Pulse

by Kristine Dugger

  I comment, “Let me decided that.” Steponowski by my side, we run to the gurney. Steponowski was by the limp body. I scan the body to see what we are working with when I notice…No, it can’t be.

  Steponowksi looks down at the patient’s face. She yells, “Cindy, grab Dr. Davis. Please. I’m taking lead now.”

  It is as if the world stood still and everybody is running in slow motion. Cindy, one of the nurses, grabs my arm. I shrug away from her and run straight to the body. Steponowski yells, “No, Leo. Back away. Back away now.”

  I look down at the body to see my whole world fall apart. The unconscious body is my girlfriend, Paige. I holler back, “I don’t think so.”

  “Leo. No. You can’t take this. Somebody grab him.”

  One of the male respiratory therapist grabs me this time. I try again to get out of the hold, but, this time, my strength is being held back. Back to slow motion, Steponowski barks orders at the staff and they wheel the gurney down the trauma bay into a room. My body falls numb as one of the nurses closes the door.

  My Paige is the pedestrian who was hit by the car. She better be okay. She will be fine. Stephanie will make sure of it. Fuck, I need to be in there with her. Saving her life.

  ***

  Paige is intubated. Her mother sits next to me as I hold Paige’s hand. It has been a long ten hours sitting here waiting for Paige to open her beautiful blue eyes. I’m scared she won’t wake up. I know the damage could have been worse. She is bruised badly and suffered a broken arm. Doesn’t mean I have to like it any less. The trauma to her head is minimal but she is still not coherent. She follows commands but that is all. I wish it were me instead of her. I can’t imagine the pain she is going through.

  Percy gets up from her seat and asks, “Do you want something to eat?”

  I answer, “No. I’m good.”

  “Leo, you know she would be livid if you don’t eat. What do you want?”

  “Just get me coffee.”

  Percy sighs, “Fine. Don’t be surprised if I bring you something to eat.”

  I shake my head at her and smirk.

  She comments, “It is nice to see you finally smile.”

  “I just want her to wake up.”

  “We all do. And she will. You must have faith.”

  “It’s hard to have faith when I was close to losing her because someone lost control on the ice.”

  “Leo, it was an accident.”

  “I don’t care. I can’t lose her.”

  Percy walks back to me and puts her arm around me. “You’re not going to lose her.”

  I take a deep breath and try to keep my composure. But my emotions get the better part of me. I can’t lose her. Percy squeezes me tighter.

  She comments, “I love how much you love her. The love a parent wishes for her child. That same love will get her through this. Hang in there.”

  I wipe the tears from my eyes. I feel like a blubbering fool, crying. But I can’t lose her. She is my absolute everything. I would do whatever it takes for her. I look at Percy. “I’m going to ask her to marry me. If that’s okay with you?”

  She smiles, “Of course, it’s okay with me.”

  “Do you think her father would give his consent?”

  She nods, “There is no doubt in my mind he would give his consent.”

  I rub my eyes again.

  Percy asks again, “Now, can I get you something to eat?”

  I laugh, “Yeah, I will take whatever you get me.”

  Percy walks out of Paige’s hospital room.

  ***

  Another day later, Paige is breathing on her own. Thank God. But she is still really tired and not making much progress in the alertness department. I haven’t left her side. When she wakes up, I have to be here. I know my own mother is getting concerned about me. Percy constantly reassures her that I’m eating. I haven’t slept much since her accident. My mother lectures me on how unhealthy that is for my body. Like I don’t know this.

  I rest my head on Paige’s bed. Her nurse comes in to check her vitals. Then she is gone. I fall asleep.

  Shortly after closing my eyes, Paige’s bed sheets start to move. I quickly look up. Her baby blues start to pop beneath her heavy eyes. Adrenaline kicks in and I’m wide awake. I say, “Paige.”

  She muffles, “Leo.”

  Elation takes over me, I stand up and lean down to her body to kiss her. My girl is awake. Groggy, but awake.

  Paige squirms, “Leo. That hurts.”

  “I’m sorry babe. I’m just so…”

  She smiles, “I love you.”

  “Do you need something?”

  “Mmm. Food. I’m hungry.”

  I laugh, knowing my girl and her obsession for food. “What do you want?”

  “French fries.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, babe. I will call down and order you some French fries.”

  “Thanks!” She falls back to sleep. Hopefully, the smell of the fries will wake her up. The salty treat should do the trick. I’m so damn relieved that she woke up for a just a split second. To see her eyes, to see her smile as she stated she wanted food, meant the entire universe to me. Once she is functioning a little more, I’m not wasting any time with her. I’m going to make her my wife.

  ***

  The French fries are a crash and burn. I end up eating them. It has been another day. I have not slept. I keep waiting for her to wake up again. I know I am on the point of breaking down and not making any sense. Delirious is more like it. I just can’t miss that moment when she opens her eyes again.

  ***

  Dreaming of her angelic voice whispering my name, “Leo. Leo. Leo.” I stir. Then a nudge in the side. My eye lids slowly open as I see Paige smiling at me. She continues, “Leo. Hello, Leo. Babe, wake up.”

  I lift my heavy head off her bed.

  She shines, “Hey, sleepy head. You’ve been asleep for a while.”

  Rubbing the crust from my eyes, I reply, “How long was I asleep?”

  “I have no clue. But I know one thing for sure, your snoring woke me up. You only snore when you are completely exhausted.”

  Still groggy. “How long have you been up?”

  “Pretty much all day,” answers Paige, acting like nothing happened.

  “All day?”

  “Yeah, I feel so much better. The pain pills the nurse gave me work like a charm. The only downfall, they make me a little nauseous. Nothing Zofran can’t cure.”

  She is cracking jokes and acting like her goofy self. How much did I miss of her being up? Fuck, exhaustion took over my entire body and I missed her waking up.

  She nudges me again. “Leo, why do you look so grim?”

  “Why didn’t you wake me when you woke up?”

  “Honey, you were exhausted. My mom was here and she said you’ve been up pretty much most of the time. And mister, you need to eat.”

  She is back.

  I laugh, “This I like to hear.”

  “What, me getting on you about eating?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I don’t want a frail boyfriend who can’t keep his stamina up. Food equals energy. Energy equals all-nighters.”

  I laugh, “I love you.”

  “Well, I love you. Now, get yourself some food.”

  “I will, but can I ask you something first?”

  “It better be, ‘what would you like to eat, honey?’”

  My feisty little ginger spice is definitely back. “That is my second question.”

  “Okay. What is more important than food?”

  She has no idea what is about to happen. I grab her hand and get down on one knee. Paige is looking at me like I have lost my mind. She asks, “What are you doing?”

  “Paige Dawson, will you bug me about eating for the rest of our lives?”

  Her mouth opens like a perfect O. “Are you serious?”

  “Very. I haven’t had time to get a ring but I couldn�
�t wait.”

  Her eyes gloss over. “Oh my God, Leo.”

  “When you feel better, I expect to hear that over and over again when we get home.”

  She smirks, “Your lack of nutrition I find quite disturbing.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes, it’s a yes.”

  I lean up to kiss my future bride. Who would’ve thought this one-night amazing fuck would turn into marriage? I hope Paige is on board for not waiting. Once we say our I do’s, the next step is expanding our family. Beauty, brains, wit, and spunk for the rest of my life. Damn, I’m one lucky man.

  The End!

  From the Author

  Well, I hope Pulse ended the way you wanted it to. I know Flatline and Pulse brought on many emotions. I know I felt every bit of what you felt. But this story, is real. My characters are real. What I mean by real is that they are like one of us when experiencing love. You will have your ups, downs and roll arounds. No matter what obstacles they faced, love is what brought them together.

  Will there be more in the Med Rom Series? I haven’t decided yet. Thank you for reading Pulse. I am truly grateful for every one of you.

  Acknowledgments

  I have no clue where to start. I feel like I get repetitive with my acknowledgements. So here I go.

  First and foremost, my family – my husband Dave and our daughters. You three are my reason why. I write because I love it. I keep going to inspire, that no matter what your dreams are you can achieve it. You three embrace mom’s quirky side. There are never enough thank you for the support and encouragement you have given me. To my husband Dave, thank you for your constant feedback about the medical world. You helped make this story authentic. I appreciate your input on the playlist for Pulse. Granted, I think you had more fun listening to the songs, suggesting them and laughing at my reaction.

  My personal assistant, Nichole Dennis. Woman, I fucking love you. When I didn’t feel like writing, you talked to me and encouraged me to plow through. Yes, there was days when I wanted to strangle you but you had my best interest at hand. Keep being amazing.

  Model turned great friend, Kristen Lazarus-Wood. Who would have thought we clicked like we did? It was as if we were friends for years before the cover shoot. You helped with choosing the covers, providing feedback and promotion. You wanted me to succeed. As I want you to, too.

  To my goofy and lovable, Leo aka Justin James Cadwell. When I met you in Tampa, I knew I choose the right guy to be the face of Leo. Your personality, your humor, your dancing skills, made my husband and I laugh. It was so much fun hanging with you. JJ, I see you go places and never change who you are. Having Kristen and you on my covers, I felt like I won the lottery.

  To Shauna Kruse, you are not only my go to for photographers but you are my friend. You work extremely hard to make sure your authors succeed. You took my vision with Flatline and Pulse and perfected it. You deserve more credit than what us authors give you. Stay you.

  To Toni, my editor. I have no clue what I would do without you. You get my writing and you get me. I know Flatline and Pulse drove you nuts at times but your comments always brought a smile to my face. I look forward to many more books with you.

  To Jessica Hildreth. You designed another amazing cover and more teasers. You are so talented. I know with Pulse I was kind of a pest but you rolled with it. Thank you for that.

  My Sisters of Word Porn – Teri Kay, Thia Finn, Renee Harles and Nichole Dennis. I am so glad we met and created a special bond that cannot be broken. I know when you all are around, it is going to be a great time. Here’s to many more signings and shenanigans together.

  To my fans – if it wasn’t for you all. I would have not achieved the success that I have without you all. Please come to signings to see me, so I can give you a big hug. Yes, I am a hugger. This book community is amazing because of you all.

  About the Author

  This past year has brought on many challenges. From job changes to finding myself. The girl you see in the author world is the real me. I’m goofy. I have a dirty mind. I have manners yet cuss like a sailor. This is me.

  Dietitian. Author. Mother. Wife. Coffee Addict. Metal Barbie. Sports Nut. Proud Nebraska Girl.