When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117 The Awakening

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“Shauna, both patients have been stabilized. They only need to remain in sterile isolation for twenty–four hours. If they pass the critical window, they’ll be safe. But absolutely no visitors in the meantime–no risk of infection.”

Shauna exhaled in relief. That meant the surgery had been a success. She dismissed the specialists to rest next door, telling herself over and over that since the doctors said Natalie and Yvonne were stable, then they were stable.

Word spread quickly. The children came rushing.

“Shauna, how’s my mommy?” Susie’s voice trembled, her little eyes wide with fear.

Sean didn’t speak, but the worry in his gaze pierced like a blade.

Shauna repeated the doctors‘ words patiently. “You two must be good. It isn’t time to see her yet. Wait until she’s stronger, then you can visit.”

Sean’s frown deepened. “Where’s Papa?”

Shauna’s tone softened. “Mr. Gunn’s in the safe house. His body gave out when he came out of surgery–he spiked a fever from overwork. He hasn’t rested properly since Ocean City. His body was warning him to stop.”

The children fell silent for a long moment. Then Sean said firmly, “We want to see him.”

“Alright. I’ll take you.”

In the safe house, doctors had already diagnosed Baron’s condition–no grave danger, just extreme exhaustion. By the time Shauna brought the children, Baron was hooked up to an IV drip, still unconscious, his face pale but calmer.

“Don’t worry,” one physician assured. “What he needs most is rest.”

Shauna and the children finally let out the breath they’d been holding.

Baron slept for two full days and nights.

When his eyes finally opened, the world felt blurry.

“Mr. Gunn, you’re awake?” Shauna hurried to him.

Baron blinked, then all at once memory slammed back. He bolted upright. “Natalie! How is

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Chapter 117 The Awakening

she?”

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“I’ve arranged specialists. She’s stable–already awake. But with the grafts, she can’t move yet.”

Shauna’s own face bore exhaustion, dark circles bruising her skin. Baron noticed. He passed her a small vial.

“Take this, then rest. From here, I’ll handle things.”

“Alright. But please, Mr. Gunn, take care of yourself too.”

Shauna bowed out, leaving him.

Baron pushed himself up, steady now, and left the safe house.

At Natalie’s sterile room, he found the children inside, chirping to her as she lay swathed in bandages. The sunlight slanted across the scene, gilding them all in gold.

A warmth settled in Baron’s chest. This—this peace–was what he longed to hold.

He lingered at the door, just watching.

Sean spotted him first, his eyes lighting up. “Papa, you’re awake!”

Natalie’s gaze whipped to the door. Beneath the wrappings, only her eyes were visible, and they glistened with sudden moisture.

When she had first woken, Baron hadn’t been there. Shauna had told her he’d collapsed after bringing in Witch Doctor to save her, had even shown her a photograph of him sleeping in the safe house to prove he was alive. She had clung to that picture, waiting–one day, then another.

Now, at last, he was here.

She hadn’t realized until this moment how deeply rooted he had become in her heart. Not love–at least not yet–but importance. Dependence.

And just seeing him standing there, leaning lazily against the frame with that calm gaze,

steadied the storm inside her.

Susie wrinkled her nose at the silence between them. Too quiet. Too sticky–sweet.

She coughed loudly, tugged Sean’s sleeve. “I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.”

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