Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Chapter 23

I wake up the next morning. Liam isn't beside me. As I sit up I see him standing across the room, looking out the window. I am overwhelmed yet again by how handsome he is. He's standing there in his boxer briefs, nothing else. I've never seen a body more perfect. I can see his reflection in the window, the worry on his face. I decide a little teasing might be in order to take his mind off my surgery. "Hey Payno! This isn't the time for you to be looking all sexy and getting me excited when we can't have sex."

He turns around, I give him a wink, he smiles. Coming to the bed he sits beside me. He tries to joke with me. "Well sorry, Love, you know I just can't help it." But the look of concern returns to his face. I put my hand on his cheek, rubbing his whiskers with my thumb. "Baby, please don't worry. I'm going to be fine."

He turns his head to kiss my palm. "Liz, you are so amazing. You're the one having surgery, I should be comforting you, instead you're comforting me." He takes my hand, squeezing it gently, then rubbing the back of my hand with his thumb.

"Liam, you are comforting me just by being at my side. As long as I have you, I can get through anything. I love you, Handsome."

He smiles. "No matter what, I will always love you, Beautiful."

When we arrive at the hospital we find everyone already there waiting for me. "You all didn't have to come. Thank you, though. I love you all so much." I say.

I hope the waiting room is big enough for them all. I make my way through the crowd, hugging everyone. Liam's family, Niall, Louis, and a few more friends. I see Caroline, and as Caroline steps aside, there is Harry. I was afraid things might be awkward, not at all though. Harry gives me a smile, stepping towards me for a big all encompassing Harry hug.

"Thank you for coming, H."

"Lizzie, I wouldn't be anywhere else. Are you alright?"

"I'm a little nervous."

"Well that's to be expected now isn't it? I don't want you to worry about Liam. I'll take care of him for you."

I feel my eyes fill with tears. "I don't know what I'd do without your friendship, H."

He smiles. "Me either, Lizzie."

The nurse calls me to the room to get prepped for my surgery. Liam comes with me, they let him stay until they have to take me to the operating room.

"Liz, I'll be back with you as soon as they let me. I'll be right there by your side when you wake up. I love you, Beautiful."

I know he's trying to be strong for me. I see the sparkle of tears beginning in his dark eyes though.

I squeeze his hand. "Please don't worry, Liam. We'll be back together soon. I love you, Handsome."

He kisses me. The heart rate monitor they have me hooked up to literally jumps. I point it out to Liam. "See Baby, actual proof of what you do to me."

He grins, then leans in for another kiss. "That's nothing compared to what you do to me, Darling." He gives me the sweetest, gentlest kiss. I watch as he leaves the room, pausing at the door he looks at me, puts his hand over his heart then walks out. The waiting room is across the hall. I see Harry is the first to approach Liam. He gives him a hug, then leads him to a chair to sit down.

The nurse looking at my chart says. "That was very sweet."

I smile at her. "I just love him so much."

She rubs my arm. "I can see that, sweetie." She can tell that I'm getting upset so she tries to lighten my mood. "Hey Liz, how about we go get you fixed up so you two can make some gorgeous babies?"

I smile and nod.

In the operating room I try to relax as the anesthesiologist begins to put me under. A nurse brings the surgeon my latest x ray. The last thing I hear is. "This is going to be more complicated than I thought."