Dare Kings

Chapter 53: My love

Tristan's POV

I couldn't help the smile that stretched across my face as I watched Alyssa sleep peacefully in my arms.

We were curled up together on the hospital bed, her head resting against my chest, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.

She looked so serene, so fragile, and yet I felt like the luckiest person in the world to have her in my life. I loved her deeply, and the joy that filled me when I realized she loved me too was indescribable.

It was the best news I had received today.

The second piece of news was that she had finally agreed to go through with the surgery. I knew it was a difficult decision, but I had so much hope she'd make it through. She wasn't alone, she had us... she had me.

I promised I'd be there, every step of the way, no matter what.

The surgery was in two days, and I vowed to never leave her side.

"How long have you been watching me sleep?" Alyssa whispered, her eyes fluttering open as a soft smile spread across her lips.

I gently caressed her cheek with my thumb, my heart swelling with affection as I gazed at her.

"Since the moment you fell asleep in my arms," I replied, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I love you so much," I murmured, watching as her smile widened, filling the room with a warmth that only she could bring.

"I love you, Tristan Pierce," Alyssa whispered before pressing a soft kiss to my lips, filling my stomach with butterflies and fireworks.

I groaned, wanting more, but before I could pull her closer, my phone chimed, interrupting the moment. We both glanced down at the screen, and I grabbed the phone to check the message. It was from my dad.

"Is it the guys?" Alyssa asked, referring to our friends who hadn't made it today because of a class presentation.

I shook my head. "No, it's my dad," I said, reading his text. After the disaster that was Thanksgiving dinner, he had been making an effort to mend things between us.

Dad: Hey, son, think you could come to Virginia for a few hours tomorrow? Thought we could have a father-and-son day. I would've asked earlier, but I got a new job. Let's catch up. Let me know if you're down. Dad ;-)

"What did he say?" Alyssa asked, her voice still weak but filled with curiosity.

I sighed, conflicted. There was no way I was leaving her side while she was sick. "He wants to have a father-and-son day tomorrow," I explained, expecting her to urge me to stay.

But instead, she looked... excited.

"He did?!" She said, a faint excitement lighting up her face. "You're going, right? This could be a great chance for you two to bond..."

I raised an eyebrow, confused. "Hold on, you want me to go?"

She gave me a knowing look. "Why wouldn't I? Are you not going?"

"I don't want to leave you-"

"Tristan," she cut me off, her eyes soft but serious. "You can't miss out on a day with your dad, especially when he's trying to be better. Don't make me the reason you don't go."

"I don't want to leave you here alone when you're sick-" How could I be so evil to do that to her?

"Stop," she insisted, her voice gentle but firm. "It's just a few hours, and I'll be fine. The surgery isn't for two days you'll be back in plenty of time to be by my side. Go, have fun with your dad. I'd give anything to have that kind of day with mine... Go, Tristan. I'll be right here when you get back."