Bishop Brothers Series: Four Book Complete Set

Chapter 5-4

“What the f**k happened?” I ask when we’re finally alone, emotion thick in my voice.

“I don’t know,” Dylan tells me, making eye contact. “I was never a strong swimmer.”

I run my fingers through my hair. “How have we been friends for forever, and I never knew that? Why’d you agreed to get in the water then? And why the hell did you go out that far?” I’m throwing question after question at him because I don’t know what else to do. I’ve never felt fear like that in my entire life. “You could’ve died, Dylan. Do you know what your mama would’ve done to me if that had happened? I would’ve blamed myself forever,” I scold a little too sternly. My face softens, and I let out a long breath. “I’m glad you’re okay. You scared the s**t out of me.”

Dylan smiles. “Not getting soft on me, are you?”

“You’re a d**k,” I spit out just as a female nurse walks in, holding a file in her hand.

“Mr. Hart,” she addresses sweetly. “How are you feeling?”

Dylan sits up in bed. “Better. I’m breathing,” he jokes.

“That’s great to hear. Just to be completely transparent, the doctor wants to do chest X-rays to double-check there’s no fluid in your lungs or anything. Otherwise, you could get pneumonia, and that can be very serious,” she continues to explain. “The X-ray technician will be here in the next few minutes with their portable machine to do testing. But before then, do you have any questions for me?”

Dylan glances over at me, then back at the nurse. “How long do I have to stay here?”

“The doctor will follow up with you on that after the results come in, but normally it’s recommended you stay overnight so we can monitor your oxygen levels and make sure everything stays normal.”

Dylan huffs, and I can tell he’s unhappy with that answer. After the nurse exits the room, he starts his bitching.

“I’m a walking party foul! All I wanted to do was a have a good time and now look at me. Being pumped full of s**t and having to get X-rays of my lungs…” Before he can finish his rant, the technician walks in, and I’m asked to wait in the hallway.

I sit in the waiting area and find myself becoming more antsy with each tick of the second hand on the clock. Standing, I walk to the window and stare out at the blue sky and thank my lucky stars that Dylan is alive. It was such a close call and frightening as f**k. Sure, I’ve had to deal with some s**t on the ranch, like cuts and bruises, dying animals, and snake bites, but there’s nothing like watching my best friend lie unconscious. Before I’m allowed to fall too deeply into my thoughts, I’m told I can go back into the room.

I enter, and we sit there for at least an hour listening to the beeps of the machines before a doctor finally enters with a file in her hand and a smile on her face.

“Hi, Mr. Hart. I’m Dr. Jacobs. I’ve had a chance to review your X-rays,” she states sweetly.

“Howdy,” Dylan greets in return.

She opens the file and grabs the films before placing them onto a screen, and the X-rays light up when she clicks a button. “Your lungs look clear for the most part. This cloudy area down here…” She outlines the area with the end of her pen. “…somewhat concerns me, so just to be on the safe side, we’re going to keep you overnight for observation. I’d like to continue monitoring your heart rate and oxygen levels and keep you hydrated with the IV. I’ll order another X-ray in the morning just to be sure, and if everything looks clear, you’ll be discharged.” She flashes a hopeful smile, though Dylan looks displeased.

Dylan forces out a smile so as not to be rude.

Dr. Jacobs smiles back at him. “Do you have any questions for me?”

“No, ma’am. Thank you,” he tells her.

“If you need anything till then, you can press the call button, and the nurses will be happy to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out, especially if you start feeling any differently,” she says before leaving the room.

We sit in silence for a few moments, and that’s when Dylan groans.

“Suppose that means you won’t be texting the code word tonight.” I chuckle, breaking the tension, but he rolls his eyes instead.

“On a serious note, after I’m moved to my room, you should go back to the hotel where you can actually sleep comfortably. I don’t want you to be a prisoner in the hospital, too.”

I stare at him. “Are you sure? I’ll stay here with you. I don’t mind.”

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” he insists. “I’m gonna try to get some sleep so I can live it up the rest of the time we’re here. I don’t think what happened has completely set in yet, but I feel exhausted, and it’s barely five.”

I nod, not wanting to argue with him because I can only imagine how he feels. Though I don’t feel right about leaving him here, I don’t argue with him. An hour passes and Dylan is finally moved to his room. I go with him, and when we enter, I’m almost grateful he doesn’t want me to stay. It’s small and stuffy, and there’s a chair in the corner with a blanket draped over the arm. A nurse closes the blinds and tells Dylan the kitchen will close pretty soon. He smiles and nods, but I can tell he’s too tired to eat.

“If you need me before tomorrow, don’t hesitate to call me. Also, text me when you get discharged, okay? And don’t be too damn stubborn while you’re here.”

“I’ll let you know,” he says.

As I walk toward the door to leave, Dylan calls my name. “Alex.”

I turn around and look at him. “Yeah?”

“Thanks for saving my life.”

I smile. “Really glad you weren’t a statistic, man. Next time, no f*****g water sports.” I point a finger at him as if I’m scolding him. “Honestly though, without River, I don’t know what would’ve happened.” I shrug, hating to admit that and terrified of the what-ifs.

“Well, from the sounds of it, both of you saved my life. I owe you one,” he says sincerely, pulling the blanket up to his chest and releasing a yawn. “You better not tell my mama.”

“I won’t. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say as I exit.

After a taxi ride across the island, I arrive at the hotel and head up to the room. As soon as I get in the room, I jump in the shower and wash the day away before changing into some jeans and a button-up shirt. I grab one of the miniature whiskey bottles from the wet bar and slide the balcony door open. I plan to soak up the late evening breeze and forget about what happened. From a distance, I can see the calmness of the water and hear the wind blowing through the palm trees.

Glancing around outside, I scan the bar outside near the pool, and that’s when I see her.

River.

She’s smiling and chatting with Natalie, and I find myself watching her play with her long locks. I notice a few little things, like how she throws her head back when she’s truly laughing. One can only imagine the conversation they’re having after all the excitement today, and Natalie seems like the kind of friend who constantly gives her s**t regardless if she saved a man’s life or not. There’s no telling what they’re discussing.

I let out a small chuckle and realize I never properly thanked her for stepping in without hesitation and saving Dylan.

That changes now.