The Goodbye Bride Read Online Free Page B

obviously got a concussion and some retrograde amnesia. That means your injury caused a loss of memory.”
    â€œWill she get it back?”
    The doctor shrugged. “She may or may not. It varies by person. Sometimes being around familiar things and people helps. Sometimes it doesn’t. I’m inclined to check her in for the night to keep an—”
    â€œNo, sir,” Lucy said. She couldn’t get out of this place quick enough. “I don’t want to stay. I need to get home. You said my CT was just fine.”
    â€œPerfectly normal. And I’m open to the option of sending you home, but only if someone stays with you for at least twenty-four hours.”
    Her eyes darted to Zac, pleading. They couldn’t give her enough drugs to keep her here.
    His eyes tightened, and a shadow twitched in his jaw. “Fine.”
    â€œYou’ll need to wake her every few hours tonight. She needs to take it easy until her symptoms are gone. I’ve prescribed a pain med for her headache and something for the nausea. The nurse will get you some information on post-concussion care. She should schedule a checkup with her regular doctor.”
    â€œWhat about my memory?” Lucy asked. “Will I get it back?”
    The doctor’s eyes shot to Zac’s, then back to her. “We’ll have to wait and see. Try not to worry too much about that. Just rest up and take care of yourself.”
    After he left, Lucy pressed her fingertips to her forehead. “Try not to worry that I can’t remember the last seven months of my life?”
    â€œBeing upset isn’t going to help anything.”
    â€œEasy for you to say! You’re not the one with the huge, gaping hole in his life.” Or in love with someone who apparently hated her now.
    Zac sank into a chair. “At least you don’t have to stay. We’ll get your prescriptions filled and find a nearby hotel. In the morning I’ll start doing some research and see if I can’t figure out where you live and get you connected with your—friends.”
    Lucy came upright. “You said you’d take me home. You promised.”
    Zac gave her a patient look. “I meant to your home now .”
    â€œWell, I don’t even remember that home! Or those people. I want to go back to Summer Harbor with you.”
    â€œLucy, that’s not—”
    â€œThis isn’t my home. I don’t remember any of it.”
    â€œWell, that could change. You could wake up tomorrow and everything could be different.”
    â€œOr I could never remember any of it!”
    Something flickered in Zac’s eyes. Something she needed. He still had to care for her deep down, didn’t he? After all they’d shared?
    â€œPlease, Zac. Take me home. It’s where I belong.” Her eyes burned, and when she fought to hold back the tears, her feelings spilled out her lips instead. “You have to take me home. I love you.”
    His eyes hardened. “Don’t say that.”
    â€œIt’s true.”
    â€œYou only think it’s true. You’ve got a life here, Lucy. You’ve got a job, and a home, and a freaking fiancé.”
    â€œWell, I don’t remember any of it! I only remember Summer Harbor and my little apartment and you.” Her last words broke off.
    Zac bolted to his feet and paced away, his hands laced behind his head. He wouldn’t turn her down. Not the Zac she knew. Would he? He faced a blank wall, his shoulders rigid, his body stiff.
    It seemed forever before he finally turned around. “Fine.”
    She was glad she couldn’t see the look in his eyes from across the room. Her imagination was filling in the blanks only too well.
    â€œI’ll take you back. But we’re going to figure this out whether your memory comes back or not. Your life is here now, not in Summer Harbor.”
    Not with me.
    The unsaid words hung in the air between them, cutting off