Sue was still unconscious when they arrived at the hospital. Dr. Cullen examined her and explained to Billy that she had a severe concussion. Further tests could only be done when she regained consciousness. No amount of coaxing or cajoling could convince Billy to leave her side, so Carlisle ordered a cot to be brought into her room for him. He still hadn't closed his eyes by 3 a.m. when Sue's hand twitched in his. There was real fear in her voice when she whispered, "Billy?"
"Right here, sweetheart." He kissed her hand and rang for the nurse. "You're gonna be fine, honey."
Sue blinked a few times. "Something hit me - were we in an accident?" Her eyes widened. "Are you okay, Billy? Let me see you!"
Using the rail on her bed to steady him, Billy stood. "Shhh. I'm right here, Sue. I'm fine."
Her eyes scanned him quickly. "The babies?" Her voice rose in panic.
He patted her shoulder. "No, honey, they're home with Leah and Jake, remember?"
Her hand went to the bandage on her head, and she frowned. "Then...what hit me?"
Billy kissed her cheek. "A car, baby. They just didn't see you." A little white lie. Just until she was feeling better.
A nurse hurried into the room and smiled. "Welcome back, Mrs. Black! I'm glad you decided to join us!" She took Sue's wrist and checked her vital signs. "Your doctor is still around somewhere. I had him paged."
Carlisle came breezing into the room, a big smile on his face. "This is good news, Sue. We'll schedule a few tests for tomorrow, but right now I'll let you get some sleep." He looked into her eyes and, satisfied with what he saw, he left.
"I'll be right here, baby. Carlisle had a cot brought in for me." Billy pointed to the collapsible chair right next to the bed.
Sue spoke softly, and her voice quavered slightly. "Do you think you could hold me, Billy? You know that's the only way either one of us will get any rest." He leaned over and kissed her gently, then pulled down the side rail and climbed in beside her. It was a tight squeeze, but she nestled against him and sighed audibly. He pulled the side rail back up and wrapped his arm around her snugly, careful to avoid her IV line..
"Much better," she murmured, yawning. "And tomorrow you can tell me the truth, okay?" She put her hand over his and closed her eyes.
Leah walked into the bathroom and started laughing. "Jake, who's bathing who?" His shirt was sopping wet, and Will was splashing happily in the tub while Jacob tried to rinse his soapy hair. Leah dropped to her knees and got a grip on the wiggly baby, quickly rinsing his hair and wrapping him in a towel. She handed the squirming bundle to Jacob. "Do you think you can get his diaper and PJ's on him?"
"Maybe...if he stops wiggling," Jacob answered.
Leah sighed. "I don't think that's likely. Here, let me do it. You keep an eye on Leilani. She's in her high chair with a handful of Cheerios on the tray. She'll probably want to share them with you." Chuckling softly, she carried Will to the changing table and got him dressed.
"Honey, will you get the phone?" Leah called from the nursery. "It might be your dad."
Leah walked into the kitchen just as Jacob was hanging up the phone. "You were right. It was Dad. Your mom has to stay one more night, and she is NOT a happy camper." He grinned. "They think she'll be fine, but they want to observe her. And the nurse yelled at my dad for climbing into the bed with her." He sighed, shaking his head. "What are we gonna do with those two?"
Leah set Will in his high chair and gave him a handful of cereal, then she turned to Jacob. She put her hands on his face and kissed him softly. "Let's hope we're that dedicated to each other when we're their age."
He linked his hands around her waist, drawing her close. "I have no doubt about that. I already love you more than my truck."
She smacked his chest playfully. "Gee, thanks!"
He chuckled and whispered in her ear, "I'll show you how much I love you when we get the rugrats in bed."
Leah laughed, walking to the fridge and opening the door. "Yeah, promises, promises. You hungry? Oh. Right." She pulled out a package of chicken breasts. "I'll make us something with this if you'll feed the munchkins." She grinned at him. "And try not to get it in your hair!"
A male nurse came in to give Sue her night time meds. As he was leaving, he looked at both of them and frowned. "Now don't forget. We have insurance regulations about visitors sitting on beds." He wagged a finger at Billy with a wink. "So don't sit." He closed the door firmly behind him.
Billy pulled himself up from the wheelchair and settled in next to Sue again. "Better, honey?"
She sighed and leaned back against his chest. "Oh god yes." She wiggled her butt against him in the crowded, cramped space and chuckled softly. She immediately got the reaction she was looking for. "I wish we could…"
Billy interrupted her with a smile. "Oh no you don't! You trying to get me thrown out of here? You've gotta remember, I'm an old man!" He kissed the back of her neck, resting his hand on her hip.
Sue chuckled softly. "Oh, really? And when did that happen? Because I remember last Saturday night, after the bonfire...you weren't so old then."
"Shhh...get some sleep, woman. I promise I'll take good care of you when we get home. And feel free to interpret that any way you wish." He smiled, pulling the thin blanket up over them. It was comforting, having her in his arms - even here in this cold place. But he couldn't wait to take her home tomorrow.