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 desk.

Austin's POV

The nurse came back. "I have Ms. Jordan's room number now. It is 1408."

"Austin, you can go ahead with Braelyn first."

"Come on, baby girl. Let's go see mommy. Thanks, Ryan."

"Follow me please." So, Braelyn and I followed the nurse to Layla's room. When Braelyn and I walked into Layla's room, I could see my little munchkin became sad. I was too. Layla was hooked up to a breathing machine. They had her propped up on her side so she would not lay on her back. I walked around the bed to see what that guy did to her neck. "My goodness, look at the gash on her neck."

"Daddy, is mommy going to be okay?" Braelyn asked me as she laid her head on my shoulder.

"Let's hope so, baby girl."

"Layla, please wake up for us. Fight through this pain you are feeling. You are a strong, beautiful woman who raised a strong, beautiful daughter. To say it hurts seeing you like this is an understatement. Everyone misses you. I miss you."

"Mommy, I miss you. Please be okay."

"Braelyn, blow mommy a kiss."

"Love you, mommy. Please get better soon." Then, Braelyn laid her head back on my shoulder. Then, we left the room.

Ryan's POV

I saw Austin and Braelyn coming back into the waiting room. Braelyn was in tears. "I can't go in there by myself."

"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 was scared to see Layla but need to see her. I craved to hold Layla close to me. Kam noticed and grabbed my 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."

I hope Kam is right. When we walked in Layla's room, I was really hurt to see her in this state. A thought popped in my mind, so I asked Kam for her opinion.

"Can I ask you something? 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. 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 Kam and I were talking,  we heard a soft moan. "Ryan? Kam? My neck hurts."

I pulled my chair and Kam's chair close to Layla's bed. "Don't try to move, love. You were rushed to the hospital." I felt her forehead and she 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."

A few minutes later, the doctor that operated on Layla came in. "Layla, we have some medicine for your neck and for 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 go get her."

"Layla, the doctor said the next 24 hours are critical. That glass was contaminated, which caused you to get a staph infection. Fight through this for us, Layla. Please, baby? I want us to elope. I can't wait until April. Kam suggested we have two ceremonies. But, I need you to get better."

She shook her head to say yes. The doctor came back with another intravenous tube with antibiotics. Kam and Braelyn were right behind her. Layla was in and out of sleep. Braelyn hopped in my 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 gave her a kiss on her cheek. Then, we left the room. As we walked in the waiting room, I recognized two voices I haven't heard in a while. Cris was about to introduce them, but I cut him off. "Jake and Sean, is that you?"

"Man, I have seen you guys in a long time. The three of us were in training to become bodyguards. I thought I wanted to do that at the time, but I changed my mind." When I said that, it cleared up the confused looks on everyone's face.

"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 fiancé is the one that needs the bodyguard?"

"Yes. I want her to have a bodyguard 24/7, just like what 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."

I saw Braelyn wave goodbye, so I  waved to her. "Thank you, Cris. Goodnight all." Then I left to go to Layla's room.

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

Monday morning

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 in her neck.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, Mr. Meyers."

"Will Layla have a permanent 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 chose to order a steak and egg flatbread sandwich and orange juice 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 she was 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. 10 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, she says she needs more pain medicine."

"Sure. I'll 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 in 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 color 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 in 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.

I was awakened by familiar voices. I woke up and saw my parents.

Jason Meyers

Valerie Meyers

"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 we're horrified. "Why that little, wretch!! I just want to wrap my hands around that chick's neck and squeeze it tight."

Both myself and my dad looked at mom with shock on our faces.

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

William Jordan

Olivia Jordan

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, this chick spilled 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 at the same time, 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 is 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 is 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 around 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. "Sean, do you mind starting today? The reason I asked is because of this card that came with those flowers." I showed Cris and Sean the note.

"Wow, this guy is crazy. Of course I can." Cris was still fuming. He didn't show Kam the note. Sean and I sat in the two chairs close to Layla.

"Sean, this is Layla. Layla, this is Sean and your bodyguard." She 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 again. "That will be fine."

"I'll have him come later. Get some rest, love." I gave Layla a kiss on her cheek. Then we both walked over to Cris and Kam. "I need to get these toxic flowers out of here. He was brazen enough to bring those flowers to the nurse's station, insistent on bringing them in here to put his slimy hands on Layla."

"Sean, I'll give you a list of everyone whom I will allow to come 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 went ahead and bought her one - Marco, myself, and Mr. Toscano."

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

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

"Kam, the nurse actually 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."

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

Later that day.

It took us a little longer at the dealership, but that was okay. They got Layla the same exact white Escalade as Kam. I told Cris, "When Kam and Layla drive together, we are are going to be in trouble." Then Cris says, "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, Calabro families, my parents, Layla's parents and of course, Austin and Braelyn. She was even introduced to Jake and his girlfriend, Briana.

Cris stayed in the waiting room, while I headed to Layla's room. 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 hour period. 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 showed 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. She 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 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 will watch Braelyn for the two weeks."

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

******************************
One month later.

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

We also packed some bags so we could move in with Ryan. We got Sean a truck that he could drive around New York in. He offered to take Braelyn to school and pick her up. Sean and I also became good friends. He is a really nice guy. My mom helped me pick out a wedding dress. I didn't get anything fancy because Ryan said save that for April. So, I bought a very, pretty dress that was simple. He will like it. He really is going like what I got for our wedding night.

A few other surprises happened - Darlene and Tone are dating. Alicia and Dean are engaged. Their wedding is August of next year. I met Ryan's brother and sister. They both are really nice and happy for the both of us.

And, I signed with Marco's agent. I specified that any modeling shoots would have to be with either Marco, Tone, or Ryan. Or, by myself. And, that my family comes first. He understood and said he will work with what I wanted. Billboards immediately started going up for Karma Sports. And, when I come back from my honeymoon, I have an interview set up with a very popular talk show. I am really nervous about that, so Ryan and Marco said they would go with me.

Braelyn started school. Both Austin and I went with her on the first day. I cried like a baby because my baby is growing up. I am going to miss her being with me all day at work. Braelyn and Sean grew close too. He takes her to the park and even plays tea party with her.

Things appear to be going great.
******************************
Travel day for the wedding.

Ryan still would not tell me where we were going.

"All I am going to tell you is that you will love it, Layla. Before we leave the house, you have to put a blindfold on."

"Why do I have to wear a blindfold and for how long?"

"Your mom said you are nosy and you have to wear it the whole plane ride."

"Thanks a lot mom. What if I want to read or have to go to the bathroom?"

"Nope. You have to wear the blindfold and I will take your hand and lead you if you need the restroom."

I crossed my arms and started pouting. "Hmph, fine."

As Ryan was walking towards me, he said, "Keep pouting and our wedding night will be early."

I started backing up. "I'm not scared of you."

"Yes you are because you are backing up."

Of course I backed up into a wall. "Dang."

He placed both his hands above my head, against the wall. He looked down at me and said, "Now, what did you say?" He had this big smirk on his face.

He mugged my face with kisses and had me moaning. "I-I am n-not s-scared of y-you."

"Your stuttering and moaning says otherwise. Jump. How about a preview?" He started squeezing my butt.

"How about 'no?' 'Jr' can enter the temple tomorrow night. Now, how about you put me down? We have to go soon."

"Um, how about 'no?'"

"I'll give it to you that you are a determined guy. Where are you carrying me to?"

"The couch - because you seem to respond to tickling." I tried to wiggle out of his hold, but to no avail. Screaming didn't work neither. "Sean, little help here!!!"

"He is not here to help you this time, Layla. It's just you and me." He said the whole time while smirking.

"Ryan Alexander Meyers, put me down!!!!"

"Layla Danielle Jordan-Meyers, no I will not put you down. Oh, looks like we just made it to the couch."

I'm not going to hyphenate my name. It will be just Mrs. Layla Meyers. I love it already. I always vowed I would never do that. I will forever cherish my maiden name. But, being married is a new journey in my life. So, new journey comes with a new name." I laid my head on his chest so I could hear his heartbeat before he placed me down on the couch. He then proceeds to sit on me and start tickling me. "Now, are you willingly going to put on the blindfold?"

I couldn't take no more tickling because my stomach was hurting. "Okay! Yes, I will." My neck started hurting. "Ouch."

"Good girl. Layla, is your neck bothering you?"

He got off me and I sat up. "Yes it does. It feels like I am being stabbed."

"Listen, we can postpone our wedding night."

"No way! No way! No way! We have postponed it several times already. No more postponing. If we really had time, we could have had a wedding night rehearsal right now. But, I heard the door open. So, Sean is here and we need to go."

He was disappointed because once we land, we won't see each other until Saturday evening. That is when I will become Mrs. Layla Meyers.

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

Thank you all for reading chapter 15. The pictures and videos are courtesy of Pixabay, You-Tube, PNG Tree, and Can Stock Photos. And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘