Because of her amnesia, the doctor advised the family not to overcrowd her, giving her enough room to breathe. They tentatively approached her one by one to introduce themselves. The first who embraced her was her father. He hugged her for a long time, only releasing her from time to time to look at her face as if convincing himself that she was real.The feeling was the same thing for her. She could not get enough of her dad. She missed him. But then, how can someone miss anyone they did not remember until now?Tears pooled in both their eyes while they looked at each other, trying to commit to memory the changes each other that time brought. Her father had aged a lot, but he was still one of the most attractive men she knew to date. She giggled at the thought.Her father, if he wanted to, could still snag himself a wife. “Are you dating anyone right now?” Her father sputtered at the question, tousling her short hair abashedly. “Come on, no one’s judging.” She teased some more
Wyoming continued to stare off at the door where Cayden and Collins both got out. She kept on thinking about how completely separate her and Cayden’s lives turned out over the years. As if that realization was not enough, it was compounded yet again by a knock on the door followed by a head poking in, calling all the attention of everyone inside the hospital suite. “You better tell me where the h*ll have you been or you are going to be thoroughly scolded, girl!” Kate snarled as she sashayed her way toward Wyoming’s bed.Kate looked at her friend wide-eyed, her eyes glued on her friend’s bulging stomach.“What?” Kate demanded when she stopped at the foot of Wyoming’s bed proudly showing off her as big as a watermelon belly. “Kate, she does not remember you. She has amnesia.” Alicia dropped her hands to cover the balls of Kate’s shoulders to whisper the reminder. It saved Wyoming from plucking an excuse out of thin air. It was half the truth, anyway. For years, she did not kno
“We are going ahead,” Collins told Wyoming while carrying in his arms a sleeping Connor.He leaned toward Wyoming so she could plant a quick kiss on her son’s forehead before he turned around to leave. “Wait!” Collins turned his head to look over his shoulders, meeting Wyoming’s worried gaze. “You are coming for me tomorrow?” She asked tentatively. Although she knew she had her family around her and Cayden and that her husband would most likely take care of her needs, she still waited for Collins' assurance. When he nodded, Wyoming sighed in relief and went to lie on the bed, ready to give the night a rest. Seeing that she was tired and ready for bed, Noah rounded everyone and told them to leave Wyoming in peace. One by one, Wyoming’s visitors left until all but remained were Kate and Cayden. “You can leave, too, Cayden. I’ll take charge tonight. You can come early tomorrow to process her discharge papers.” Kate told Cayden, who shook his head in response. “James would kill
The moment the door clicked shut, an awkward silence descended upon them. Wyoming fidgeted on the bed. Her eyes looked everywhere but at Cayden's. She knew even without looking in his direction his gaze was fixed on her. That knowledge sets her on edge, her body becoming rigid. She could feel the intensity of his gaze bore into her, creeping her out in discomfiture. It was like he wanted to bore a hole right through her face. She suffered his stare in silence. Refusing to submit to his silent command to meet his gaze. Oh, how her mouth itches to demand that he stop what he was doing. But by doing so would admit that his mere attention affects her.He should not affect her anymore. Whatever he does with his own self should not bother her. It had been years. Too many years have passed and the events culminating in their separation have put a strain on their relationship, causing a huge gap to come between them. It was like Mt. Everest separated them. The silence continued to
“Collins wanted to marry me. He also wanted to adopt Connor, make things legal since he was the only dad my son knows.” her brain becoming muddled at the possibility that his father would take her son away from her, Wyoming plucked out a reason in the air which only worsened her situation. She watched as a grim line appeared on Cayden’s lips and anybody who would look at him right that moment would find him menacing.Wyoming cringed inwardly. She squared her shoulders preparing to battle with him for her son’s custody. Cayden would be mad if he would think that she will allow that to happen. She was not crazy to let her son become second fiddle to his new wife and daughter. Her son deserves far better - a family of his own and acceptance. Wyoming does not think that integrating her son to his father’s new family would be beneficial for Connor. She doesn't want her son to feel insecure or to fight for his place in his father’s heart when he could have Collins. With Collins, Conno
Wyoming came through the next morning, surprised to find Alicia and Kate inside her room. Looking a bit disoriented, she immediately got out of bed and almost ripped her IV drip.“Careful.” Alicia quickly reminded her. Her mother left her crocheting and ran towards her bed to assist her. She let her mom fuss over her while she tried to roam her eyes around the room, looking disappointed. “You slept the night like a log,” Kate told her.Her friend’s watchful eyes sparked with a teasing glint, noticing the way her eyes surveyed the room as if she was looking for something or someone. “Everybody has gone home except us. We volunteered to watch you tonight. Water?” At Kate’s invitation, Wyoming nodded, suddenly feeling thirsty. Within seconds, an open water bottle came into her view. She took it gratefully like it were a lifeline and tipped her hand back to drink. “Drink,” Alicia ordered. She took a huge gulp of water and let the cool liquid glide down her dry mouth and throa
“I am fine, mom.” Wyoming insisted and rolled her eyes for the second time during that phone call. Her mother has been deluging her with phone calls these days and it has become quite annoying. “Will call you back, mom. I have to fetch Connor from the kindergarten. The school notified me they will be released early today.” Wyoming paused, listening to what her mom said on the other line before responding to cut the overseas call. “Yes, mom, of course. Will call you some other time, bye.” She expelled air after she hung up. “Your mom’s pretty difficult today,” Collins commented after she dropped her phone. Wyoming did not like how it sounded coming off from him. He did not even know her. The only interaction they had was when she was at the hospital back in New York and there has been nothing significant about their conversations, mostly getting to know each other, etc. In an offhand manner, she shrugged her shoulders to make light of it. Her mom, she knew, could be a bit
“Where are we going, Collins?” “It’s a secret.” Wyoming fidgeted in her seat but did not press Collins for more information. She was surprised when he asked her tonight. They do not usually go out because their finances are tight. And the few times they did, it was always with Connor. “Relax. We’re not going far,” he told her, seeing her getting all worked up. “I’m just not used to leaving Connor at night with a sitter. You know how he wanted me to lull him to sleep. I’m worried that he’ll raise h*ll when we don’t come back at his bedtime hour. “Don’t worry about Connor. He knows Lizzie and he won’t make a fuss.” He assured her. Lizzie lives next door - a single mother of a four-year-old daughter, Samantha. “To ease your mind, why don’t you call them?” Collins suggested.Thinking it was a great idea, she took her phone from her purse and called Lizzie. “Wyoming? Did you forget something?” Lizzie’s soft voice permeated her ears causing her to feel a little self-con