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“Shane, your grandfather’s en route.” The Texas drawl in the male voice barely registered with Alyssa as she watched Sebastian disappear through a restricted-access entrance. “Father’s already been in contact with the hospital administrator and Mother’s prepping to assist the surgeon. He’ll pull through this, Shane.”
“Of course he will.” Shane’s arm tightened around her, though, holding her to his chest. “He’s too damned stubborn not to.”
It was then Alyssa lifted her gaze to stare at the man beside him. Several years older, he could have actually been Sebastian’s twin, they looked so much alike. She would have suspected he was the mysterious Lucien if it hadn’t been for the Texas accent.
“Alyssa, this is my brother, Murphy Connor,” Shane introduced them. “Behind him, my father, Gavin, and my sister, Lark. Our mother, Francesca, is with Sebastian in surgery.”
“Francesca.” Alyssa nodded. “I met her a few years ago. Hello, Gavin.” She smiled back at the black-haired giant she’d met just after her marriage along with Shane’s mother. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You as well, my dear,” Gavin assured her, that Texas drawl so similar to Shane’s. “Take her to meet Sebastian’s parents, Shane—”
“We’ve met, about five years ago.” Alyssa eased from Shane’s hold as Sebastian’s parents moved closer. “Tabitha. Alberto.”
“My dear.” Tabitha had been crying. Her eyes were red, her cheeks wet, as she embraced Alyssa gently. “You are as pretty as always. Sebastian chose well, did he not, Alberto?” Stepping back, she made room for Alberto, who embraced Alyssa with gentle warmth.
“He chose very well.” Alberto smiled before glancing to Shane. “As did you, Nephew.”
“They chose very well,” Shane’s father agreed from his side.
“Alyssa.” A familiar voice drew her gaze as another of Sebastian’s family members stepped to the group.
“Lucien.” Surprise filled her voice as the tall, black-haired older version of Shane strode toward her. “I wondered if you were here as well.”
Wrapping his arms around her in a firm embrace, Lucien De Loren patted her shoulder gently before easing back. “Ah, as always, my dear, you are a gentle light within the darkness,” he complimented her.
“And you’re still a poet in denial,” she responded, her voice husky as she stared at Shane’s and Sebastian’s families fondly. “It’s good to see you again.” Her lips trembled. “I only wish—”
“As do we, darling,” Tabitha assured her as Alyssa drew in a deep breath as emotion threatened to swamp her. “I know my ’Bastian, though. He’ll be grumbling like the horrible patient he is and informing us all it is time for him to go home before we know it. He’s strong, that son of mine.”
Alyssa looked around curiously. “Is Sebastian’s grandfather here?”
“He’ll be here soon,” Alberto sighed. “Knowing Sebastian has been wounded, we cannot keep him away. Be warned, though, he is difficult.”
Alberto sighed. “The jet returned to Barcelona to pick him and ’Bastian’s sister, Angel up. They will be here sometime tomorrow, the pilot assured us. He’ll drive us all crazy. Sebastian especially.”
Alyssa nodded, glancing toward the doors Sebastian had disappeared through as she heard her father and Landra greet the family members.
Shane’s mother, a premier trauma surgeon, was with Sebastian, Alyssa reminded herself. She didn’t know why the family had shown up, but she was thankful they had.
She’d met them all at one time or another. None of them had mentioned knowing about her, but she’d sensed they had. Their quiet warmth, the familiarity in their gazes, had been unmistakable.
She glanced toward the doors again. What she wouldn’t give to be able to turn back time to keep this from happening.
“This wasn’t your fault, Alyssa.” Her father moved to her then, reaching out to touch the side of her head in a soft caress. “You couldn’t have stopped it.”
“I can’t bear this.” She shook her head, the guilt tearing at her. “I can’t bear for him to be gone because of me.”
“Alyssa, this is not your fault,” he repeated firmly. “Stop taking the guilt of every action on your own shoulders.”
Alyssa shook her head, feeling Shane’s arm tighten around her, his warmth sinking inside her.
She’d already lost so much, had to wait so long. She was tired of waiting, tired of holding herself back to ensure the men she loved had the time they needed to return to her. She’d followed her heart, followed a dream, and she’d waited.
“I’m okay, Dad,” she said, swallowing tightly, feeling as though she were smothering amid so many concerned family members.
“Shane, Alyssa looks about ready to fall down. Let’s find a seat, get some coffee.” Gavin grimaced wryly. “Perhaps not good coffee, but coffee all the same.”
Someone had taken the time to ensure it was good coffee. Several fresh pots along with sugar and a variety of creamers had been placed in the private waiting room they were shown to by a young nurse.
