, we’ll move them in one at a time. They’re gonna have to make some sacrifices.” 

“Whatever you need help with at home, just let me know, Sydney, and I’ll have Stewart drop me off,” Stella offered.

“Then that’s the plan,” Marcus confirmed. “Is your sister going to be okay with the kids till I’m released? You really could go home at night. I’ll be fine.”

“No way, not happening. I’m staying till you leave with me.” Sydney turned to Stella. “Thank you. I’ll let you know when I need help.”

“That’s fine. We’re going to go so you can rest up. I’ll call later to see how you’re doing.” Stella kissed Marcus on his forehead and turned to hug Sydney good-bye. Stewart shook Marcus’ hand and followed suit with Stella, hugging Sydney good-bye, and then they both left.

“Wow, I’m sure your parents were nice people, but you’re really lucky to have had the opportunity to have a second set just as nice. You can see how much they love you.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty lucky. Lucky I have you. I’ve been watching those lips all morning. Could I get some of those?” He tugged Sydney closer to the bed.

“I’ll give you just a little now, and then I really have to shower. They washed you up, but I’m still in yesterday’s clothes and my undies are completely stuck to me.”

Sydney leaned over Marcus to kiss him, but he interrupted her. “I can help you un-stick those undies,” he said, puckering his lips.

“I don’t think so, hotness. How ‘bout a kiss, and we’ll see what happens later.” Sydney gave him a quick kiss, grabbed her clothes, and went into the bathroom.

When Sydney came out from her shower, Marcus was asleep. She grabbed her cell phone and left the room to check in with Natalie and the kids.

“Hey, Nat, it’s Syd. What’s going on over there?”

“To be honest, nothing. The kids, however, have mentioned to me that they really want to meet Marcus.”

Sydney contemplated what to do. “Would you mind bringing whoever wants to come to the hospital?”

“Not at all. I’d love another chance to see Mr. Hotness.”

“Cut the crap.” Sydney was very serious. “Come in, like, an hour. Marcus is sleeping right now. They must have given him pain meds.”

“Okay, see you later.”

Sydney closed her phone and returned to Marcus’ room. She sat in the chair next to the bed and watched him sleep.
Thank you, God, for giving me a second chance at happiness. I know it wasn’t pure luck that brought Marcus to me. I’m just not sure if Philippe had anything to do with it. If he did, tell him, “Thanks, hon.”

Natalie showed up with the kids while Marcus was still sleeping. She popped her head in the room. “Is Mr. Hotness awake?”

“No, and I’m not sure he’d appreciate you calling him that, so cut the crap already.” Sydney pushed her way out the door and gave everyone hugs and kisses, telling them to go wait in the lobby until he was awake.

When she returned to the room, Marcus startled her. “Who calls me what?” he asked.

“Oh, you scared me. I thought you were sleeping.”

“I was, but then I heard talking. Who was that, and what were they calling me?”

“Natalie’s here, and she brought the kids with her.” She wasn’t sure she was ready for Marcus’ reaction.

“Really, did they come to see you?”

“Actually, they came to see you. Is that okay?”

“I’m not looking my best, but I guess it’s okay,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “And what does your sister call me?”

“She calls you Mr. Hotness,” Sydney admitted, rolling her eyes. “She’s such an ass.”

“Why? You think I’m Hot?” he asked teasingly.

“I think you’re very hot, and you know that. I just didn’t think you’d appreciate her calling you that.”

“I don’t mind, but I see it bothers you.”

She leaned over and kissed him, “She just does it to get a rise out of me, and it works.”

“How long are you going to make them wait out there?”

“I just wanted to make sure you were ready for this.”

“I’m ready, but are you?” He motioned for her to come to the side of the bed. “I want to hug you but I’m not sure I’ll be able to.”

Sydney bent over and gave him a gentle squeeze. “Are you ready for the troops?”

Marcus gave a quick nod. Sydney left the room and came back fifteen minutes later with a crowd. Everyone stood at the end of the bed, except for Natalie, who took this as a chance to embarrass Sydney.

Natalie kissed his cheek. “Hello, brother-in-law, nice to finally meet you.”

Sydney introduced the kids one at a time, starting with the twins and ending with Dominick.

“Mom said you were on your motorcycle when the accident happened. What kind of bike were you riding?” Salvatore asked.

“I have a Ducati Diavel Cromo. Not sure if it’s even rideable any more. Do you ride?” Marcus asked.

“I like to ride dirt bikes and quads. You know, any ATV.”

“Do you own any of them? I have a couple in my garage you guys are welcome to ride,” Marcus offered.

“That would be cool,” Samantha said.

“So, what do you like to do for fun?” Marcus asked Sam.

“Well I played field hockey in High School. I‘d like to play in college, but I’m not sure.”

“What do you do for a living?” Michaela blurted out at Marcus.

“I work with computers. I run my business out of my house. I mean, I have an office in my house,” Marcus explained.

“So you turned one of the bedrooms into an office?”

Sydney interjected, “What kinda question is that, Michaela?”

Putting his hand up to Sydney, Marcus said, “It’s okay, I don’t mind. Actually, besides the living room, dining room and kitchen, I have an office and a playroom, plus six bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. There are plenty of bedrooms, so everyone can have their own, even your Aunt Natalie, when she comes to visit.

Michaela forced a smile at him and went back to playing with her phone.

Sydney watched as her children questioned Marcus and Marcus questioned the children. Questions turned into stories. The conversation was so natural that they lost track of time, asking questions and telling stories. Even Natalie had a few questions for Marcus, and before answering any of them, he would look at Sydney for approval. However, Marcus didn’t dare ask Natalie any questions. Anything he wanted to know, he knew he would have to ask Sydney. Natalie was a touchy subject with her. Before they knew it, the nurse told them that visiting hours were over.

Sydney walked everyone to the elevator to say her goodbyes. She hugged and kissed them good night, even Natalie. “Thanks for everything. I really appreciate all that you’re doing. I owe you big time.”

Dominick stood in front of Sydney. “Mom, is Marcus going to come back to our house to live until we move all our stuff into his house?”

“I’m not really sure. We haven’t worked it out yet. Why?” Sydney asked.

“We like him, he’s cool, and if you guys are married, you should be together.”

“Yeah, we like him. It would be cool to have him stay with us,” Salvatore added. 

Sydney looked at the girls for their opinions. “That would be fine with me” Sam concluded.

Michaela just played with her phone.

“
Mickey, what do you think?” Sydney probed.

“About what?” Michaela asked.

“About Marcus, stupid,” Dom blurted out.

“Yeah, that’s fine. He knows computers, whatever. It really doesn’t matter to me.” After answering, she looked back down at her phone.