The next night

Links POV

"Link honey you ought to be getting some sleep..." I heard my mom walk behind me in the hospital. I slumped in the plastic chair rubbing my eyes.

"You haven't slept in over 24 hours. That's bad for you sweetie..." I didn't take my eyes off Rhett.

"I'm fine...really..." I squeezed her hand tightly. She kissed me on the cheek.

"I'm going to the store do you need anything?" I stayed silent. She walked out of the room without another word. I sat with my elbows on my knees, twirling the beautiful engagement ring on my finger. I smiled weakly before placing my gaze back onto Rhett.

I jumped up when I heard the room door reopen. A small nurse walked in holding a basin and sponge.

"I'm just here to give mr McLaughlin his bath. Are you immediate family?" She eyed me up and down. I could see some form of hatred in his eyes. I lifted my hand and showed her the gleaming ring on my finger.

"His fiancé actually..." she nodded. "Would you mind if I did it?" She sighed and nodded, handing me the basin and soap before leaving. I filled the basin up at the sink before walking back over to the bed. I dampened the sponge and brushed it all over his torso. His head tilted to the side as he sighed loudly. I looked up at him and placed the basin next to him. I grabbed hold of his cold hand.

"Hey. I hope you can hear me. I just want to say that I love you so much and I can't wait to marry you and be your husband." I felt the tears roll down my face. Suddenly his hand gripped slightly tighter. I looked up and saw his eyes flicker open. I pressed the emergency button on the wall for the nurses.

"Rhett honey?" I grasped the sides of his face. I felt the tears drip down my face onto his. I smiled weakly as the nurses came running in.

"Mr Neal can you give us two seconds so we can remove the breathing tube and check his vitals?" I nodded and headed out the room. I took my phone out my pocket and dialled Rhetts mom.

"Hi mrs McLaughlin? Rhetts woken up! Just wanted to let you know so you can get to the hospital as soon as you can." I heard the sound of Rhett gagging and retching as a nurse came out of the room.

"Is he ok?" She smiled and nodded.

"It's just a reaction to having the tube being removed from this threat. He'll be fine in a few minutes." I paced outside the room. After a further ten minutes the other nurse came out.

"You can go in and see him now." I nodded and pushed passed her. He was sitting upright on his bed, looking weak but happy.

"Hey..." he held his hand out to me. I walked over and pulled up a chair next to him.

"How you feeling?" He grasped my hand.

"Tired. My leg hurts. Everything hurts." I looked over and saw a sick basin.

"Did you throw up when they took the tube out?" He nodded. I ran my fingers through his hair.

"It's ok honey. Once those nurses get you all checked then I think you are maybe able to come home. Your mom and dad are on their way." He smiled.

"So I guess my leg is going to be stuck in this cast for the next while huh? Did the police find Kay?" I shook my head.

"I've not had any word from the police but they'll find him." Rhett focused on my hand.

"You've got the ring on." I sighed.

"My mom told me what you were going to do the other day..." he took the ring off my finger and held it properly in his hand.

"Now that I'm finally awake there's something I want to ask you..." he slipped it onto my finger.

"Charles Lincoln Neal the third....would you do the honour of becoming my husband?" I kissed him heavily.

"Does that answer your question?"