Chapter 27

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

TANNER

T he next ten minutes are probably the worst of my life as a fear I’ve never before known sets in. The policeman first instructs me to keep her immobilized until the medics can arrive and properly move her.

Tears leak from her eyes, and she’s shaking, but she otherwise says nothing. I think she’s in shock. I do my best to reassure her when I’m anything but confident right now.

I whisper reassurances in her ear, reassurances that I don’t know to be true but know she needs to hear.

The ambulance finally arrives. They immediately immobilize her neck with a brace. It takes a little time, but they eventually carefully transfer her from the car onto a boarded stretcher.

At this point, I have blood dripping from my head, but that’s the least of my concerns. They want to put me on a stretcher too, but I refuse. They want to put me in my own ambulance. Again, I refuse.

“Sir, we need to check you out.”

“I’ll be in the ambulance with Bailey. You can check me in there if you must, but that woman is going nowhere without me.”

I grab her purse from the car before finally exiting the vehicle. My legs are wobbly, but I do my best to muscle through.

Shit, I might be concussed, but I don’t want to let on. I don’t want her to be alone.

I step onto the ambulance and end up sitting above her head so they can do whatever they need to do for her. They won’t let me take her hand. I gently rub her hair and face as space permits, praying to god that she’s okay.

She eventually whimpers, “Call Kam. I need her. Tell her not to tell Arizona. I don’t want to ruin her honeymoon.”

The cell phone in her bag starts ringing, and I pull it out. It’s Kamryn, so I answer. “Hello, Kamryn.”

“Something happened to my sister. I can feel it. Is she with you?”

“Yes. We’ve been in a car accident. She’s conscious but hurt. She…she can’t feel her legs. We’re in the ambulance. Meet us at Philly Hospital. She doesn’t want you to tell Arizona.”

“I swear to god, Montgomery, if this is as bad as it sounds, I will kill you with my bare hands.”

There are mumbled sounds of Kam and Cheetah arguing before I hear Cheetah’s voice on the phone. “Sorry man. She’s hysterical. Just worried about her sister. We’re on our way. Text me a room number when you get one.”

“I will.”

As soon as we arrive at the hospital, there must be thirty staff members waiting for us. What the hell?

They carefully remove her from the ambulance and set her on a gurney, wheeling her inside. I’m trying to keep up, but my vision is getting a little blurred. My legs are having trouble walking a straight line .

A tall blond man about my age approaches me. “Tanner Montgomery?”

“Yes.”

“My name is Brody Cooper. I’m the chief of the neurosurgery department, specializing in spinal injuries. Reagan Daulton is my sister-in-law. She seemed to know you were coming in and called ahead demanding we do everything we can for Bailey.”

I’m starting to see spots, and he grabs my arm. He instructs, “Linda, grab a wheelchair. Tanner, did you hit your head?”

“I…I don’t know. Maybe.”

He carefully helps me sit in the wheelchair before applying a soft item to the throbbing section of my head. He then flashes something in my eyes.

“Tanner, your head is bleeding and your pupils are blown. We need to get you a head CT to make sure there’s no internal bleeding.”

I slur, “No. I’m staying with Bailey.”

“She needs to get her imaging too. You’re not allowed in there with her. I’ll tell you what. You get the CT, and then I’ll have the nurse drop you in Bailey’s room. Technically you’re not allowed in because you’re not family, but if you cooperate, I’ll get you in.”

I feel like I’m falling asleep, desperate to keep my eyes open but losing the battle. I simply nod, unable to do anything else before everything goes dark.

I’m awakened to the beeping sounds of a hospital. I look around and see that I’m in a hospital bed with machines hooked up to my body. The room is dark, only slightly illuminated by the lights of the hallway .

My head is throbbing, and it takes a bit for my eyes to gain focus.

As soon as they do, I see Fallon sitting at my bedside with red-rimmed eyes. I croak out, “Where’s Bailey?”

Her eyes meet mine. “You’re awake. Let me call the nurse.”

She presses a button over my head.

Again, I ask, “Where’s Bailey?”

I hear a different voice. “She’s in surgery, you motherfucker.” I gingerly turn my head and see Kamryn. She’s hugging her knees in an empty bed next to mine, looking like she’s been crying for hours. Cheetah, Ripley, and Quincy are sitting in chairs by that bed. “How did you crash your car? Why wasn’t she wearing a seatbelt? She never goes without wearing a seatbelt. She fucking yells at me about it all the time.” She begins rocking back and forth and getting more hysterical. “How did you let this happen to her? It should be you in there, not her.”

Fallon bites out, “Enough, Kamryn. It was an accident. He’s injured too. Give him a minute. Why are you so fucking accusatory? Do you honestly think he did this on purpose?”

“But he—”

“I’ve sat here for two hours listening to you bash him. E-fucking-nough. Just shut your mouth. I can’t listen to you bitch and whine anymore. It doesn’t help anyone, especially Bailey.”

I catch Ripley, Quincy, and Cheetah all trying to hide their smiles. They all stand. Ripley grabs Kamryn’s hand. “She won’t be out for a little while. Let’s grab a snack. We’ll give Fallon a chance to catch Tanner up on everything.” She then looks at Fallon. “Do you want anything?”

Fallon shakes her head, no, but I mumble, “Get her a Snickers bar.”

They all walk out, leaving me alone with Fallon. She looks at me. “I need you to tell me the truth right now. Were you drinking? Don’t lie. They took your blood. The truth will come out regardless, and if it’s worst-case scenario, we need to call a lawyer and get ahead of it.”

I try to swallow away the dryness in my throat before gently shaking my head. “I had two drinks hours ago, before the ceremony. There is zero chance I was above the legal limit. I swear to you. I’ve cut back on my drinking significantly this year.”

She nods, looking relieved. “Thank god for small miracles.” She takes my hand in hers. “You have a bad concussion. You need to rest, but you’ll be okay. There’s no brain bleed or anything along those lines. You’re lucky because you apparently hit your head pretty hard. Hard-headed bastard.”

“And Bailey?”

She blows out a breath. “The doctor will explain it better, but if she had to fracture anything in her spine, it’s the best-case scenario.”

My heart sinks. “Oh god. Her back is broken?”

“Yes, but it’s not as bad as you’re thinking. In layman’s terms, it’s the spot on the highest part of her lower back.” She shows me on her body exactly where it is. “It will be a long process, but she’ll recover enough to live a normal life. I’m not sure about playing ball though. There’s a big difference between being a functional person and being a professional athlete. Her surgery is tomorrow. Well, today, but you know what I mean.”

“I thought she’s in surgery now?”

She pinches her lips together. “She also had some internal bleeding, and they discovered something else. She’ll…umm…she’ll probably lose an ovary.”

Tears fill my eyes, and I cover my mouth.

“Kam gave them permission to salvage as many eggs as they can from the ovary being removed. She’s not infertile. Don’t freak out. Plenty of women have children with one working ovary.”

Before she can continue, a nurse walks in. “I see you’re awake, Mr. Montgomery.”

I can only whisper, “I am.” I almost wish I wasn’t.

“I don’t want to shine light in your eyes, but can you look at me?”

I do. She’s in my face, manipulating it for a few seconds before she smiles. “Your pupils look much better. Stay off your phone. No televisions, computer screens, or any other bright lights for the time being. Bright light will bother you for a few days. The doctor will come by in the morning with your discharge information and explicit instructions about how to manage your concussion.”

I nod. “Thank you.”

She walks out, and I turn back to Fallon. “What will Bailey’s recovery look like?”

“Put simply, she’s going to have back surgery. She’ll need a few screws. It will take a little time, but she should make a full recovery. Spinal injuries aren’t black and white, and you never know what they’ll find when they’re in there, but her prognosis is a good one. Probably as good as it could have been given that she broke her back and lost feeling in her legs. We could very easily be having a different conversation right now. She’ll need to stay here for about two weeks but will start physical therapy and occupational therapy right away. Within a day or two of the surgery. She’s going to need a lot of PT and probably a good amount of OT for a long time. There are rehab facilities equipped for all that. I can get you some names. She’ll need to stay at one for at least three months and, if things are going well, then she’ll be able to do outpatient therapy.”

“No, I’m not dropping her at some random hospital. I want you to help her. ”

“We don’t have all the equipment needed in this hospital. That’s not exactly what we do here.”

“You have my credit card. Use it.”

“We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment. Maybe more.”

“Do I look like I care about the costs? Buy her whatever she needs to get better.”

“She can’t stay here, and she shouldn’t be transported back and forth. That could be dangerous for her. These facilities are all in-patient. That’s what she needs.”

“Renovate my home gym with every piece of equipment she needs. You’ll both move in.”

She sighs. “I’m not moving in with you. If you insist on doing this at home, I can find you someone to help her.”

“No. You’re the only person I trust with her.”

“I have a job.”

“I’ll double your salary.”

“Tan—”

“Please. I’m begging you. You. I only want you to help her.”

Her eyes fill with tears, and she kisses my hand. “Give me a minute. It’s been a long night. When I got the call, I thought I lost you.” She begins sobbing. “From the airport until I arrived, I didn’t know anything other than you wrapped your car around a pole.”

I squeeze her hand. “I’m fine. I had my seatbelt on.”

“Thank god for that. Why didn’t she?”

I look away. “You don’t want to know the answer to that.”

“Oh cheez. Kamryn might cut off your manhood when she finds out. That kid is a fucking handful. She and Bailey are night and day.”

“That’s the understatement of the year.”

“I texted Cassandra and Trevor. Your accident is all over the news and social media. I asked them to keep things away from Harper. I’ll pick her up in the morning and explain everything. She’s obviously going to be distraught.”

“I’m glad you thought to text them. Bring her here so she can see that I’m okay. I have no idea what Bailey will and won’t be up for.” I look around. “What time is it?”

“It’s four in the morning. Reagan Daulton called every member of the hospital board. There are probably fifty doctors treating Bailey right now. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like it. She was here earlier but had to get home to her son. She knew Bailey wouldn’t be out for hours. She said she’ll be back in the morning.”

“She’ll offer her resources to help get whatever equipment we need as quickly as possible.”

“What makes you say that?”

“That’s just the way she is. And she happens to adore Bailey, though I think she’d do it for anyone who plays for her. Please do whatever is needed and coordinate with Reagan. Shannon can help, but you know better than anyone. The home gym is big. Do you think we can fit everything she needs?”

“This is crazy. We don’t need to decide anything right this minute. No matter where she ends up, she’ll start her therapy here.”

“I’m not kidding, Fallon. The nurse said no phone. I need you. Get things rolling on the equipment. Pay whatever is needed to get it as quickly as possible. Tell Shannon to call my housekeepers and have them make up three guestrooms.”

“Three?”

“Do you think there’s a chance in hell that Kamryn isn’t moving in too? I don’t have it in me to fight her. Bailey will need her anyway.”

“To be clear, you’re asking me to move in with you, my ex-husband, so I can help our daughter’s nanny, who’s your lover, and I need to take a leave of absence from a job that I love? Add in the fact that your lover’s batshit crazy sister will also be there. Oh, and I have to handle all the logistics because you’re not allowed on the phone or a computer right now?”

I can’t help but smile at the complete and total absurdity of it all. “Correct.”

She smiles in return. “Like I’ve said before. Weirdest. Divorce. Ever.”

BAILEY

I awaken in a hospital bed. There are wires and tubes coming out of my entire body. Every inch of me aches. My mouth feels like I swallowed a bag of cotton. A bag of cotton that a skunk slept on.

I see Kam asleep on Cheetah’s shoulder. I can only manage a whisper. “Kam.”

Her eyes pop open, and she sits up straight, immediately taking my hand in hers. In a soft voice, she asks, “Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Like the morning after you made me take twenty-one shots on our twenty-first birthday.”

She smiles. “That was a fun night.”

“But a terrible morning after.”

“Hmm. Possibly.” She reaches up and presses a button above my head. “They said to ring when you’re awake. By the way, your surgeon was so hot. Like he belongs on Grey’s Anatomy hot. McSteamy-level.”

I sigh. “How thrilling.” I smack my lips together. “I think something died in my mouth.”

She leans forward and takes a few sniffs before scrunching her face. “Ooh. I’m not sure whether to get you a mint or toilet paper for that situation. ”

Cheetah lets out a laugh. I roll my eyes. “Water. I need water.”

She fills a cup for me and helps me drink water through a straw. Several cups. I think I down about two gallons.

I move my tongue around, desperately trying to get some saliva in there.

After finally feeling a bit more hydrated, my memories start to come back. Memories of being unable to feel my legs. “Am I going to walk again?”

Her face falls. “You don’t remember talking to the doctor last night?”

“No. I know they said something about two surgeries. I was in and out. I don’t remember much else.”

The door opens. Tanner walks in with the man I’m assuming is the doctor since he is, in fact, extremely attractive. As if it matters. He’s also in a white coat. Tanner has a bandage around his head and is wearing sunglasses.

The doctor smiles. “Hello, Bailey. How are you feeling?”

“Like I was in a car accident.”

He nods. “I have no doubt.”

Tanner walks over. He takes my other hand and kisses it. “I’m going to take care of you. I promise. Everything is going to be okay.”

Kam scoffs. “You already failed at taking care of her. I still want to know why she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.”

The doctor interrupts, “Bailey, I’m Dr. Cooper. As your friends and family know, Reagan Daulton is my sister-in-law.”

“Oh. I met your wife. She works with Reagan.”

“That’s their other sister, Skylar. My wife works at this hospital.”

Kam’s phone pings. She looks down. “Shit. It’s Arizona. They just landed and saw the news. They want to fly home.”

I attempt to shake my head but can’t seem to move very well. “No. They’re on the other side of the world. Tell her they’re not allowing visitors or something along those lines. They need to go enjoy their honeymoon. There’s nothing they can do for me right now.”

Cheetah stands. “I’ll call them. Ripley and Quincy were here all night. They needed to get home to Kaya but asked that I call when you’re awake. I’m gonna step out. I’m happy to see you awake, Bails.”

He looks exhausted, but I know my sister probably needed him. I can only imagine how she was behaving. “Thanks for being here.”

He nods, knowing exactly what I mean by that.

I look back at the doctor. “Tell me everything.”

“You sustained an abdominal injury. That was your first surgery. It was determined that your right ovary was beyond repair, and it had to be removed.”

Tears immediately fill my eyes. Kam squeezes my hand. “They think you’ll still be able to have kids. As a precaution, I had them harvest every available egg in the ovary before they removed it. Don’t stress. I’ll have the fucking kid for you if you have any problems. I promise you’ll be a mother one day.”

I nod, unable to form words. I notice tears streaming down from underneath Tanner’s sunglasses.

Dr. Cooper nods his head. “She’s right. Many women still get pregnant with one ovary. Though that’s not my specialty. I can have someone come talk to you more about that. As for your spine, you suffered a thoracolumbar junction L1 unstable burst fracture. It’s in your mid-back just below your ribs. You’ve got a drain in there now that we’ll remove in a few days. You had what we call a spinal decompression laminectomy with stabilization using pedicle screws at T11 and L3. In layman’s terms, we fixed what was broken. From my perspective, the surgery was a success. I’m going to check a few things. Don’t freak out if you still don’t have feeling in your lower body. The anesthesia hasn’t completely worn off yet, and some residual swelling could still be pressing on your nerves.”

He lifts my blankets and runs a device over my feet and legs. Fortunately, I’m able to feel all of it. I can’t move my legs much, but I feel everything he’s doing, and Dr. Cooper seems thrilled with that.

He smiles. “That’s great, Bailey. Already ahead of the class. Either later today or tomorrow morning we’ll get you going on PT and OT. You’re going to stay with us for a bit. About two weeks. And then we’ll find you an appropriate in-patient rehab facility where I’m guessing you’ll spend three or four months before you’ll be able to switch to outpatient.”

Tanner interrupts. “I’ve made other arrangements for her.”

I turn to him in question. He nods. “We’ll talk about it in a minute.”

Dr. Cooper continues, “Spinal injuries aren’t full of certainties. I can’t make you promises, but I have no reason to think you won’t make a full recovery. The harder you work, the quicker your recovery will be. I wholeheartedly believe that you’ll be able to live a normal life doing normal things.”

“And softball?”

His face falls just a drop. “With these injuries, there’s always the risk of something being a little off. A finger that doesn’t work properly. A toe. Or worse. Being a professional athlete is so much more than being able to function in daily activities. If you work hard, I think it’s possible.” He briefly pauses. “What I should say is that it’s not impossible.”

Kam scoffs. “You don’t know my sister. She’s the strongest person I know. She’ll be wearing a gold medal around her neck in three years. I can promise you that.”

He nods and gives a small smile. “I look forward to watching it happen. I need to go make my rounds. I’ll check on you a little later.”

“Thanks, Dr. Cooper.”

“You’re very welcome. You have an amazing support system. There are a lot of people who care about you. Don’t be afraid to lean on them. You’re going to need them for the next few months. ”

“I understand. Thank you.”

As soon as he leaves, the tears break free. Kam grabs my face so we’re eye to eye. “Don’t cry. I meant every word. You’re the strongest person I know. We’ll get through this. I’ll be with you every second of every day.”

I let out a laugh through my tears. “I’ll physically recover and then be institutionalized from spending too much time with you.”

She smiles through her own tears. “Every damn day until you’re back to your perfect self. You jump, I jump.”

I attempt to nod but have never felt more terrified in my life.

Kam notices and takes my hand. “It could be worse.”

“Does it really get worse than this?”

She gives me her special smile. “You could have dementia and diarrhea. Imagine starting to run to the bathroom and then forgetting where you’re going.”

How could I possibly not laugh at that? I lost an ovary, I don’t know if I can have kids, I broke my back, I don’t know if I’ll ever walk properly again, but my sister just managed to make me laugh. I love her so much.

She kisses my cheek and whispers, “Unbreakable Harts. We’ve got this, big sis.”

I nod before I turn to Tanner. “You mentioned arrangements. Did you find a hospital that allows crazy sisters to stay too?”

He kisses my hand again. The same hand he hasn’t let go of since he walked in. “I’m having all the necessary equipment delivered to my house as we speak. Reagan Daulton called in some favors, and everything is being expedited. You’ll stay with me. Fallon is going to move in and give you everything you need.”

I pinch my eyebrows. “You bought all the equipment?”

He nods.

“And Fallon agreed to this?”

He nods again.

“What about her job? Her life?”

He squeezes my hand. “We’re all here for you, baby. We’re going to get you through this together. You’ll be stronger than ever.”

Kam clears her throat, and he lifts his head to her. “I’ve already had a room made up for you too.”

I shake my head. “This is too much, Tanner. I can’t ask this of you.”

“You didn’t ask. And it’s already done.”

Kam wiggles her eyebrows. “Looks like we’re having a slumber party at Daddy Tanner’s house.”