Love, Eventually

Chapter 12: When the Silence Breaks

Brielle stepped into the room, her feet dragging after the exhausting night shift. Her bones ached, her eyes burned with fatigue—but all she wanted was to lie beside him. Even if he couldn't respond yet.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. She carefully climbed into the bed and nestled her head against his shoulder, sighing at the familiar comfort his presence brought. "Rough night in the OR. I saved someone today," she murmured, almost as if telling him a secret. "And guess what? Ash said he can't wait to meet you. He told me to tell you to get better soon."

She paused, fingers drawing slow patterns across his chest.

"I'm sorry, Fin. I really wish things were different between us."

The room was dim, quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of machines. Brielle began to hum softly, hoping it might lull her to sleep—but her mind refused to rest. Maybe it was the coffee. Or maybe it was the man lying motionless beside her, the one who held her heart in ways she hadn't fully understood—until now.

"What do you think it'll be like once you're home?" she whispered. "Merging our lives. Our space. You've made sleeping alone impossible now." A soft smile tugged at her lips. "So, prepare yourself. You're officially my forever sleeping buddy."

But the smile faded. Her voice cracked.

"Please wake up, Fin. I can't keep doing this. It hurts talking to you when you don't talk back."

Her tears fell freely, soaking into his gown as she sobbed quietly against him—until she felt it.

A twitch.

She froze, her breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she pulled back and stared at his hand.

"Fin?" she whispered, barely daring to believe. "Can you hear me?"

She held her breath as his fingers twitched again. "It's me... Bri," she said instinctively, her old nickname slipping out like a memory she couldn't let go of. Then, his eyelids fluttered. Her heart skipped.

"Take your time, sweetheart," she whispered, tightening her grip on his hand.

Finnigan's eyes blinked open, squinting against the light. His surroundings blurred, but her voice pierced through.

"Brielle?" His voice came out rough and dry.

Tears flooded her eyes again, this time from sheer relief. "I'm here," she breathed. She reached for the cup on the side table, helped him sip. "Your throat must feel like sandpaper," she said with a gentle smile.

He looked at her, confused. "What happened?"

"You've been in a coma for nearly two weeks. You saved me... and almost lost your life." Her voice wavered. "I was terrified."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, brushing his thumb weakly across her fingers.

"Don't be. Just... stay with me now." She kissed his hand, lingering on the moment. "I've missed you more than I can explain."

"This isn't a dream, is it?" he asked, staring at her like she might disappear.

"No. You're really here," she said, smiling through tears. "And so am I. The real me—the one who should've seen you for who you were all along."

She hesitated, then let it all out. "I was so blinded by my ego. And it took you nearly dying for me to finally understand how much I love you. I'm sorry, Fin. I want us to start again. Not as roommates. Not as strangers in love. But as husband and wife."

Finnigan felt something in his chest—an ache that wasn't from the wound. Hope. Joy. He smiled, eyes glassy.

"Getting shot doesn't sound so bad anymore," he teased.

She laughed, wiping her eyes.

Then he winced, his hand drifting to his side.

"Pain?" she asked, immediately concerned.

"Just a bit."

"You'll feel sore for a while. But don't worry," she said, her tone shifting playfully, "Doctor Brielle will make sure you behave."

"I'll take all my meds—if you're the one giving them."

Their smiles met in quiet understanding.

She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Rest now. I'll call our parents and tell them the best news ever."

He nodded weakly, already drowsy again. As she caressed his cheek and turned to leave, Finnigan closed his eyes, heart full—yet still haunted by a lingering doubt.

Ash.

Was he really out of the picture? And if so... was Brielle truly his now?