Chapter 4 – Where there's a will
Just as he promised, Gene was back the next day.
"You actually did what I told you" he murmured as he kissed Alex's forehead. "I always knew you were listening."
As he gazed at her, Alex's eyes fluttered open. "Heard every word you said" she whispered sleepily.
Gene stood in a daze for a moment, seemingly lost in Alex's eyes. Then he leaned over and kissed her again, properly this. It was as wonderful as he had imagined.
He reluctantly broke it off after a few long seconds. This time when he sat down she took his hand. As he searched for the right words, she played with their intertwined fingers.
"I missed you, Bolly" he murmured.
"I missed you too" she whispered back.
Gene sat quietly for a few minutes while dozens of nurses fussed around Alex. After they were satisfied she was ok they left the pair alone again.
"Did you really mean what you said when I was unconscious?" Alex asked hesitantly.
"Every word, love" Gene replied softly.
"Good" Alex smiled through her sudden tears. "I was hoping you'd say that."
She reached up and kissed him again. Without thinking he moved his hands to her waist as her arms snaked around his neck. He held her there for a few minutes, breathing in her divine scent.
He was so lost in the moment that he didn't hear one of the nurses walking up behind. She coughed quietly. "I'm sorry, sir" she said. "Visiting hours are finished."
Gene reluctantly stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart" he told Alex, squeezing her hand gently.
"You'd better" she replied, grinning.
He leaned over and kissed her once more. "I'm right here with you" he murmured. "And I always will be."
