Knightly in Shining Armor

Lourdes

The door opened to my room and the Emrys family shuffled in, pushing each other to reach me first. I sat up as well as I could to greet them. Luann moved from where she was sitting on the side of my bed and joined Bennett against the wall.

"Lourdes, I'm so sorry," Phillip cried, running to my side. "It's all my fault that you... I shouldn't have... I'm sorry." He buried his face in his hands. I reached out and placed a hand on his leg.

"Phil, it's not your fault, I promise. I'm just glad you're okay." I assured him. He dragged his hands down his face and looked back at me.

"Still, I feel so awful. I shouldn't have put us at risk." He looked down at his lap. I took his hand in my bandaged one.

"Don't even worry about it. Everyone's alive because of your bravery. I just wouldn't recommend doing that again. Ever." He rolled his eyes at my joke.

"Thank you for taking a beam for me," He said. "I owe you my life."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I laughed. "Just don't be stupid and take care of yourself, okay?" He nodded and gave me a quick hug.

Bradly took his place next and sat in silence for a moment. Everyone moved out to the hall to give him space. After all, he did just have a bomb dropped on him with Kathrin. He took a deep breath and looked up at me with misty eyes.

"Were you... were you gonna tell me about Kath when my friends came in?" He asked. I nodded. He sighed. "I can't believe she... I mean... Three whole years... I loved her." A tear snaked down his cheek. I reached up and wiped it away.

"I know. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve any of that. I was trying to tell you earlier but she wouldn't let me get close to you. I didn't want it to go down like that." I bit the inside of my cheek. He gave me a sad smile.

"I'm sorry, too. It's my fault you're..." He gestured to my body in the hospital bed. I scoffed.

"Please. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I was the one who decided to ruin the wedding, to be a hero. If anything, I should be apologizing to you. After all, I did ruin your wedding."

"I'm glad you did," He smiled. "I'm less glad that you ran into the fire. But, nonetheless, there were no casualties because of you. I could have lost my brother."

"I wouldn't have let that happen. Over my dead body." I swore, crossing my heart.

"Almost dead body," Bradly corrected. I laughed and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you."

"Of course. Just make sure to visit, I like talking to you. You're pretty great." He gave me a lopsided smile and left the room.

"You, love, are a bloody idiot." Sawyer came in and pulled me into a hug. His blue eyes were bright behind his brown glasses. His curly hair was a mess atop his head. He looked like he hadn't slept. "I was so worried. I heard you went into surgery and wanted to come right over but mum basically locked me in my bedroom. Do you know how bloody nerve-wracking that was? Don't do stupid stuff like that, you'll give me a heart attack. I'm only 23, I shouldn't be having those!"

Sawyer and I had gotten incredibly close since my first visit to London with Lukas. The two of us talked at least once a week, and he was easily one of my closest friends already. I was waiting for him and Toby to realize that they're soulmates and get married already.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, Sawyer," I assured him. "No need to worry."

"Obviously I'm gonna do that anyway," He scoffed. "It's not like I won't worry about one of my best friends." I grinned.