He had taken time to hurry home for a quick shower, shave and change of clothes, but he hadn’t gotten any sleep for almost thirty-six hours. Now that it was all over, he could barely keep his eyes open, but he wanted to be with her when she awoke.This had, without a doubt, been the most difficult day of his life. He had observed a life-and-death struggle in the operating room whose outcome would directly affect him forever. “Jordan?” a weak voice inquired. He immediately jumped up and leaned over the bed rail. “I’m here, Lauren. How do you feel?” Cupping her hand in both of his, he felt a wave of compassion wash over him, bringing tears to his eyes. She looked so fragile and pale, almost ethereal with her beautiful golden hair fluffed out around her head on the stark white pillowcase. “Groggy,” she murmured, running the tip of her tongue over her dry lips. “And thirsty—very thirsty.” There was a pitcher of water on her bedside table and he poured a little into a glass.
