Chapter 1
Jordan stood just outside his hospital room. She shouldn't be here; he didn't want her. Despite that, here she was. Her body was ready to run, but her heart forced her still. She couldn't give up yet, not on him, not on them. She let out a breath and opened the door.
Woody turned his head to face her as she entered. The anger and hurt still clear on his face.
"What are you doing here? I don't want your pity. I told you to leave."
"What in our past made you think I was going to listen?" Woody looked as though he was ready to argue, but Jordan pressed on.
"It isn't pity. Getting that phone call … " she trailed off. "I've been cowardly and selfish. I know I've hurt you. I strung you along then pushed you away. And when I realized I loved you I didn't say it. I sat on the fence too long. You have every right to be mad. I know you don't trust me right now, and you have every right, but I meant every word I said. I put up walls and pushed you away because I was scared. But what was scarier than admitting my feelings, was the possibility of never telling you. The possibility of losing you completely." Jordan felt the tears form and took a shaky breath. She was not done.
"I'm here, and I'll say it again. Please don't leave me. I love you." She emphasized the last three words.
Woody wanted to argue. He wanted to be mad. He wanted to hold the past against her, but then he looked in her eyes. Jordan had kept him at arm's length, hurt him, but she'd never lied to him. He knew what she was saying was the truth.
He took a shaky breath. " I'm so scared, Jo." His voice just above a whisper. " If I can't walk…"
"Woody…"
"No, it's 50/50, Jordan. I have to know you won't resent me. I have to know you won't run. I couldn't handle it if…" He looked away from her.
She moved closer, taking his hand. He did not pull away.
"I know you're scared; I'm scared too. I love you, Woody. It won't be easy, but I want to be here with you, to work through whatever happens." She had no more words. She leaned in and kissed him, hoping this would be enough to convince him. Woody's lips softly accepted the kiss.
When the kiss ended, she saw the tears roll down his face. At the same time she realized she was crying as well. A moment later a nurse entered to take him to surgery. Jordan stepped back as they prepped to move him. Woody continued to stare at her wordlessly.
They began to wheel Woody out of the room.
"Wait." Woody said. Jordan came over to him and lowered her head down to his.
"Please don't leave me. I love you." He whispered.
" I'll be right here." She whispered back, kissing him gently on the lips.