She turned her head to the right. There was a window with green curtains on it. Some light was coming through the blinds hanging over the window. She turned her head to the left and could see tubes running down to her left wrist. She knew she was in a hospital.

Nancy smiled when she saw her father in the chair beside her bed. He appeared to be sleeping. He looked more tired than she had ever seen him before. She moistened her lips and softly said, “Dad.”

Carson moved his head a little. A moment later, his eyes opened. He looked at her and quickly moved over to the bed. He took Nancy’s left hand in both of him, giving it a gentle squeeze. He took his left hand and pushed the hair off her forehead.

“Nancy, I’m so glad you’re awake. I was so worried.”

“I was worried about you, too,” Nancy said softly as she squeezed her father‘s hand in return.

“I’m so glad you’re going to be all right.”

“Will I?” Nancy asked, not really sure what her injuries were. She didn’t feel any pain and figured the doctors had her on some good medication so she wasn’t hurting.

“You will be. It’ll just take some time.”

Nancy nodded, then looked around the room. “Is Ned here?”

“He went down to the waiting room.” Carson looked at Nancy’s eyes. “Do you remember what happened?”

“Not much.” Nancy moistened her lips again. “I do recall going off the road. I woke up and Frank was there. Then I woke again. Frank was there with a man.” She looked at her father. “That’s it.”

“Do you have any idea how you got out of the car?”

“I‘m sorry, Dad. I don’t know.”

“That’s all right,” Carson said.

At that moment, the door opened and Ned came into the room. She saw Ned smile when he realized she was awake. She returned the grin. She was thrilled to see him.

Ned moved to the bed in quick strides. He leaned down and gave her a kiss. When he pulled back, he asked, “How are you feeling?”

“Better.”

Carson got to his feet with a grin. “I’m going to start making the phone calls to let people know what’s going on.” He looked at Nancy. “I’ll be back.”

“I’ll be here.”

Once Carson left the room, Ned sat down on the edge of the bed. He took Nancy’s left hand in both of his. Nancy stared at Ned. He looks so tired, she thought. But he is still the most handsome-looking guy I’ve ever seen. I’m so lucky he’s mine. This must have been the most nerve-wracking days of his life.

“I’m so grateful you’re going to be all right,” Ned said breaking the silence. “It was a good thing Frank found you.”

“Do you know how he found me?”

“No,” Ned said shaking his head. “We didn’t ask any questions. We knew you needed to be brought here as soon as possible. We knew it could wait.”

Nancy was quiet for a couple minutes. She definitely wanted to know what went on. She was anxious to talk to Frank. She looked at Ned. “What day is it?”

“It’s Monday.”

Nancy’s eyes went wide. She couldn’t believe it. She knew the accident occurred on Thursday night. She couldn’t believe three days had passed. She realized she had missed her own wedding.

“I can’t believe it’s been three days.”

“It’s all right,” Ned said.

“But we missed the wedding.”

“We can reschedule the wedding,” Ned said. “You are the most important thing right now. Everything else can sit on the back burner.”

Nancy focused on Ned, knowing he was right. She was really concerned. It looked like Ned was searching her face. She wondered if something was wrong. “Ned, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Ned said touching her face. “I’m just enjoying looking at your beautiful face. You know, you look tired. Why don’t you get some rest?”

Nancy realized she was tired, but she couldn’t understand why. She figured it had to be due to the medication that the doctor had given her. She asked tiredly, “Will you stay?”

Ned smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Nancy closed her eyes and felt Ned give her a kiss. As he pulled away, she felt him squeeze her hand. Nancy felt safe. She felt things were going to be all right.

* * * * *

Frank entered the hotel room a couple hours later. He had taken his time returning to the hotel. He had been thinking the entire walk back about all that had happened. Frank closed the door. He turned and saw Joe sitting on his bed. Joe was wearing shorts, but no shirt. His hair was wet as if he’d just gotten out of the shower.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Frank said moving further into the room. “I think we need to talk.”

Joe looked up at him. “I think it’s overdue.”

Frank took a deep breath and got started “I want to apologize for the comments I made the other night. I was in shock. I didn’t believe she was gone. I had to follow the feeling I had.”

“It’s all right. I know you were doing what you thought was right. I just wish I would’ve been more supportive.” Joe looked at his older brother. “I’m glad you kept searching. It was the only way to find Nancy.”

“I still feel bad for tuning you out. I knew you were trying to help, but I couldn’t believe Nancy was gone. I knew it couldn’t be true.”

“Well, it’s over now. Nancy is back where she belongs. She’s back with her family.”

“That’s right.” Frank let out a sigh. “I think I’m going to get cleaned up.”

“Good idea,” Joe said. “I think your clothes could walk on their own.”

Frank looked at his clothes. He realized he’d been wearing the same clothes since Friday. There was dirt all over them. He couldn’t believe he’d worn the same clothes for so long.

Frank looked at Joe. “At least my clothes last longer. Your clothes walk on their own on a daily basis.”