Chapter 3: Chapter 3

ANGEL

~I’m in the barn. Coffee’s made, help yourself. I won’t be long. Nash.~

Angel smiled at the note beside the coffee pot as she poured herself a cup.

~Good~, she thought, ~now he can’t tell me to rest, and I can do something nice for him.~

Rooting around his fridge, she grabbed the eggs and bacon, then found the pans to start frying them.

She heard the front door open, and Moe came tearing into the kitchen just as she was buttering the toast.

“You really didn’t have to make breakfast.”

Angel pushed the plate toward him. “I wanted to. I need to make myself useful. It’s the least I can do to thank you for your hospitality.”

Nash placed his hat on the countertop and sat down. “It looks and smells great, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, handing him some coffee.

“The roads are clear, and I’ve already called the doctor. He says he’ll be happy to take a look at you. Says he’ll need to run a few tests.”

He took a bite of his food and rolled his eyes. “You see, we’re getting answers already. Now we know you can cook.”

Before long, the pair had eaten everything on their plates, and Nash was quick to jump up first and insist he did the washing up. Once Angel was dressed and back downstairs, they got ready to leave.

Moe wagged his tail and barked as Nash helped Angel into her coat.

“Sorry, buddy, you can’t come with us today.” Nash opened the door, the frosty air rushing indoors and over their cheeks. “You be a good boy until we get back.”

“Poor little guy,” Angel said, stepping onto the porch. “Will he be okay on his own?”

Angel’s foot went out from under her as she slipped on the ice. Before she hit the floor, she felt something catch her.

“Careful, now.” Nash scooped her up, one hand on her back and the other beneath her legs. “Heels have no place in this weather.”

“What are you doing?” She put her arm around his neck.

He let out a small chuckle. “It will be quicker getting to the truck this way. We’ll have to get you better footwear for this snow.”

Angel felt her cheeks starting to warm and was grateful the cold weather could explain this. He was so strong and had no trouble carrying her to the truck. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” He shut her door before climbing into the driver’s seat. “You look worried.”

“I’m scared about the tests the doctor is going to do. What if he finds something wrong, like brain damage or a tumor?”

After turning on the engine and cranking up the heat, Nash reached over and took her hand in his. “You’re worrying for nothing. I’m sure he won’t find anything wrong with you.”

She squeezed his hand back, not wanting him to let go, and he seemed reluctant to move his when he eventually did.

The town wasn’t far, but Nash drove slowly, careful to avoid any ice or snow still on the road.

The closer they got, the more people Angel saw walking by, all of them stopping to wave their gloved hands.

“You sure are popular.”

“It’s a friendly town. The hospital is just up ahead.” He pointed at a large building before turning into the parking lot behind it.

After getting out, he walked around the truck to help her out.

“You’re not going to carry me inside?” She winked at him.

He laughed. “I think even your heels can manage this tarmac. Might have to hold on to my arm though, in case it’s slippery.”

~Gladly.~ She slipped her hand through his folded arm and leaned her weight into his firm upper arm as he led her toward the sliding double doors.

Despite the hospital lobby being warm, and the floor being dry and smooth, she didn’t let go of him until they reached the front desk.

NASH

Doctor Carter had so many tests to run that Nash decided it was best to use the time to buy Angel some new clothes while she was at the hospital.

The nearest clothing store was just over the road, so he picked out boots that would keep her feet warm and dry in all this snow, along with a coat.

He also grabbed some jeans, tops, socks, and some bras and panties, and did his best not to blush when the clerk raised her eyebrow at him before running back to the hospital.

Walking into the room he’d left her in, he set the bags down. “Hey, how did it go?”

“Okay, I think. I’m just waiting for the doctor to come back with the results. What’s all that?”

Nash took out the boots and coat. “These will keep you warm.” He then put the other bag on the bed for her to go through.

Angel took out a pair of jeans and a pullover top. “How did you know my size?”

“I took a guess.”

“And these?” She holds up a bra and panties.

Nash felt his skin pimple. He cleared his throat. “I did wash yours, so I kind of knew the size. But if I got it wrong, we can take them back and exchange them.”

She checked the tag. “No, you got it right, thank you. I will pay you back for everything.”

The door swung open, squeaking on its hinges. “Nash, good to see you,” Doctor Carter said, shaking his hand. “Thanks for bringing Angel in to see me.”

The doctor turned to her, pulled his glasses onto the bridge of his nose, and glanced at the clipboard he was carrying. “All right, we got the results back, and it’s good news.”

Angel let out a sharp sigh.

“Your brain scans show no permanent damage, meaning your memory loss is likely attributable to acute retrograde amnesia.

“We will have to wait for the other test results to come back to confirm, but I feel confident in this diagnosis.”

“Oh, my God, does this mean I’ll never get my memory back?”

“No, dear, your memory will almost certainly come back. Unfortunately, I can’t say for sure when that will be. It could be days, weeks, or months.

“You may start to remember small things from time to time or it will all come back all at once.”

Angel played with her fingers, digging her nails into the palms of her hands. “Is there anything I can do to speed things along?”

Doctor Carter put a hand on her shoulder. “My suggestion is to relax and just try to be patient.”

Nash grabbed Angel’s hand and gave her fingers a quick squeeze. “Can I take her home now, Doc?”

“Yes, except for the goose egg on your forehead, you’re as healthy as a horse. Ice it a few times a day and the swelling will go down.

“If you have any other problems, suffer any headaches, or have trouble sleeping, come back and see me. It was a pleasure meeting you, miss.”

Without letting go of her hand, Nash waited until Doctor Carter was out of the room before sitting on the bed next to Angel.

“You will get your memory back, and the sheriff is working on finding out who you are. Please try not to worry.”

“I know, thanks.”

“Get dressed, and let’s get out of here.”

“C-can we stay in town a little longer?” Angel looked into Nash’s eyes. She was almost pleading with him. “I know Moe is waiting for you, and the horses, but I could really use a distraction.”

Nash rubbed his hand over his face. “I was hoping to spare you this, but my parents have asked us to stop by their place. They’re dying to meet you.

“If you really don’t want to go back to the ranch yet—”

Angel jumped out of the bed and grabbed some of the clothes out of the bags. “Let’s do it.”

For a moment, Nash and Angel stared at each other. He felt his cheeks starting to blush again when she started to rub her shoulder and glanced around the room, averting his eyes.

“Everything okay?”

“Erm, maybe you could wait outside until I change?”

“Oh, God, I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” He spun on his heel and jogged to the door. “I’ll just be right outside the door, just shout out when you’re done.”

After closing the door, he leaned his forehead against it and shut his eyes. ~Nice one, Nash, you idiot.~

***

Ten minutes later, Nash and Angel were back in his truck, driving through town, down a side road, away from the shops and toward the residential houses.

“Thanks again for these clothes, Nash,” Angel said, tugging on the hem of her pullover and running her gloved hands over her jeans.

“I’m just pleased they fit.”

“Hey, Nash! All ready for Christmas?” someone called out from the street.

“You betcha, Kenny.”

Angel leaned in closer. “Is everyone always this jolly and friendly?”

“Yes, but especially at this time of year. This town loves this holiday. Everyone makes a big deal out of it.”

“I can see that,” Angel said, pointing at the decorations overhanging the road and the lights twinkling in the windows on all sides.

“The people here have this theory that, every Christmas, one person gets a miracle from the Christmas angel.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Miracle? What kind of miracle?”