<b>to </b>see him. Charlotte had been worried sick all afternoon. Now that Sean was finally out of danger, she just wanted to see
After all, he <b>had </b>taken that knife for her
“Let’s go. <b>You’re </bing home with me,” Desmond said stemly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
But Charlotte shook <b>her </b><b>head</b>, her eyes steady, “Dad, 1 know you’re angry right now, but I can’t leave. Sean risked his life to protect me. The least I can do is be here when he wakes up. If he opens his eyes and doesn’t see me, he’ll be heartbroken.”
Mr. Jasper St. looked moved and turned to Desmond. “Desmond<b>, </b>my wife was out of ile earlier. I sincerely apologize. Please don’t take it to heart.”
James added, “Sean <b>would </b>definitely want her to be the first person he sees when he wakes up.”
Lillian nodded with a soft sigh. “They’re clearly devoted to each other. That kind of love doesn’te around often.”
With Mr. Jasper St. being <b>so </b>sincere and reasonable, Desmond couldn’t keep pushing. He tookca moment, then finally looked at Charlotte.
“Fine. Stay. I’m going home to check on your sister”
After Desmond left, Charlotte apologized once again for her impulsiveness.
<b>Lillian </b>gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Sweetheart, stop ming yourself. None of this was your fault. We all know <b>you’d </b>never want Sean to get hurt. If anyone’s To me, it’s us for not seeing thising. <b>Your </b><b>father </b>was <b>right</b>.”
Tears welled up in Charlotte’s eyes. “I want to see
Bean.”
“Come on. I’ll go with you,” Lillian said, guiding her down the hallway.
Sean slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw was charlotte, her face etched with worry.
As soon as she realized he was awake,
e<b>, </b>her nose crinkled and tears spilled over. <b>“</b>You’re awake…”
Sean gave a faint smile, his voice low and <b>hoarse</b>. “Don’t cry. I’m not going anywhere
Lillian, standing beside them, wiped her tears. “You <b>scared </b>us half to death. It something had happened to you… I swear, I couldn’t have taken it.”
James sighed and muttered, “<b>Can </b>we stop saying things like that? It’s bad luck.”
Charlotte was openly crying now, tears falling faster than she could wipe them. Sean tried to lift his hand tofort her, but the movement sent pain shooting. through <b>his </b>side. He winced.
She immediately caught his hand. “Don’t move just rest.
Sean looked at lier, eyes soft with affection. “Don’t cry, Lottle. As long as you’re safe<b>, </b>none of this matters.<b>” </b>
No. That’s not true “Charlotte shook her head, swiping at her tears. “We both have to be okay. That’s the only thing that matters. “
Lillian frowned<b>, </b>but her voice was gentle<b>. </b><b>“</b>You two are too much Can’t we all just focus on getting better?”
“How’s Jodie?” Sean <b>asked</b>, his eyes searching hers.
<b>“</b><b>She’s </b>for Sale and sound, Charlotte said, voice still trembling
“<b>Good</b><b>,</b>” Sean murmured, rxing against the pillow
Lilian looked at her son, exasperated but emotional. “You nearly died, and you’re still worried about everyone else just test, okay? <b>We’ll </b>take care of everything
–
“Mom, <b>Dad</b>,” Sean sald weakly, “cant have a moment alone with <b>Lottle</b><b>?</b>“
They both nudded and quietly stepped out of the room.
Sean tumed his gaze <b>back </b>to Charlotte “Did anyone give you a hard time?”
the shook her head, billing her lip. The lung in her throat was unbearable. Even now, lying in a hospital bed after nearly dying, he was more worried about her than
himself.
she forced a smile, blinking away teas. “You better get better soon. We still have an engagement party to reschedule”