Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

We were airlifted to the closest hospital equipped to deal with traumatic injuries. I was surprised when they allowed King to come with us. I was prepared to argue, but there was no need. Apparently, my dad had hired a private helicopter and medical team to come get us.

Once we arrived at the hospital, they took Jake straight back to an exam room, leaving me and King in the lobby, unsure of what to do next. I didn’t have to wonder for long. My dad came running through the door a few minutes later.

“Dad!” I blurted, and burst into tears as soon as he hugged me. I’d held it together as long as I could.

“Oh, Peanut. It’s going to be okay,” he soothed and leaned back to look me over. “Who’s this?” he asked and nodded toward King.

“This is King, Jake’s dog. I’m not sure what to do with him.”

“I can take care of that,” he said and pulled out his phone. “Anna, I need you to arrange a dog sitter for me. They’ll need to come to the hospital.” He paused for a moment. “Sounds good. Thank you.” He gestured to a row of chairs. “Anna’s going to arrange something for King. Let’s have a seat and you can tell me what happened.”

As I was filling Dad in on what I assumed happened to Jake, a man dressed as a pilot approached us. “Mr. Covington, we’ll be happy to keep King with us. He’ll be warm inside the helicopter and can have as many bathroom breaks as needed.”

“Thanks, Felix. Is that okay with you, Sarah?”

“Yes. I’d rather him be with you than a stranger. Thanks, Felix.”

“I’m happy to help,” he said and reached for King’s leash.

I could tell King was reluctant to leave. He kept looking back at the doors they had taken Jake through. I patted his head and promised to stay with Jake.

I don’t know how long we had to wait, but it felt like hours. Finally, someone came out to the waiting room and called us back to Jake’s room.

I didn’t care that my dad was there to see and hear everything. As soon as I saw Jake, I carefully wrapped my arms around him and burst into tears. “Please be okay. I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch to you. I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you again.”

I froze when I felt Jake’s arm against my back, pulling me tighter against him. “You won’t. I’m going to be okay.”

“What?” I asked in confusion. “You’re awake?”

“Yeah,” he said and grimaced. “I have a concussion and a nasty headache, but nothing else is wrong. They’re going to keep me overnight as a precaution since I was unconscious for so long.”

My dad cleared his throat. “I’m going to step out into the hallway and reserve a couple of hotel rooms.”

“Well, that answers at least one question,” Jake said.

“What question?”

“How I got here. I’m guessing you went out to look for me when I didn’t come back.”

“I did. I knew something was wrong,” I said and told him about getting him back to the cabin and calling my dad for help.

“Thank you,” he said and pulled me forward until my lips were pressed against his. This kiss was tentative at first, but quickly deepened.

I was the one to break away, but I rested my forehead against his. “Jake,” I whispered.

“Shh. We’ll figure out the details later. You’re here, and I’m here. That’s all that matters.”

“Okay,” I agreed and moved my head to his shoulder. He was right; we had plenty of time to figure things out.

“Hey,” he said suddenly. “Where’s my dog?”