The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 25

Before Suzie could even wipe away her tears, Jamie’s tall figure was already standing by the bed.

“Grandpa, how are you feeling today?”

“Much better, you rascal! Why didn’t you come with Suzie? What took you so long to get here!”

The next second, as Suzie listened to the exchange between grandfather and grandson, she felt his warm, large hands rest on her shoulders.

“Suzie, why are you crying? Are you not feeling well?”

Jamie’s tender touch and gentle tone made her entire body tense up, but with Richard watching, she had no choice but to play along. “No, I was just so happy talking with Richard. Didn't you say you had a meeting and would be late? How did you get here so quickly?”

“I was worried you’d be tired taking care of him alone, so I rushed through my meeting to get here.” As he spoke, Jamie’s hand slid down to hers, clasping it tightly. “Your hands are so cold. The AC in the hospital must be too high. You should have brought a sweater.”

His warm voice was close, his clean scent filling her senses. For a fleeting moment, Suzie felt the illusion of being loved, but she forced herself back to reality within seconds. Aware of Richard’s gaze, she put on a gentle smile and murmured softly, “My hands are always cold, it’s nothing.”

Her lowered eyes happened to fall on the gauze wrapped around the back of his hand. She glanced at Richard and saw that he, too, had just noticed the injury.

Before Suzie could even feign concern, Richard spoke up. “What happened to your hand?”

To her surprise, Jamie didn’t answer Richard. Instead, he turned his gaze on her, his eyes seeming to say, *You tell him what happened.*

Steeling herself, Suzie squeezed his hand and put on a show of tender concern. “You were fine when you left this morning. When did you get hurt? Does it still hurt?”

At the same time, she heard Richard’s cheerful laughter. “You two have been married for over a year, and our Suzie is still so shy. Alright, this old man has had his entertainment. Jamie, she’s not looking well. Since we’re already at the hospital, take Suzie to see that specialist for a check-up.”

Hearing this, Suzie snapped back to attention and quickly replied, “Richard, it’s just a little stomach upset these past couple of days. I haven’t been eating much, so I look a bit worn out. I’m perfectly healthy.”

But Richard waved off her protests and insisted, “Well, boy? What are you still standing there for?” He gestured toward the door with his chin.

Jamie, ever the obedient grandson, immediately took Suzie’s hand, his other arm wrapping lightly around her shoulders. “Listen to me. I’ll take you to get it checked out. If your stomach is bothering you, it's best to have a thorough examination.”

His actions and words were the very picture of a devoted husband. Suzie couldn’t help but glance up at him. Although she knew it was all an act, she couldn’t detect a single hint of pretense in his eyes.