“That’s pretty much all of it,” Sienna said with a sigh. “I’m useless.”
“You got him here.” Emily shrugged as she began filling in the little boxes. “That counts.”
“But Jase is with him now. He doesn’t need me.”
“I don’t know why either of your parents let things happen the way they did.” Emily placed a hand on her round belly. “I’d never cut my daughter off from her father, and if I tried, Jase would fight me every step of the way. It’s not fair that Declan didn’t fight for you.”
Sienna swallowed. “Yeah.”
“I was married before I came back to Crimson and reconnected with Jase.” Emily hugged the clipboard to her chest. “My first husband couldn’t handle being a dad to a child with special needs. When I left the East Coast, he went on with life like Davey and I never existed. He doesn’t call or check in. He’s gotten remarried and had another baby. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t admit to having an older son.”
“I’m sorry,” Sienna whispered automatically.
“Me, too, but mostly for my ex-husband. I never want my son to feel like it was his fault that his daddy didn’t want to be a part of his life.”
“Sometimes you can’t help that. What would you do if Davey wanted to pursue a relationship with his dad or if your ex tried to come back into his life?”
Emily inclined her head, as if weighing the question in her mind. “I’d allow it to happen, but I’d be there to support Davey and what he needed along the way.”
“My mom can’t stand the fact that I’m here.” Sienna reached out a hand, placed it on Emily’s arm and squeezed. “Your son is going to turn out great.” She gave a small laugh. “Unlike me. It’s obvious you want what’s best for him, and he has Jase, too.”
“You’re doing okay,” Emily answered.
“Other than the fact that I’ve upended your and Jase’s lives and quite possibly put my father in the hospital.”
“Other than that,” Emily agreed and pain speared through Sienna’s chest. “I’m joking,” Emily added quickly. “But things definitely took a turn toward more complicated today. Don’t let that scare you off.”
“Complicated has never been my favorite thing,” Sienna admitted.
“Stick around long enough and you’ll learn to appreciate it.”
Jase appeared in the waiting room at that moment. Emily set aside the clipboard and rose from her seat to move forward, throwing her arms around his neck. They stood together for several long moments, holding on to each other tight.
Sienna glanced over and met Cole’s dark gaze as he and Noah came to stand to one side of the couple. She could imagine holding on to him in that same way, and she felt a pang of envy that she might not get that chance.
“How is he?” she asked, rising from the chair.
“He’s stable,” Jase answered. He let go of Emily and moved toward Sienna. To her surprise, he leaned in for an awkward hug as relief filled her. “Thanks for getting help to him so quickly. The doctor says it might have saved his life.”
Sienna felt her mouth drop open, unsure of what to say in response. “I thought you’d blame me.” Immediately she knew that was the wrong response but couldn’t retract it now.
Her brother only shook his head. “He’s been on heart medicine for the past few years but isn’t good about taking his pill every day.”
He was giving her an out, but Sienna couldn’t allow herself to take it. “I fought with him. He was angry and upset.”
“You really must not remember much from our childhood,” he said, one side of his mouth curving. “Arguing is Dad’s love language. It would probably be easier if there was a bad guy in this situation, but we’re just going to have to deal with things the hard way.”
Emily peered around Jase’s arm. “You could use a little work on accepting kindness,” she told Sienna. “And not rushing off before dessert is served.”
“I’ll remember that for next time.” Sienna returned Emily’s smile, her heart swelling. The situation still wasn’t perfect, but somehow it seemed like she might be able to forge a relationship with her estranged family after all.
“Can we see him?” Emily asked, taking Jase’s hand in hers.
Jase shook his head. “He’s resting now. The doctor expects him out of ICU by this afternoon. They think he’ll only have to spend one night in the hospital, and we should be able to visit later today.” He met Sienna’s gaze again. “I’ll call you when we know more”
She nodded, blinking back tears she didn’t want anyone to see.
Cole stepped forward. “I’ll give you a ride back to Declan’s to pick up your car.”
