Piece By Piece

By Renee Blumhorst

When tragedy strikes, country music singer Macy is forced to return home to Branson, Missouri.  Wishing nothing more than to leave the past behind her, Macy is forced to face a pact she had made years ago.

Matt has waited for Macy to return to him.  Willing to not only be the friend she needs, but the man to lean on, Matt confronts Macy with the marriage pact they had made.  

Proving his love for her is one thing, willing to put her back together just to let her go again is another.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bear Creek Books LLC
• Release date: May 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223043829

Renee Blumhorst

Renee has been an avid reader all her life.  Now she is weaving her own tales to tell her fans.  When Renee is not writing, she can be found working alongside her husband on the family farm or curled up with a book. Follow her on Instagram at Facebook- Author Renee Blumhorst.  authorreneeblumhorst.blogspot.com

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Prologue

Nashville, TN

Beep.....Beep.....Beep

A steady beeping noise drew Macy from a deep sleep.  While trying to command her eyes to open, she took in the sounds around her.

Where am I?

It almost sounded like she was in the hospital.  Macy tried lifting her right hand to rub her eyes, but pain in her arm stopped her before she could move it far.

Mace?  A male voice sounded from a distance.  She felt someone take ahold of her hand when the voice continued.  Squeeze my hand if you can hear me.

Not only could Macy hear that voice, she recognized it.  Turning her head toward the voice, she again attempted to open her eyes.  Through slits, a man slowly came into focus.  Evidently she was lying flat on her back because he was leaning over her.  As his face came closer, blocking the bright lights on the ceiling, she could see his dark green eyes were filled with worry.

Matt?  Her voice sounded raspy to her.

Matt ran a hand lightly across her forehead then reached for her hand again.

Good to see those pretty blue eyes again.

What are you doing here? Why am I in the hospital?

Matt studied Macy’s face before answering.  You still have me listed as your emergency contact.  Do remember what happened?

Closing her eyes, Macy forced her mind to clear.  I remember driving in my car.  I was on my way to meet the tour bus. Memories came flooding back.  Her eyes flew open and her heart started pounding.  A car ahead of me slammed on his brakes.  I didn’t have a way to escape.  I slammed on my brakes and hit the car.  The last thing I remember is getting thrown forward and my seatbelt digging into my shoulder.

Matt gently wiped away the tears running down Macy’s face.  Before he could say anything though, a doctor entered her room.  He walked across the room and stood on the opposite side of the bed from Matt.

Good evening Ms. Thomas.  I’m Dr Rayne.  It’s nice to see you awake.

How long have I been out?

About thirty-six hours.  You suffered a significant blow to the head when you hit the steering wheel.  The seatbelt cracked a couple of your ribs, but saved you from hitting the windshield.

Dr Rayne continued talking about how lucky Macy was to be alive.  As he continued talking, she couldn’t help but think something wasn’t being said.  That gut feeling and the fact Matt refused let go of her hand since she woke up prompted her to speak.

Why do I get the feeling you haven’t told me everything?  What is it?

Instead of answering, Dr Rayne moved to the foot of the bed and uncovered Macy’s feet.  Not taking his eyes off of her face, he asked.  Can you feel this?

Confusion clouded Macy’s face as she watched Matt, who was still leaning over her.  Feel what?  You’re not doing anything.

Wiggle your toes for me.

A moment passed and her toes never moved.  With a sigh, Dr Rayne covered her feet back up.  He moved again to the side of the bed, opposite of Matt.  Your spinal cord was severely injured in the accident.

How severe?  Her voice came out whisper soft.

According to the CT scan, your spinal cord was damaged at the L1 vertebrae in your lower back.  Now that you are awake we can run more tests.

What kind of tests?  Will it heal by itself?  Will I be able to walk?  With each question, Macy’s chest tightened, her voice became louder and her eyes grew large with fear.

Macy.  Matt squeezed her hand, drawing her attention away from the doctor.  Breathe, honey.  One step at a time.

To answer your questions. Dr Rayne began.  "Unfortunately, no.  The spinal cord cannot heal itself.  Surgery will not help either.