Aftermath

(takes place immediately following Chapter 19: In an Instant)

Two hours had passed since Hitch and Isla had been rushed to the hospital after being hit by a drunken driver who was killed in the crash. Isla's wounds seemed more serious and due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy, her assessment was slower and more thorough. She drifted in and out of consciousness, always asking about Mark or the baby. So far, the baby seemed safe, but the staff was on high alert in case something would go wrong.

Mark awoke an hour after arriving at the hospital to discover his ribs bandaged, several stitches taken near his hairline and a cast on his left hand and wrist. The concussion was mild. and Tully was there to explain what had happened. He had also warned the emergency room personnel that the first thing Hitch would do after regaining consciousness would be to ask about Isla and if they were smart, they would let him see her or he, Tully, couldn't be responsible for what would happen. This time, Tully was right and the doctor on call soon agreed it was better for the angry, young, blonde to see his wife, than face the wrath blazing in those flashing blue eyes.

Isla had been accessed but not fully X-rayed. The cut on her right leg had been stitched and several bruised or possibly cracked ribs had been bandaged. Her face, shoulders and back were covered in deep contusions, and they had yet to determine if one or both hips were broken or just deeply bruised. There was no apparent internal bleeding and her concussion was slight. Her neck was encircled with a cervical collar, just in case she had damaged any vertebrae. She had been placed in a private room on the maternity ward, just in case the baby became distressed or tried to come early.

Tully had called both Isla and Hitch's parents and they were now anxiously awaiting in a waiting room that had been set aside for them. Granny Mac and Hitch's sister, Violet, were on hand, keeping Isla's brother, Duncan informed of any news. He and his wife, Janet, had been visiting her parents in Florida and were arranging to come home immediately. Tully had called Moffitt, saying he would give an update when he could. Fortunately, Troy was in Washington, D.C. and replied he would be there as soon as possible. Now all they had to do was wait. None of them were very good at waiting.

"Isla?" Mark called softly, entering the room.

"Mark?" she anxiously whispered, holding out her hand to him. He quickly took it and pressed it to his lips. "How's Peanut doing?" his voice was filled with emotion, seeing her in such pain and so damaged.

"So, far, so good," she tried to smile. "How about you?"

"A few scratches and stitches, a broken wrist and some bruised ribs. Piece of cake," he assured her. "You're going to be alright, too," he assured her, kissing her forward.

"How bad do I look?" she asked.

"Remember how bad you looked after taking down Bascomb in North Africa? Hitch questioned and she tried to nod in the affirmative.

"Multiply that by several times." Hitch continued. "And you are still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

"Thanks," she closed her eyes and moaned softly.

"What's wrong?" Hitch grew concerned. Mary Ellen had been standing in the back of the room and immediately came forward.

"It's nothing, just my right hip aching,"

"Would you like something for the pain?" Mary Ellen asked. I've been trying to reach your OB-GYN but she's out of town for a few days. Her service is trying to reach her. The hospital has a Dr. Grafton on call, but he said not to call unless you went into labor. He didn't seem too concerned. Your primary physician saw you when you were brought into the ER and he left an order for some pain meds, if needed. He's dealing with an emergency right now and will check in on you later. I'm here in the meantime, so let me know what you need."

"Thank you," Isla said, "I'm so glad you were there. I trust you implicitly." Hitched nodded.

"How soon will they do the rest of the X-rays?" he asked.

"In probably a few hours. They wanted to stabilize you and make sure the baby was okay before proceeding. Since you're in your third trimester, the risk isn't as great, but they want to proceed with caution," Mary Ellen explained.

"We'll get through this together," Hitch squeezed Isla's hand. "I'm just so thankful you and Peanut are safe." He leaned over and kissed her. "I guess, I'd better go give the family an update. I'll be back soon," he kissed her again and she nodded. They would get through it together, Isla thought, just like they had all their lives. She was so grateful her husband was her best friend. Together, they were unstoppable.