Needing Him (Him Series Book #3)

"Katherine Esparza?"

Her name sounded far away, and she wanted to snuggle closer in the warmth and sleep, but something urged her to listen.

"Yes?" She blinked and stretched. Beneath her, Jase shifted on the couch and sat up straighter.

"Miss Esparza, I'm Dr. Howell."

Katie was instantly alert, focused on a tall man with distinguished gray hair and scrubs standing before them. "How's Janie?"

"She had hemorrhaging on the brain, but she made it out of surgery and she's stable. Do you know when her brother will be here?"

"His plane is scheduled to land at five-thirty this morning," Jase answered for her.

Checking her watch, she saw that it was just after ten p.m. The doctor studied her a moment as if deciding how much to say. Finally, he spoke.

"Janie's heart stopped beating during surgery, but we were able to resuscitate her. She was without oxygen for several minutes." He paused, gauging her reaction.

Katie felt strangely detached like she was watching a movie. "What does that mean for her?"

"We're not sure what effect the lack of oxygen will have on Janie," Dr. Howell patiently explained. "I'm more concerned with the brain injury itself. I've seen cases like Janie's before, and I won't lie to you the chance of full recovery is less than fifty percent."

Less than fifty percent? She wasn't even sure what else to ask. "Thank you," was all she could say.

"We appreciate all you did for Janie." Jase shook the doctor's hand.

After one last scrutinizing glance at them, the doctor sighed. "If you're the praying type..."

"We'll pray," Katie assured him quickly.

Dr. Howell nodded, pleased. "She's not supposed to have visitors, but if you want to see her just for a couple of minutes follow me."

"Thank you."

They followed the doctor through the double doors and into a sterile room where Janie lay unconscious hooked up to beeping machines. She looked small and pale, unlike the vibrant young woman Katie knew.

Katie walked to her bedside and took Janie's hand. Silent tears slid down her cheeks, one falling on their joined hands.

"Janie, it's me, Katie. I read your letters. All of them. If I'd known about you, I would have responded." She wiped away tears. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Please wake up. I've been praying. A lot of people are praying for you. Jase, the people at church, and Mark. You're going to be ok."

Katie took a deep breath and kept talking.

"We'll get to know each other. I've always wanted a sister. I had Lucy and Hunter growing up, and they were like family. When I first saw you, there was something familiar about you, but I had no idea. Please," Katie quietly begged. "Please wake up, Janie. I love you too."

Bowing her head, she prayed with all her heart. She wasn't sure how long she spoke to the Lord, but sometime later she felt Jase's hand stroking her hair and whispering soothing words of comfort.

When she stood, he pulled her into his arms and held her protectively against his chest.

***

Jase blinked away the sting of tears as he finished reading Janie's letters. They were innocent, honest, and heart-wrenching.

"I found them today. Yesterday," Katie said, glancing at her wristwatch, and seeing it was after midnight. "Olivia never showed them to me. I'd put off going through her things. If I'd done it sooner..."