Since Edward stayed with me last night, he spent most of the day in the hotel, getting some much-needed rest. He finally returns around four, and I grin when I see a bouquet of rainbow roses in his hands.

I didn't even have to tell him that they're my favorite.

"I wasn't sure what color you liked, so I got them all, technically." He laughs softly, placing the vase on the dresser beside my bed. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

I reach out, touching the petals on one rose gently. "I'm okay. I smell better, I'm sure."

He smirks. "I hadn't noticed a thing, but I'm glad getting cleaned up makes you feel better. We're doing our first heart biopsy in the morning, so cleanliness is good."

I have to have a heart biopsy every week for a month, which means we're staying in Seattle even once I get discharged. In fact, Emmett booked a suite for three months since we needed to stay close.

Thankfully, Jasper and Alice are taking care of Hamilton, but I still miss my furball. He barely tolerated going to the vet for shots and to be fixed, so I doubt a four-hour trip is feasible, but I do wish I could have him with me. He probably misses me as much as I miss him—not that I don't trust Alice, Jasper, and the boys to take good care of him.

I know they are, having sent Emmett pictures of him and the boys to show me. Maybe now, Jasper will give in and get them a pet, which they've always wanted.

"What if the biopsy shows signs of rejection?" I ask, hoping that won't be the case. I feel too good to be rejecting my donor heart.

I can't know who gave me this heart, but I'm told I can write a letter to the family, and they can decide if they want me to know anything. If they don't, I can respect that, but I'd love the chance to meet them and tell them that I'm going to take good care of this heart.

"We'll adjust your meds," Edward says, moving his chair closer to me. "Also, unfortunately, I'm going to have to go home soon to work, but Dr. Callahan will take good care of you while I'm gone. I'll be back next week for your biopsy. I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'd stay if I could."

I smile sadly, nodding. I knew he couldn't stay forever. Emmett planned for this and has taken a three-month leave of absence, but Edward can't. We decided he'll keep doing the heart caths and care for me until we get home, but three months seems like an eternity to keep hiding from the rest of the world.

"It's okay," I say. "Hopefully, the time flies."


Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.