Chapter 25
Richie stepped across the hall to get a cup of coffee but he wasn’t all that interested in it anymore. Dominique was awake! He needed to do something for her. Flowers! White roses, her favorite. And stuffed animals! Where was ‘Star’? He needed to find him.
Returning to the room, Noah was finished examining Dominique. “How is she, Doc?”
“She’s a miracle. I want to monitor her closely and I’ve ordered some tests to be run.”
“What kind of tests?”
“MRI, CAT scan….I want to get a good look at what’s going on.”
“When?”
“Later in the morning. I want her to rest.”
“She’s going to rest. I’ll make sure of that.”
“I expect Sonny will be by later.”
“I’m surprised he’s not here already,” said Richie. In reality, Richie was irritated that Sonny hadn’t been by to see Dominique. She needed him.
As if Noah could read his mind, the doctor said, “Sonny’s shoulder was damaged pretty badly. He cares a great deal about Dominique but he also keeps his distance for her protection.”
“Even here?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Richie shook his head. “I’m not going to do that with my own children.”
“Going to be harder for you given your career,” pointed out Noah.
“That’s why Dominique will travel with me…so we can always be together,” smiled Richie as he looked down at his now-sleeping girlfriend. “As soon as she’s completely healed – physically and emotionally – she’s joining me on tour.”
“You’re mighty sure she’s going to say ‘yes’ to you.”
“We’ve already talked about it and I’m going to do all I can to take care of her for as long as she’ll have me.”
“Well, from what I have seen, that’s going to be a very long time. If you need anything, just let the nurses know. I’ll be back later.”
“Thanks, Noah. While she’s having the tests done, I’m going to run back to the house and get cleaned up.”
Noah frowned, “I was hoping you’d hang around and keep her calm. You saw how she reacted a few minutes ago and she wasn’t at ease while I was examining her. You seem to have a calming effect on her.”
“Okay, that’s not a problem,” blushed Richie.
“Why don’t you go now…while she’s asleep again?”
Richie glanced down at Dominique sleeping peacefully. “Are you sure she’ll stay asleep?”
“Pretty sure. I gave her more pain meds and they’re kind of strong.”
“I DO have a few things I want to do.”
“I’ll see you when you get back.”
Dr. Drake left and Richie took a seat on the bed beside Dominique. He brushed her hair back and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’ll be back soon, ‘Princess’. Sweet dreams.”
