Chase's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, we just received breaking news. Layla Jordan was rushed to the hospital today. While at the movie theater in The Palm Willow Resort and Spa, some monster threw a piece of contaminated glass at her. She is currently in critical condition at Diamond Grove General Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with Layla and her family."

There is only one person that I can think of who did this - Miranda. She is a walking dead woman.

"When I find her, she is going to have the same fate as Candi. When are people going to stop testing me?"

I got on my phone and made a quick phone call to the receptionist's desk.

Kam's POV

We saw Austin and Braelyn coming back into the waiting room. Braelyn was in tears. I saw the expression on Ryan's face, so I offered to go with him to see Layla.

"Ryan, I can go with you if you would like."

"Yes, I would like some company. Thanks, Kam."

"Before you go, Kamea, please do not stress yourself when you go in. I do not want to have you admitted, understand?"

"I promise, handsome. Come on, Ryan. Let's go."

I noticed how scared Ryan was, so I grabbed his arm. "Layla is a fighter, Ryan - literally, she is. She almost beat Miranda up at the resort. Layla will fight through this. I just know it."

He was in deep thought about something, so he asked me, "Since you are Layla's best friend, do you think she would elope with me? We would still have our wedding in April."

"I think she would. You both could do what Cris and I did. He had just asked me to be his girlfriend. But I didn't want to wait for a while until a wedding. I already knew he was the one for me. So, I asked him if we could get married. And, then, have a ceremony for family and friends."

"That sounds like a great idea. After what happened in Milan and here, I want us to be together now more than ever. And before we were going to have a big wedding in April. But, now I am thinking small with just family and friends."

While Ryan and I were talking, we heard a soft moan. "Ryan? Kam? My neck hurts."

He pulled our chairs close to Layla's bed. "Don't try to move, love. You were rushed to the hospital."

He felt her forehead and said Layla was burning up. The nurse came in and saw Layla open her eyes. "She said that her neck hurts, and she is burning up."

"Okay. I will be right back with some more medicine for her."

The doctor that operated on Layla came in. "Layla, we have some medicine for your neck and your fever."

"W-where's Braelyn?"

"She is out in the waiting room with Austin. Layla, I called your mom and dad. They are flying down to Florida in the morning. Ryan's parents are coming too."

"T-thanks, Kam."

"Anytime, babe. I'll get her. "

I left the room to get Braelyn. She really is a sweetie pie. She was talking to everyone with a big smile on her face. "Braelyn, sweetie, mommy opened her eyes. She wants to see you."

"Okay, auntie."

Braelyn came over, grabbed my hand, and we went back to Layla's room.

We saw the nurse go in, so we went in after her. Layla was in and out of sleep. Braelyn hopped in Ryan's lap and said, "Hi, mommy."

"H-hi, baby girl." Layla took her time talking. "Are you being a good girl?"

"Yes, mommy. Can you come home soon?"

Layla had fallen asleep. "Come on, Braelyn. Mommy needs her rest. Let's go back to the waiting room."

Braelyn leaned into Layla and kissed her on her cheek. Then, we left the room. As we walked into the waiting room, I recognized Jake's voice but not the other voice. Cris was about to introduce them, but Ryan seemed to know them already. "Jake and Sean, is that you?"

"Ryan, this is my girlfriend, Briana. And this guy over here is Ryan."

"It's nice to meet you, Ryan."

"Nice to meet you too."

"Your fiancée is the one that needs the bodyguard?"

"Yes. I want her to have a bodyguard 24/7, just like Cris has for Kamea. We live in New York. Will that be okay? Until we find a place big enough, we are living in my house in Brooklyn."

"That's not a problem at all. Just let me know when you want me to start. Where is she?"

"Layla is in this hospital. While at the movies earlier today, someone threw a large piece of glass at her, and it got lodged in her neck. They had to do surgery to get it out because it was near a major blood vessel in the neck. Plus, she got a staph infection from the glass because it was contaminated."

"Sorry to hear that, man. Is she going to be okay?"

"Thanks, Jake. I am hoping she is. Once she recovers, we are planning to elope."

"Excuse me, Mr. Meyers, visiting hours are over, but if you would like to stay with Ms. Jordan, you can. She was placed in one of the private rooms in the hospital."

"Thank you. I will stay."

"Hey Ryan, we can talk more tomorrow. Don't worry. I can do it. And living in New York is fine. You said she has a daughter?"

"Yes, Layla does. Her name is Braelyn. That's her over to the right with her father."

Cris came over. "Before we come tomorrow, we will go pick up your parents and Layla's parents from the airport."

"Thank you, Cris. Goodnight, all." Then we left the hospital.

Cris' POV

"Jake, when we get home, we need to talk."

"Of course, Cris."

Braelyn and Austin rode home with us. Jake, Briana, and Sean rode with Cam.

It was a short ride, so we made it home in no time.

When we got in the house, Día and Rocco were asleep.  "Val, we have plenty of room here, so you don't have to travel back to Key West tonight."

"I'll show you to your room." Kamea showed them where the rooms were, but Marco and I carried Dia and Rocco.

"Jake, we have decided to move to Florida. We know we can't run away from Chase. But Kamea and the twins really like it here. And I am thinking about opening a club here in Miami. So, I would feel ten times more comfortable if you moved here with us. Briana, you are welcome too. We have a huge yard. So, we'll build you a house for privacy. Jake, you are the only one I trust with my family."

Jake's POV

Convincing Briana may be tough because of her job. But, being a bodyguard, you have to be ready to do whatever is necessary for your clients. I'll talk to her later.

"I understand. Of course, I will move."

"Thank you, Jake. It really means a lot to me. Just let me know what you would like in your place, and we will get started on it. Good night all. Sean, I can show you to your room."

So, just the two of us were left. "I know this is a lot to take in."

"Jake, it is your responsibility to safeguard Kam and her kids. What kind of girl would I be if I made you choose?"

"But, what about us? I can't ask you to up and move with me to Florida. You mean a lot to me, Briana. I don't ever want us to be apart."

"I don't want to be apart either. You are Kam's bodyguard, and she needs you right now to protect her from those crazy people. From what I understand, the hospital Ryan's fiancé is in is one of the best in the country. I can try to see if I can get a nursing position there. There is no guarantee, though."

I lost out on a relationship with Kam with bodyguard training. Now that I have found Briana, I could lose her because of being a bodyguard. I hope she can work in that hospital. I can't lose her too.

*************************

Monday morning

Ryan's POV

9:00 am

The room has a patient's bed and a bed for those who stay. I slept on the other bed, which, I might say, was rather comfy. I got a text from Cris that they would be over around noon. The nurse came in to check on Layla. She looked at Layla's cut on her neck.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, Mr. Meyers."

"Will Layla have a scar on her neck?"

"No, sir. Once everything heals, the marks should go away. When she wakes up, if she needs anything, tell her to press this remote I am about to give you. Have her press the red button."

"Okay, thank you. One more question, where is the café or place to get something to eat?"

"I can get something for you. That comes with the private rooms. There is a menu over on that little desk by the window. Is Ms. Jordan allergic to anything?"

"No, she is not."

"Okay. I'll give you a few minutes and come back."

This hospital has a food court with a vast array of places. I ordered a steak and egg flatbread sandwich and OJ from Subway.

The nurse left the room, and I went to see if Layla was awake. She had just opened her eyes. I brushed my hand against her cheek. "Good morning, Layla." I felt her forehead again, and she still felt warm, but not like last night.

"Hey love, Cris sent me a text that he will bring both of our parents here around noon. And the nurse will be back shortly with something to eat for the both of us. Layla, don't try to talk. I'm sure it hurts. So, just wave your finger to say 'no' and wave your hand to say 'yes.' Do you need some more pain medicine?"

She waved her hand to say yes. "Okay. I will tell the nurse when she comes back." Layla's hair kept swinging in her face, so I brushed it back. Then, I started caressing her cheek. She leaned into it. This would have to do for now until she gets out of this hospital. Ten minutes later, the nurse came back.

"I have a nutritional shake for Ms. Jordan. And your sandwich and orange juice from Subway."

"Thank you. Also, Layla said she needs some more pain medication."

"Okay. I will be right back."

I held Layla's nutritional shake up so she could sip from the straw. After about 10 minutes, the nurse returned and changed Layla's intravenous tube. "Thank you."

"Mr. Meyers, before I leave, there is a rose floral arrangement for Ms. Jordan at the nurse's station. Do you want me to bring it to the room?"

"I wonder who they are from?"

"Yes, please. Thank you." The nurse once again stepped out of the room. She came back with a beautiful floral arrangement of different colored roses. I looked at the card and immediately felt angry.

"It wasn't a normal delivery guy. He wanted to bring them into Ms. Jordan's room, and he was very insistent about it. But the guy seemed suspicious, so I told him he couldn't come to her room. So, he just left them at the counter."

"Please take good care of my Layla. I love her so much and can't wait to pleasure her. Love, Chase."

I swear, if he lays one hand on Layla, he is a dead man! I looked back at Layla, and she had fallen asleep.

When Cris comes, I need to show him this card. "How can I keep this guy away from her? He is obsessed and crazy."

Sean is starting today. I am not taking any chances. I fell asleep in the chair right next to Layla's bed.

A few hours later.

Familiar voices awakened me. I woke up and saw my parents.

"Hey, mom and dad. Thanks for coming." I got up out of the chair and went straight to hug my mother.

"Some crazy guy is obsessed with Layla and stalking her. He sent her these flowers. And look at the card he sent with it."

"This is just disgusting!" My father said.

When my mother looked at it, she was about to tear it up. "No! Don't tear it up. I need to show it to Cris. And, some crazy chick that hates Layla's friend, Kam, put her in the hospital. Miranda is her name. She paid some kid $20k to intentionally hurt either Layla or Kam. Look at the back of Layla's neck. The kid threw a piece of contaminated glass at her. She had a staph infection, which led to blood poisoning. The doctor said last night that the next 24 hours are critical."

My parents looked at the back of Layla's neck and were horrified. "Why did that little wretch do that to my daughter?!! I just want to wrap my hands around that chick's neck and squeeze it tight."

My dad and I looked at mom with shock on our faces.

"What's that look for? That chick deserves it for messing with my family."

"Layla has been in and out of sleep."

"Well, we will come back later so her mom and dad can spend some time with her."

"See you later." And then, my parents left. A few minutes later, Layla's mom, dad, and Braelyn came in.

As soon as they walked in, Layla opened her eyes. Braelyn tapped Olivia. "Grandma, mommy opened her eyes."

"She did?" I got up from my chair and talked to Layla's dad.

"Some crazy ex of my friend, Cris, did this to Layla. Layla was defending Kam at the resort. Apparently, Layla saw this chick spill a drink so Kam would fall and hurt herself. Well, Layla saw it and confronted her about it. That happened Saturday. Sunday, while at the movies, said crazy chick paid some guy $20k to hurt either Kam or Layla. He threw a large piece of contaminated glass at her. It caused a large gash in the back of her neck. She got a staph infection, which caused her to get blood poisoning."

"Unbelievable." He was pissed. He walked around to see Layla's neck.

"Olivia, don't come around to see Layla's neck. And, Braelyn, stay over there with grandma. These flowers are beautiful."

"Yeah, well, they are about to be tossed. This was the card that was in there. It's from a guy who is Cris' ex-friend. He wants Kam and Layla for himself simultaneously if you know what I mean."

He read it and was livid. "What the heck is wrong with people?!"

"Not so loud, William."

I told both her parents about what I wanted us to do. "We chose April for our wedding. But I don't want Braelyn and Layla living by themselves. So, I thought we would elope once she was out of the hospital. But we would also still have our April ceremony. They are moving in with me in Brooklyn until we find a place big enough for all of us."

They both were quiet when I said that. But I was surprised by their answer. "Ryan, I agree. I will help Layla find a dress."

"I agree with it also. You have my blessing, too. Where will it be held?"

"The only thing is Braelyn starts kindergarten in three weeks, but I am not sure when Layla will be able to leave here. The doctor said the next 24 hours are critical for her. The doctor said that last night. The 24-hour period will end at 9:30 pm. So, not sure of the date."

Her father whispered, "I know the perfect place. When Layla was 12 years old, we took her to Montego Bay, Jamaica. She said, 'I want to come here again, daddy.'"

"We haven't had a chance to go back since then. I think she will like that. And I can get you the name of the resort we went to."

"That would be great. Thank you."

"No, thank you for taking care of my girls and protecting them."

"Layla, babe, we will see you later. Get some rest. Braelyn, come with us back to the waiting room."

Layla's parents exited the room. Then, Cris, Kam, and Sean came in.

Cris' POV

"Sean, do you mind starting today? The reason I asked is because of this card that came with those flowers."

"Those are beautiful flowers. Who sent them?"

"Cris, those flowers are toxic. Look at the note that was attached."

When Ryan said they were toxic, I already knew who they were from.

"Please take good care of my Layla. I love her so much and can't wait to pleasure her. Love, Chase."

I just want to choke the life out of him so badly.

"Wow, this guy is crazy. Of course, I can."

Sean and Ryan sat in the two chairs close to Layla.

"Sean, this is Layla. Layla, this is Sean and your bodyguard."

Layla waved hi to him. "I-It is nice to meet you, Sean. S-sorry we had to meet like this."

"Sean and I are good friends. We both went to train to be bodyguards, but Sean stuck with it. I came back to New York. I know Kam's bodyguard, too. If you would like to meet him, I'll bring him in."

Layla was in and out of sleep. "That will be fine."

"I'll have him come later. Get some rest, love." Ryan kissed Layla on her cheek. Then they both walked over to where Kamea and I were standing.

"I need to get these toxic flowers out of here. Chase was brazen enough to bring those flowers to the nurse's station, insistent on bringing them in here too, and put his slimy hands on Layla."

"Sean, I'll give you a list of everyone I will allow to visit Layla while in this hospital. I will not have just anybody coming in here putting their hands on her. As for flowers or cards, if you see anything strange, let me know. If you see anything from Karma Sports, that's fine. Layla did a photo shoot with them this past Wednesday. Have you met Braelyn?"

"Yes, I actually did. She is a sweet little kid. Ryan, if you want to take a break, I'll stay here with Layla."

"Thanks. I could sure use a shower and change of clothes."

"I'll take you, Ryan. And we can stop by the dealership to pick up Layla's truck. We just bought her one - Marco, myself, and Val."

"Seriously, thank you, Cris and Kam, so much for everything. It really means a lot to have everyone's support. We will be back as soon as we can."

"You're welcome, Ryan."

"These little munchkins are telling me to eat. So, I'm going get something to eat."

"Kam, the nurse told me that because this is a private room, you can order from the menu on the little table near the window. Cris, can you pass me those toxic roses? They are getting out of here."

I passed Ryan the roses. "Thanks again, Sean and Kam. We'll be back." So, Ryan and I left the room.

Later that day.

It took us a little longer at the dealership, but that was okay. We got Layla the same exact white Escalade as Kamea, including the step ladder and a child safety seat for Braelyn.

"Cris, when Kam and Layla drive together, we are going to be in trouble."

"Double trouble. I can see the tricks now."

By the time we got back to the hospital, it was after 8 pm. Layla had quite a few visitors - Marco, Noeli, The Toscano Family, the Calabro family, my parents, Austin's parents, Layla's parents, and of course, Austin and Braelyn. She was even introduced to Jake and his girlfriend, Briana.

I stayed in the waiting room while Ryan headed to Layla's room.

Ryan's POV

When I walked into the room, there was no Layla, no Sean, and no Kam.

"Maybe she went to get an x-ray. But if that is the case, wouldn't Kam and Sean be in the waiting room?"

All kinds of bad thoughts started running through my mind. The worst one was that Layla had died. I sat there, broken, and started to cry like I did when she was admitted. Then, I heard the door open.

"W-what is wrong, sugar?"

The only one to call me that is Layla. When I looked up, I saw Kam, Sean, and Layla.

"The doctor said I passed the 24 hours. Right after you all left, I threw up big time. She then had me taken to get an x-ray. The x-ray now only shows traces in my blood. So, she still has me taking antibiotics. She said it would be okay for me to walk around."

Layla walked over, sat in my lap, kissed me, and wiped my tears.

"Don't cry, sugar. Sorry if you were scared. The doctor does want me to stay for the rest of the week. She wants to make sure I am fully cleaned of that infection."

"Ryan, Layla, and Sean, see you all tomorrow. I'm sure Cris and my kids are ready to go home."

Layla's POV

"Thank you, Kam, for staying the whole day with me. And, thank Cris for me too. I love you, girly."

"I love you too, Layla."

"I'll walk with you." Sean was a gentleman and walked with Kam back to the waiting room.

"Instead of renting a truck, here are your keys to your new Escalade."

"You mean that is mine?"

"Cris, Marco, and Mr. Toscano bought it for you. And it has the same features as Kam's, even the same color. Cris and I chuckled because now you both have the same truck, and that spells trouble."

"You shouldn't have said anything because you just gave me some ideas."

"And I have some ideas of what your punishment will be."

"See, that is why I call you 'Sugar Hot Lips.' I sat in the waiting room for a little bit to say hi to everyone. But nobody said anything. I have to thank them for that. My business family sent those beautiful floral arrangements on the desk over there. Karma Sports even sent some flowers."

"They are beautiful flowers."

"Okay, I kind of remember you talking about eloping. I am okay with that, but it will have to wait until after Braelyn starts school. I want to be there for her first day."

"September it is. How about the week after she starts school? And the location will be a surprise. Just pick out your dress and pack your clothes for two weeks. Austin said he would watch Braelyn for the two weeks."

"That's great. I can't believe I finally got what I have always wanted - a king for my castle."

***********************************

One month later.

Kam's POV

Time flew by fast. We took Layla, Braelyn, and Ryan to Disney World. Braelyn loved it. She cried when it was time for them to go back to New York. She had so much fun with all the kids. So, Cris and I asked Layla if Braelyn could spend next summer with us. Layla said it was okay, and Braelyn liked that.

Jake moved in with us. Briana is working on finding a new job at the hospital. I hope she gets it because Jake really loves her. I would feel really bad if they had to break up. But, until then, they talk to each other on Skype. Cris hired a construction company to start building their place.

My kids started school. They are now in the first grade. Día and Rocco looked adorable in their outfits.

Marco told us that Layla signed with his agent. She will only do modeling shoots with either Marco, Tone, or Ryan. Or by herself. Billboards immediately started going up for Karma Sports. And we saw a few of them. Layla is going to take over the modeling world, and I am so happy for her.

Ryan said they were getting married in Jamaica, and he asked if I could keep it a secret. I told him I would.

I am now five months pregnant and getting bigger by the day. My back bothers me more than it has. So, my handsome hubby gives me massages almost every day now. He spoils me so. And I love it.

For Ryan and Layla's wedding, I am her matron of honor. And Cris is Ryan's best man. I can't wait to see Layla's face when she sees us and the rest of her surprise.

********************

Thank you all for reading chapter 43.

The pictures and videos are courtesy of Pixabay, YouTube, PNG Tree, and Can Stock Photos.

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘