Chapter 4
"Evangeline, you don’t have to stay here. I’m okay."
"I know and I’m glad that Marcie’s family is here for her, but you need someone here for you. I’m it."
"I really don’t need you to baby sit me."
"I’m not. I’m just here keeping you company and reviewing some work."
"Evangeline, thanks for looking out for us McBain boys."
"Anytime," she said with a smile. As she was about to continue, Marcie’s family came out of her hospital room. Michael jumped up to ask how she was.
"I’d really like to see her."
"She’s awake and she’s asking for you," said Eric Walsh.
"I don’t think that’s a good idea," said Marcie’s father.
"What do you mean dad?" asked Ron. "Michael saved Marcie’s life."
"He’s the reason she was hit by that car," Mr. Walsh replied.
"That’s not true, Mr. Walsh. Michael was not driving that car. The person driving was responsible," Evangeline said stepping in.
"Who are you? And why are you here?" he asked.
"I’m Evangeline Williamson. I’m here because I care about Michael and Marcie."
"You don’t have anything to do with this."
"You’re right, but I do know that Marcie wouldn’t appreciate you making this about Michael when she loves him as much as she does. If she’s asking for him, that’s probably just what she needs."
"Evangeline thanks, but I can handle this," said Michael.
"I know you can. I’m sorry, Michael, but he needs to understand how much you love Marcie. Anyone with eyes can see that she means the world to you."
"Evangeline’s right. Michael, go ahead," Ron said.
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Michael didn’t look at Mr. Walsh as he made his way into Marcie’s room. She was resting, but she was hooked up to so many machines. Michael knew what each of them did, but he never thought he would be standing on this side of them. It just went to show, you never knew what was going to happen.
He moved to the chair sitting near the bed and lifted Marcie’s hand. She opened her eyes and looked at him with a soft smile.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi," he said smiling back. "I’m so sorry for what you saw. I love you more than anything."
"I love you, too. I’m sorry I ran out of Rodi’s," she whispered.
"I’m sorry you saw Steph kiss me. It didn’t mean anything. She knows that I’m in love with you, but she thought that since we were broken up, she would try. It meant nothing."
"I know. I was just thinking that was why you didn’t want me to come to your party."
"I did want you at my party. I didn’t want to hinder your career as an author."
"Michael, you’re more important to me than a book."
"Ditto."
"I’m so tired. Are you going to be here when I wake up?"
"I wouldn’t be anywhere else."
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When John walked into the waiting room, he found Evangeline right away standing near the wall talking to Ron and he appeared to be too close to her. She was laughing and then she placed her hand on his forearm. He said something to her and placed his hand on top of hers. John was moving toward them before he thought about it.
"Evangeline," John called when he was closer to them.
Evangeline and Ron looked up at him. Evangeline smiled at John and moved to him. She was oblivious of the admiring glance that Ron gave her as she left his side. John looked at Ron and saw the disappointment in his eyes at the interruption. He gave Ron a look that clearly indicated Evangeline was his and he was not one for sharing.
"Hi," she said and leaned into a kiss. "I wasn’t expecting you back here."
"Well, I couldn’t concentrate and I was thinking about you and so I came back. Where’s Michael?"
"He’s in with Marcie. She was asking for him."
"That’s good. What were you and Ron talking about?"
"Nothing much. We talked about some legal stuff and then he was telling me some funny stories about some of his construction jobs and I was actually talking to him about building a house."
"You’re buying a house? You never mentioned that to me."
"I didn’t realize I had to and no, I’m not building a house, but I have thought about it. I mean, I’d like a house some day."
"A house is a big investment by yourself."
"You’re right it is," she looked at him with a mischievous smile and raised eyebrows.
"What time do you have to be in court tomorrow?" John asked, ignoring the obvious baiting.
"10:30. I’m meeting Antonio for breakfast and then we’ll be going to the hearing together."
"Are you ready to go home?"
"I need to wait until Mike comes out."
"Why?"
"I just need to make sure that he’s okay. Mr. Walsh gave him a hard time earlier."
"Did you defend him like you do your clients?"
"Of course."
"You’re something else," he said and took her hand pulling her to the seat by her bag. He pulled her down beside him and she leaned into his hard body.
"Thanks."
A few minutes later, Michael came out of Marcie’s room and told them that she was sleeping soundly and would probably be awake again in a couple of hours. She was doing great and Michael was relieved. They both stood when Michael turned to them.
"Hey, Johnny. I thought you were gone for the night."
"Well, I did too, but here I am."
"It was Evangeline, wasn’t it?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That brought you back here. You came back for her." At Michael’s comment, Evangeline looked sharply at John.
"I came back for both of you," John replied looking into Evangeline’s eyes.
"Well, take her home with you. I’m tired of her bossing me around."
"Michael, how could you say that about me?" she asked with a grin.
"You know I love you. You’re like the sister I never had," he said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Hey, you two stop it. I told you that was enough," John said in a slightly humorous voice.
"You’re just jealous," Michael joked back at his brother.
"Well, whatever I am, I’m about to steal Evangeline and take her home."
"I’ll see you guys later and Evangeline, thanks for staying with me."
"No problem," she smiled back at him.
