You could probably get a free hospital bed out of it." Rene continued. They both laughed. Celine bit her lip and glanced into the hall where her father was pacing. "I'm sure he's calling my siblings." "And I'm sure they'll be here soon." Rene bundled Celine close, and she wasn't distracted enough by the situation at hand to ignore him. He smelled good – fresh and musky – so much better than the sterile stench of the hospital. His warmth rolled through her and Celine felt stronger with Rene's arms around her, like the walls of a castle protecting her from anything and everything. She was sure this was what peace felt like. She'd never felt so safe and loved, even with the flurry of the hospital around them. At some point, she must have fallen asleep. The next thingshe knew, Rene was jostling her. Celine hopped up and looked around, wiping drool from her face. A doctor was speaking with her father. Just as she went over there, the doctor walked away. Celine took her father's hand and he exhaled into a smile. "Everything is going to be fine. You got her here in time and the surgery was successful. Once she wakes up, we'll be able to go visit her. Your brothers are on their way." Her dad said, kissing her head again as he hugged her tightly. "She's going to make it, dearest." Celine hugged her father tightly, then turned to Rene and hugged him as well. "Thanks toyou, we were able to save her. Rene, how can I ever ... how can I start to thank you?" "No need." He assured, cupping her face with obvious affection. But Celine was sure that it was just happiness that she hadn't lost her mother. It couldn't be anything more. It never had been in the past. Celine didn't care. Him being here, caring about her, staying with her meant more than anything he'd ever said. It was proof that she wasimportant to him – important enough for him to put everything else on hold. Rene insisted on everyone getting food and coffee to make sure that Celine was taken care of. She swooned a little more for him with each gentle touch and his focus on making sure she has what she needs.
