I watch the exchange between Heather and my brother, and I can't help laughing. I know Jacob recognizes a familiar character in her. Karen. I know he remembers Karen and loves Heather in the same way. But it's different for me. The nurse leaves and Jacob pretends to have his attention on something out the window, while Heather comes to sit next to me on the bed. I'm not hooked up to any of those machines anymore. I still have an IV line in my arm, and I really want something to eat and drink, but I need to talk to Heather first.

"Happy to see me?" I ask, taking her hand in mine. "Dang, my arms feel heavy as steel."

"Of course I'm happy to see you," she says, leaning her head on my shoulder. "This is the last heart attack we're having, right? Because I don't think I can take another blow."

"God never gives us more than we can handle, remember?"

"I know, but . . . Why did we have to go through that then? I thought . . ."

"I know what you thought," I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head. "I saw and heard everything, Heather. I watched you shed your tears and pray at my bedside. I watched you while read that journal and all I wanted was to show you that everything would be fine in the end. But I couldn't. Heather, watching you like that broke my heart."

She hides her face in my chest. I can feel her shaking. She cries softly. I close my eyes, taking deep breaths.

"I'm crazy about you," I whisper, tugging Heather to lie back with me.

Her head stays on my chest.

"Did I mention my arms feel heavy as steel?" I ask, trying to gain some reaction.

I can tell Heather doesn't want to say anything. She's enjoying the fact that I'm alive. That I'm here.

"Steel?" Jacob smirks, shaking his head as he turns his attention to me. "Bro, what do you mean your arms feel heavy as steel?"

"Exactly that," I reply, laughing softly. "I've been out of my body for so long, I feel like I've gained a couple hundred pounds."

Heather sits up just enough to look at me. Her copper-brown hair cascades down her back. Beautiful.

"You . . ." she hesitates, but I can see the realization in her eyes, so I nod. Her smiles lights up her face as she looks over at my brother. They exchange a nod, as if having a mental understanding. Heather then looks back at me, but before she can say anything, the door swings open and in walk my parents. Mom sobs with relief and is at the bedside hugging me instantly. Dad is hugging us both a moment later.

After reuniting with my parents and a few prayers of thanks, the nurse ushers my family from the room. Everyone, except Heather. She had gotten off the bed when my parents came in. Now she returns to her spot and nuzzles into my side. I wrap my arms around her.

"I can't seem to stop," I whisper, kissing her forehead.

"You've become quite the master of PDA upon waking up," she replies, tilting her head back. "I'm so glad you awake, Daniel."

Tears brim her eyes. I close my eyes and lean my forehead against hers. In this position, I have one of my arms around Heather's shoulders. My other hand is tangling in her hair. I feel her arms wrap around me.

"I thought I kicked everyone out."

Without my forehead actually moving away from Heather's, I glance to where the nurse stands in the doorway with one hand on her hip and a clipboard in her other hand. I grin and wave her away with my hand before returning to my original position. Heather doesn't move and my nurse doesn't force her to either. I rock us gently, remembering that I am supposed to be resting.

"I love you," I whisper when I hear the door close once more.

"I love you too," Heather whispers back. "But you already knew that."

"Maybe . . . But sometimes, the only way you are going to know things, you've gotta speak up and ask. Ask, seek and knock, remember?"

"I know . . . So, what happens after you get home? You gonna kick me out of your room?"

I grin, "I'm afraid I have to, but I hope that won't stop you from coming over . . . and going out to dinner with me."

I kiss her. Just a peck. It's all I need.