Free Hannah's Blessing by Collette Scott Page B

she recognize you?”
    Diana was speaking quickly, and her tone was lighter than he had ever heard before. “I really couldn’t tell. She is on so many medications that I couldn’t be sure. But her eyes are open…  She’s going to be okay, I just know it.”
    “I’ll be there within an hour.”
    Although he expected some reluctance from her, she surprised him by not objecting. Warning himself not to get his hopes up as he hastily threw back the covers, he realized that more than likely she was just so relieved that Hannah was finally awake that even his company was acceptable. But maybe, just maybe, his persistent presence over the past few days may have begun to have an effect on her stubborn defiance. After all, it was well known that he could be charming when necessary, and he had been using every trick in his book to break down her self-protective walls.
    Devlan rang Mike’s room and told him where he was going before heading to the parking garage to retrieve the rental he had picked up for his frequent trips back and forth from the hospital. Much to his surprise, another inch of snow had fallen during the chilly night. It reminded him that winter would soon be upon the city in full force. He wanted to be back in L.A. long before then.
    It was four o’clock by the time he reached Hannah’s hospital bed. No one in the deserted hospital questioned him; at that point they all assumed he was Hannah’s father. Passing the nurse’s desk, he sent a cheerful smile to the night shift as he hurried along to see his family.
    Diana met him outside the room, her face radiant with a bright smile. He had not seen her smile since her wedding, and the sight of her pearly white teeth felt similar to an electric shock, sending tingly waves throughout his body. It was as if years had been erased from her face with just the simple gesture, and that brief flicker of happiness was like a ray of sunshine peeking through the storm clouds of those stressful recent days. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Devlan stopped in front of her. A smile of his own creased his face, one as genuine as hers.
    “She’s awake. She’s finally awake!”
    “Now?” Devlan asked.
    “No. She went right back out, but they’re going to run more tests and begin weaning her from all the medications.”
    “That’s great, Diana. I’m very pleased.”
    Diana blessed him with another brilliant smile before hugging her hands to her waist. “Right now I want to go home and take a real shower, put on some clean clothes, and get a real meal.”
    Devlan chuckled. “Is that all?”
    Her gaze met his and a blush stole up her cheeks. As she bit her lip, he laughed out loud. Like everything else about her, her reaction to his teasing was invigorating and genuine.
    Hoping to ease her embarrassment, he shrugged. “It’s really no surprise. You’ve been living here for days. When was the last time you were home?”
    “I don’t even remember,” she said with a chuckle.
    “Well, I’m here. Why don’t I give you a ride to your apartment? Then you can take your time and come back when you want.”
    “Would you mind?”
    “Of course not,” he answered quickly. “May I peek in at Hannah first?”
    Devlan was aware of Diana’s curious gaze upon his back as he glanced in at the child who remained quietly sleeping. Her color was better, and her eyelashes fluttered as she dreamed. It was a sight that filled his heart with joy. She was returning to the land of the living – finally. Giving Hannah’s hand a gentle squeeze, Devlan smiled. Now that she was mending, he knew he had time to fulfill his promise. The worst was over. From here on out, it could only get better, and he was finally confident that he would win them both over. It just went to show that patience truly was a virtue. He could wait her out. After all, he had the means and skills to outlast one stubborn woman.
    ~
    Diana stared at the shiny rented Mercedes and felt the first twinges of regret.