Then Macy turns to Rebekah. “Mom? What do you think?”
Rebekah hasn’t moved, letting her oldest daughter get her licks in. But when she speaks, her voice is clear.
“She’s always been the one who stays,” she says. “Through every hard thing. When her father left, she stayed with her sisters. With me. And then she stayed with you. With yourmess.”
The last part hits like a direct shot—but it’s fair.
“Even when you pushed her away, she still packed a bag and got on a plane. She chased you, even when you told her not to. She loves harder than anyone I’ve ever known.”
“I know,” I say, my throat tight. “I don’t deserve it. But I want to. I’ll never forgive myself for making her feel like she had to chase me. I’ve always been hers.”
She stands from her chair and steps forward, close now, her eyes locked on mine.
“You don’t get to run next time,” she tells me. “Not when it’s hard—because it will be. Not when you’re grieving—because you will again. And not when you’re scared—because that’s life. It’s always scary.”
“Never again,” I promise.
Her gaze stays with me for a moment longer. Then, finally, she nods.
“Okay,” she says. “You have my blessing. But she still gets the final say.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Macy sniffs and rolls her eyes. “God, this is actually romantic.”
Makenna mutters, “If she says yes, I’m going to have to start beingniceto you.”
And I smile for the first time since I got back to the hospital.
“I’ll take my chances…sis.”
Chapter forty-nine
"Deep End" - I Prevail
Mia
It’s a relief to be moved out of the ICU, but the regular hospital room is an upgrade in the loosest sense.
I still hurt everywhere, still rely on pain meds to keep the edge off, but at least I’m not scared I’m going to die anymore. There are still those buzzing fluorescent lights and a sterile kind of stillness—but no ventilator. No tight visitor restrictions. No constant machine humming to remind me how close it had been.
Rylee had swung by earlier to drop off a stack of magazines I didn’t ask for but she swore they would “promote healing.” Macy had left a giant vase of sunflowers that completely swallowed the side table. Now, everyone else has gone off in search of dinner that doesn’t come with a side of despair and plastic utensils.
It’s a little surreal to think about my mom and sisters having a meal with the band—plus Jake, Rylee, and Johanna. I picture Jake proudly presenting his clipboard, explaining how he keeps the trains running on time and that yes, the clipboard isessentialto the entire operation.
I can’t help but laugh to myself as I also picture their responses. Makenna’s judgemental eyebrow, thinking,is this guy serious?Macy asking if it comes in pink. My mom politely pretending to be impressed as the band, Rylee, and Johanna stifle laughter.
I catch myself wishing I could be there to see it all unfold when a soft knock sounds at the door… and Grayson walks in.
His dark hair is a mess. He hasn’t changed clothes since the last time I saw him in my ICU room. His eyes are still tired, rimmed red around the edges, making them look even more impossibly blue—but they still find mine like they always have.
“Hi,” he says with a soft smile, hovering in the doorway as if he’s waiting to be invited in.
“Hey,” I say, aching for him to close the distance between us—because I can’t. “I thought you’d be at dinner with everyone.”
“And leave you to eat hospital food alone? Never.” He steps inside, eyes soft and relief painted all over his face. “God, it’s so good to hear your voice.”
He pulls a chair beside the bed and sits, close enough that I can feel the air shift. I reach out for his hand, and he takes it without hesitation.
