Echos of Montgomery

# Chapter Six: Waiting and Faith

Jacob walked back into the hospital, his heart thumping against his ribcage. The soft hum of fluorescent lights filled the empty corridor, broken only by the occasional sound of footsteps echoing down the halls. The ICU waiting room had been his post for what felt like an eternity, and he was certain that his legs could walk there on their own by now. He approached the small reception desk, and the nurse at the counter offered him a polite smile. She had gotten used to his presence over the last few days.

"Deputy Jacob, back again?" she asked gently as she signed him in to the visitor log and handed him a sticker, her eyes filled with compassion.

He nodded, giving her a weary smile in return. "Yeah, just... can't seem to stay away," he admitted, his voice almost a whisper. The nurse nodded, understanding more than her job required, and gestured towards the door leading into the ICU.

"She’s resting comfortably now. The doctors will be in to check on her soon," she said. Jacob thanked her quietly and stepped through the door.

The rhythmic beeping of the machines greeted him, each sound a small reassurance that Ella was still here. Jacob moved towards the chair by her bedside, sinking down into it, his gaze never leaving her face. Her red hair had been brushed back, and the cuts and bruises had begun to fade, but to him, she still looked fragile, as if a mere breeze could carry her away. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

The days blurred together as Jacob visited the hospital whenever he could, often Balancing his responsibilities as deputy sheriff and father to Nell was challenging, but Jacob made it work, carving out whatever time he could to be by Ella's side. He often found himself at the hospital early in the morning or late at night, slipping in for those precious moments when he could just be there for her. Each time he sat by her bedside and Jacob found solace in these small routines. He would sometimes bring flowers —a token of his hope for her recovery. He'd hold her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin, and tell her about the life they could have if she just woke up. The thought of a future, a second chance, kept him anchored. He had once been too scared to ask her to stay, but now, with her lying here so fragile, he realized how much he still wanted her in his life.

"Hey, Ella," he whispered, his voice rough. It was third day into her recovery, and each visit felt like an eternity. He hesitated for a moment before reaching for her hand. The warmth of her skin made his heart swell—proof that she was still alive. "I’m here. I’m not going anywhere."

The words were a promise, a vow that he would stay as long as it took. He traced his thumb over her knuckles, the gentle motion grounding him amidst the storm of emotions swirling inside him. He had always been the one to hold things together, the one who took care of everyone else, but here, by Ella's side, he allowed his walls to lower. It was just them—no badge, no responsibilities—just him and the woman who had always held his heart.

Jacob leaned forward, resting his forehead against their joined hands, closing his eyes as the exhaustion washed over him again. He remembered the girl she used to be—so full of life, her laughter always echoing in his ears. He thought about the day she had left Montgomery, the bittersweet memory of watching her drive away, the hope that she would find what she was looking for, but the aching knowledge that she was taking a part of him with her.

"I never stopped loving you," he whispered, his voice trembling as the words slipped out—an admission to himself as much as to her. He had waited ten years for this moment, and now that she was here, he was terrified that he might lose her all over again. The fear twisted in his chest, raw and overwhelming, like a tidal wave that threatened to swallow him whole. He squeezed her hand gently, as if trying to reassure both her and himself that he was here, that she wasn't alone. His emotions surged, a mixture of hope, love, and fear, and he fought to keep them under control, swallowing the sob that tried to escape his throat. "I need you to come back to me, Ella," he added, his voice barely above a whisper, his heart aching with every word.

A soft knock at the door startled him, and he looked up to find Louise standing there, her eyes red from lack of sleep and worry. She gave him a small, sad smile before stepping inside. "Jacob," she said, her voice barely audible.

He stood up, straightening as she approached the bed. She placed a hand on his arm, her gaze moving to her daughter. "Thank you for being here," she said, her voice cracking. "I don’t know what we’d do without you."

Jacob shook his head, his eyes back on Ella. "There’s nowhere else I’d be," he replied honestly.

Louise watched him for a moment longer, her eyes softening as she saw the depth of his feelings. She had always known how much Jacob cared for Ella, but seeing him here, day after day, she realized just how much he still loved her.

"And what about Nell? Is she doing okay?" Louise asked gently, her voice filled with both concern and compassion.

Jacob looked up at her, a small smile touching his lips. "She's fine. Mom's watching her, keeping her busy. I just... I haven't told her much yet really. Didn't want to worry her too much."

Louise nodded, understanding. "As much as you want to be here for Ella, your daughter needs her daddy too. Get some rest when you can."

Jacob sighed, his gaze returning to Ella. "I know. I just... I can't be anywhere else right now. But I promise, I'll try to get some rest. For Nell, and for Ella."

"She’s strong, Jacob," Louise said, her voice full of hope. "She’ll come back to us. I know she will. When I called her to come home, I didn't expect her to leave right after her shift. I thought she'd rest first, maybe take some time. If she had, maybe she wouldn't be here fighting for her life now. But I have to believe she'll pull through this. She’s always been a fighter."

Jacob swallowed hard, nodding. He wanted to believe that—needed to believe it. He reached out, placing a hand gently on Louise's shoulder. "This isn't your fault, Louise," he said softly, his voice steady. "Ella always did what she wanted, and this... this was just a freak accident. No one could have seen it coming." Louise gently touched Ella's forehead, her fingers brushing her hair back. Jacob watched the tenderness of a mother who had faced sleepless nights, praying for her child to come back to her. He could feel the strength of that love, that hope, and it gave him something to hold on to.

"Why don’t you get some air?" Louise suggested, her gaze meeting his. "You've been here every day. Get some rest, Jacob."

He hesitated, his eyes going back to Ella. Leaving her side even for a moment felt wrong, but he knew Louise was right. He needed to keep his strength if he was going to be there for her when she woke up. "Okay," he said softly, releasing Ella’s hand reluctantly. "But I’ll be back soon."

Louise nodded, a gentle smile on her face. "She’ll be waiting for you."

Jacob leaned down, pressing a kiss to Ella’s forehead, his lips lingering for a moment longer than intended. He stepped back, giving Louise a reassuring nod before walking towards the door. As he reached the hallway, he paused, taking one last look back at the woman who meant more to him than anything. He had faith—faith in her strength, in her will to come back to them. He just had to hold on a little longer.

Jacob found his way to the small garden at the back of the hospital—a place of solace amidst the tension of the ICU. He sat on a bench, the sun filtering through the branches above him, the warmth seeping into his skin. He closed his eyes, taking in the scent of blooming flowers, the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a moment of reprieve, a chance to breathe after days of worry and fear.

He took out his phone, staring at the screen for a moment before dialing a familiar number. It rang twice before his father picked up, his voice gruff. "Jacob, everything alright?"

Jacob sighed, his eyes closing. "Yeah, Dad. Just wanted to check in. How's Nell?"

Hank’s voice softened at the mention of his granddaughter. "She’s doing fine, son. Your mother’s got her playing in the yard. She's worried about you, though. We all are. You need to take care of yourself."

Jacob nodded, even though his father couldn’t see it. "I know. It’s just... there's so much pressure. I need to be at the hospital when she wakes up, but I also have my duties at the station while the sheriff is on leave. It's like I'm being torn in two, and I can't let anyone down."

There was a pause on the other end, and then Hank spoke, his voice filled with quiet understanding. "You still love her, don't you, son? I guess You always have."

Jacob swallowed hard, his throat tightening. "Yeah, Dad. I do. I never stopped. Remember when I told you I was going to marry her when I was twelve?" He let out a small chuckle. "She said no, of course." Hank's laughter came through the line, a mix of warmth and nostalgia. "Yeah, I remember that day. You were so sure of it, even after she turned you down."

His father was silent for a moment before he said, "Then you hold on to that, Jacob. She’ll need you when she wakes up. And we’re here for you too. Just remember that."

Jacob took a deep breath, feeling the weight on his chest lift just a little. "Thanks, Dad. I’ll be home later to see Nell. Give her a kiss for me."

"Will do," Hank replied softly. "Take care, son."

Jacob ended the call, his eyes still closed as he let the warmth of the sun and his father's words soothe him. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to keep him going—enough to make him believe that everything would be alright. He just had to keep waiting, keep having faith in the woman he loved, and in the possibility of their second chance.

He sat in the garden for a while longer, letting the peacefulness of the surroundings calm him. The chirping of birds, the gentle sway of the leaves, and the warmth of the sun—it was the closest thing to comfort he could find at the moment. His thoughts kept drifting back to Ella, to the memory of her laughter, her smile, and the way she always made everything seem brighter. He missed her, missed the way she used to light up his world, and he was determined to see that light again.

As Jacob walked out, he noticed the cafeteria down the hallway. His stomach grumbled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten all day. He decided to grab a coffee before heading back to Nell. As he waited in line, he couldn't help but think about Ella and the memories they shared. He knew he couldn't afford to lose hope. Not now.

The nurse came rushing through the Cafateria door, her voice puffed as she hurriedly called out to Jacob. He turned, startled, as she approached, her face flushed. "Deputy, she's awake. Ella is awake!"

For a moment, Jacob felt his world shift. The exhaustion, the fear—all of it melted away as hope surged through him. He stood there, frozen in disbelief, before a smile broke across his face. He nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Thank you," he managed, his voice thick with emotion.

Without another word, he turned and headed back towards the hospital, his heart pounding with anticipation.