Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3)

by Alexandra Richland

  “Your car hit a tree.” Beth’s voice wavered. “Your nose is broken as well as two of your ribs. You also have many cuts and bruises.”

  With a sob, she collapsed to her knees, grasping his hand and bowing her head to the mattress. Connie and Olivia dropped next to her, whispering words of solace Aidan wished he had the strength to utter himself.

  Beth tightened her grip on his hand, her face hidden by her hair as she wept. Aidan inched toward her, desperate to get closer, regardless of the pain that surged through his body with the movement. He forced his other arm to swing across his body and drove his hand into her hair, finding her face and cradling her wet cheek in his palm.

  “Don’t cry, baby,” he said hoarsely. “I’m here. I’m okay. Please stand up.”

  Beth lifted her head and sniffed. Aidan caressed her cheek, searching her bloodshot eyes for any signs of comfort. There were none.

  Olivia and Connie also cried, and their puffy eyes suggested the tears weren’t new. Even Matthew looked distraught, when he was usually the one to offer comic relief, finding the bright side of even the darkest situations.

  It didn’t make any sense. What the hell had happened to yield these reactions?

  “Matt, help them up.” Aidan’s orders sounded shaky, but Matthew obeyed immediately, assisting the women to their feet.

  When Connie and Olivia stood, Aidan took a good look at them. They didn’t have any makeup on their faces, which he had never seen before. They wore no jewelry, except Connie had on her engagement ring, and their outfits and hairstyles weren’t fussy. Matthew was dressed down, too, in an oxford shirt and trousers. Aidan didn’t think he owned anything other than designer suits.

  The incident in Mr. Mertz’s office and the events that followed had stripped them all down to the essentials. Sure, they still had their material possessions in L.A., aside from his Porsche—which he assumed was nothing but scrap metal now—as well as money in the bank. However, when it came down to right here, right now, all they had was each other. Really, that was all they needed. It meant they could start fresh and do things right this time.

  Aidan scanned the room—the white walls, fluorescent lights, and medical equipment. He recalled Beth’s visit to the hospital in Los Angeles and his fright when he got the call from Nathan that she was hurt. Then there were the memories of his mother passing away in the hospital outside of Fairfield, succumbing to injuries brought on by a vicious stranger who had manipulated her good heart and trusting nature and brutally beat her to death.

  Aidan cursed. He despised hospitals. Doctors and nurses were nothing but bearers of bad news. If not for his determination to avoid frightening Beth further, he would’ve ripped out all the tubes and wires shackling him to the bed and bolted from the room, regardless of his condition.

  The door to the room swung open, revealing Nathan and an older man with gray hair dressed in a white coat. A doctor. Aidan’s face tightened in defiance.

  “Mr. Evans.” The physician flashed a wide smile. “It’s wonderful to see you awake. You gave us all quite a scare.”

  “He knows who I am,” Beth said. “And Matthew, too. He also responded to his own name, so he knows who he is as well.”

  Aidan’s eyebrows pinched together. Of course he knew who they were. As for his own name—well, that was obvious, wasn’t it?

  “Excellent.” The doctor approached the bed. “Mr. Evans, can you move your arms and legs?”

  Aidan’s eyes narrowed.

  The doctor frowned. “Mr. Evans, can you understand me?”

  “Yeah, I understand. I just don’t wanna be bothered by you right now.” A series of coughs racked Aidan’s body. He winced from the pain that detonated in his chest.

  “Aidan, please.”

  His gaze shot to Beth.

  “This is the man who saved your life.”

  The physician blushed. “Nonsense. The boy is strong-willed, that’s all.”

  Aidan rolled his eyes.

  “My name is Doctor Billings, Mr. Evans. It’s a pleasure to meet you officially.”

  Aidan lifted his hand in a dismissive gesture, but Dr. Billings misunderstood.

  “Please. A handshake isn’t necessary.” The expansive grin never left the physician’s face.

  Aidan opened his mouth to spit out a cutting reply but closed it when he caught a glint of sincerity in the doctor’s eyes. Huh. Maybe the guy wasn’t so bad, after all.

  “We’ll leave you alone.” Olivia took Nathan’s hand. “I’m sure you’d like to speak to Beth and the doctor in private.”

  “Aidan, do you know who that is?” Beth peered at him hopefully.

  Aidan’s eyebrows came together again. “Olivia.” Man, now he was more baffled than ever. “And before you ask, the blond woman is Constance Murphy, and the other guy is Nathan.”

  Beth clutched her hands to her chest. “Isn’t that great, Dr. Billings?”

  “Indeed.”

  Connie placed her hand on Aidan’s forearm, her blue eyes sparkling with tears and…kindness? No question. This had to be a dream.

  “It’s lovely to have you back. Truly.”

  “Uh, thanks.” Aidan’s reply came out sounding more like a query.

  Olivia stepped forward. “Aidan, it’s nice to see you, well, talking and stuff.”

  “Okay.” He dragged out the word on account of his confusion.

  His friends made their way to the door.

  “Oh, and Aidan…” Matthew tossed a smirk over his shoulder, displaying the jovialness Aidan expected from him. “Don’t die again while we’re gone, all right?”

  Beepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep

  The machine went crazy as the blood drained from Aidan’s face. Dead? He couldn’t have heard Matthew correctly.

  His friends laughed, but he could tell it was forced. Beth didn’t even crack a smile. Once they were gone, leaving Aidan with Beth and Dr. Billings, a young nurse—probably straight out of school—arrived.

  “Miss Sutton, you’ll have to leave.” The nurse shot Beth a stern look. “It’s not proper protocol—”

  Dr. Billings lifted his hand. “Miss Sutton can stay during the examination, and for however long she likes afterward.”

  The nurse still didn’t look pleased but said nothing as she stripped the sheets from Aidan’s body. He cringed at the flimsy gown covering him. This was not the image he wanted to present to Beth. Maybe she should’ve left with their friends.

  “What did Matthew mean with the comment he made on his way out the door?”

  Although Aidan looked to Beth for a response to his inquiry, Dr. Billings answered instead.

  “Last night, you were clinically dead, Mr. Evans.” The physician delivered the news as if it was no big deal. “By some miracle, you came back to us, just after we stopped our resuscitation efforts. You remained in your coma until now.”

  Beth collected a fresh blanket from the linen closet. It seemed like an avoidance attempt so Aidan wouldn’t catch the fresh batch of tears pooling in her eyes.

  Thinking of what she must’ve gone through killed him all over again. Now it all made sense: his friends’ strange behaviors, Beth’s excitement over him not forgetting anyone’s name. They had assumed the worst—like the car crash might’ve tampered with his mind or something. Man, he hadn’t realized how serious everything was until this moment.

  Dr. Billings asked him various questions like where he was presently, the date, and what his last memory was. The only thing Aidan wasn’t sure about was the exact day, but he got the month and year correct, which seemed good enough.

  Next, Dr. Billings shone a light in his eyes and had him perform basic motor function exercises. Afterward, the physician announced with immense satisfaction that he presented no clinical signs of permanent brain damage. Apparently not remembering the crash was normal, given the seriousness of the accident.

  Some questions about what happened to him that night were also answered. Road conditions were
slick because it was raining, and he lost control of his Porsche one mile from the freeway. His seatbelt had saved him from launching through the windshield and into the tree he hit. He would never tell Beth that he was speeding back to L.A. to see her. He didn’t want her to blame herself for his carelessness.

  “Hey, Doc. Is there something you can do about that damn machine?” Aidan jutted his chin at the piece of medical equipment with the green blips on the screen.

  “The cardioscope must stay for now, Mr. Evans,” Dr. Billings said as he jotted down notes in Aidan’s chart.

  Aidan cursed under his breath, ensuring that Beth didn’t hear him. He looked at his hand and fiddled with the tube stuck into the back of it.

  “And the IV stays, too. At least until tomorrow.” Dr. Billings chuckled when Aidan scowled. “Not to worry. You’ll be taking medication orally soon enough.”

  Aidan’s attention was diverted as Beth set down the blanket she’d retrieved and sat at his bedside. Her withered face gave away her exhaustion. How long had it been since she last slept soundly?

  The nurse shifted Aidan in different positions while Dr. Billings concluded the physical examination—which didn’t help his pain situation— and his diet was changed to solid foods.

  During the doctor’s assessment, Aidan caught Beth’s gaze on a number of occasions, and she always offered a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. He longed to get her alone so they could talk about a few important things—like the incident with Mr. Mertz and his abrupt departure from L.A. Then there was Beth’s career to worry about, and their future as couple…

  Aidan’s head spun, but he was also eager to get out of the hospital and fix everything. The physical healing was only the beginning.

  Dr. Billings hung Aidan’s chart at the foot of the bed. “Before I leave, how is your pain? You received your last dose of medication almost four hours ago.”

  Aidan lifted his shoulders flippantly, aggravating his broken ribs. The grimace that followed told Dr. Billings the truth.

  “I’ll have the nurse administer another dose. You’ll feel better in no time.”

  Aidan shook his head. “I don’t want any more medication.”

  “Please let the doctor help you.” Beth placed her hand on his forearm. “I don’t want you in pain.”

  If Aidan weren’t already lying down, the torment behind her words would’ve brought him to his knees. “Fine, but only a little. I don’t wanna fall asleep.”

  Beth pouted. “You need your rest.”

  “Yeah, well, so do you.”

  Dr. Billings grinned. “Yes, the pain medication will make you drowsy, Mr. Evans, but it’s best to take it easy anyway. You don’t want to push yourself too far too soon.” He relayed some orders to the nurse before leaving the room.

  “When am I getting out of here?” Aidan asked as the nurse swapped his IV bottle for a new one.

  “Relax, Mr. Evans. You’re in good hands. As the doctor said, there is no need to rush your recovery.” The nurse paused in the doorway. “I’ll be back soon to give you a bed bath and administer your pain medication.”

  Aidan cringed. He’d have to find some way to bathe himself.

  When they were alone again, Beth draped him in the blanket she removed from the closet.

  Aidan took her hand. “I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through.”

  Her eyebrows furrowed. “Sorry for dying?”

  He shrugged. “Yeah, that. And everything else, too.”

  She waved him away. “Let’s get you well before we talk about what happened.”

  “No, baby. You gotta know that I know it was completely wrong for me to take off like I did. You and I are better together than apart.”

  Beth choked back a sob. “You obviously didn’t think that at the time.”

  “I’d convinced myself that I was responsible for what happened between you and Mertz, that I was weak and should’ve done more to protect you. My only weakness was abandoning you.‎ I think I just needed to sort out some personal stuff by myself in order to truly realize my mistakes. I promise I’ll never leave you again, no matter what.”

  She sniffled. “You vowed that before—”

  “This time it’s forever.” Aidan shifted in bed to make room for her. “Lay down with me?”

  “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t.” He lifted his arm in invitation.

  Beth snuggled up to him and cried into his gown.

  Aidan held her tightly. “I love you, baby.”

  “I love you, too. I just hope you stay true to your promise this time. I’ve told you repeatedly that you’re a good man, but you never believed me.”

  “Things are different now.”

  “How are they different?”

  “I talked to my father before my accident.”

  Beth’s eyes widened. “You did?”

  “Yeah. He works here, you know.”

  “Yes, I know.” Beth looked away as she replied, which only meant one thing.

  “He never inquired about me, did he? Or visit me?”

  “No.” Beth whispered the word, as if she didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news. “To be fair, he might not know you’re here. He’s been on a leave of absence for just over a month now. The hospital’s attempts to notify him of your admittance have failed. Yes, the media has covered your accident, but we can’t assume he has all the correct details.”

  Aidan’s eyebrows shot up. This news was more shocking than learning about his brush with death. Last month was the fourteenth anniversary of his mother’s passing. His father never mentioned anything about taking time off work. Then again, they didn’t exactly sit around and catch up on all the goings-on in each other’s lives. As for his father not knowing he was here, Beth wouldn’t be making excusing for the man if she knew the truth.

  Aidan exhaled deeply. Since they were all about confessions today, it was only proper that she learn the full story. “The night of my mother’s murder, my father was with Betty.”

  Beth gaped at him. “Together as in…romantically?”

  Aidan nodded. “For years, I blamed myself. Meanwhile, he was out betraying my mother’s trust. Our encounter the other night was anything but cordial, but out of the whole mess, I realized you were right. I beat myself up over my mother’s death, but it was the drifter who took her life. Then there’s my father, who should’ve been around more but wasn’t. Hell, maybe I could’ve done more to protect her on my own, but I was only a kid and scared out of my damn mind.”

  He shook his head. “Basically, I’ve learned there are many factors that come into play, which if handled differently, would’ve changed the entire course of how things worked out. But things unfolded how they did, and no matter how painful it all is, I have no choice but to accept it. Either that or I spend the rest of my life hating myself and hating my father for placing the blame on me to ease his own guilt. Part of moving on was forgiving him for the affair.”

  “That’s very mature of you, Aidan. I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”

  “And in terms of forgiving myself—well, I want to talk to an analyst.” He looked at her hesitantly. Hopefully, she didn’t think he was taking the cowardly way out. “We have a second chance at a relationship…if you still want me.”

  “Of course I do.”

  Aidan grinned. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. So, you see, that’s why I need to take this step. Your support is crucial to me, but I also know professional guidance is required if I finally want to win this battle against my past. I don’t wanna mess anything up this time around. I want to focus on our future together, not guilt or sadness, just the joy spending the rest of my life with you will bring me.”

  “Oh, Aidan. I’m so glad. I’ll see an analyst, too. I’m dedicated to our relationship and want to do anything I can to help us move forward.” Beth wrapped her arms around him.

  Aidan groaned as pain seized what felt like every bone, muscle, and organ in his body.


  “I’m sorry.” She tried to pull back.

  “No. Don’t let go.” He held her tighter and brought his lips to hers, despite the difficulty his bandaged nose presented.

  A knock sounded at the door. Beth leapt out of bed and straightened her dress. The nurse from earlier entered the room, holding a basin full of supplies.

  “It’s time for your bed bath, Mr. Evans.”

  Aidan tensed. “No way. I can wash myself.”

  The nurse scowled. “I don’t see how that’s possible.”

  “Ma’am, may I please bathe Aidan?”

  All eyes shifted to Beth.

  The nurse scoffed. “Absolutely not. You two are not married. It’s unethical, against policy. You’re not even supposed to be here! If not for Dr. Billings bending the rules for you—”

  “May I bathe you?” Beth directed her request to Aidan.

  As much as he didn’t want the nurse to do it, Beth helping him seemed much worse. “As I said, I’ll bathe myself.”

  “It’s not safe in your condition.” The nurse glared at him.

  Aidan glared back. “You can leave now.”

  “Fine. I don’t get paid enough to deal with the likes of you!” With a huff, she set the basin on the bedside table and stalked out of the room. The door slammed shut behind her.

  Beth reached for the bath items.

  Aidan took her hand, bringing her to a halt. “I won’t allow you to bathe me. It’s not right.”

  When tears reappeared in her eyes, he wished he hadn’t refused her offer so bluntly.

  “Please let me take care of you.”

  Aidan stared at his ring and their entwined fingers. He had felt so helpless when he took Beth home from the hospital. Bathing her had brought him his only relief. He never believed the act was enough, but now he realized it had actually helped them both heal.

  “Beth, I’d be honored if you bathed me.”

  A smile swept across her face. Aidan couldn’t help but grin again, too. He wasn’t sure how a bed bath worked, but Beth gathered the basin, removed the supplies, filled it with water in the bathroom, and got right down to it like an expert. As he’d learned before, love was enough to make up for lack of practice.