At the very end, a sliding door opens to reveal Noah’s room. It’s nicer than any hospital room I’ve ever been in, more like a hotel, with a large bed, thick sheets and blankets, and low lighting. There’s a huge TV, fridge, a bathroom, and a wide couch and chairs facing a small table. Four leather chairs are placed around the bed, which holds Noah. He’s sitting up, and when his eyes land on us and he sees Mackie, he seems to slump in relief.
Mackie clutches my hand, a noise leaving his throat.
Noah smiles. “What? Not even a hug? That’s mean.”
With a cry, Mackie flings himself onto the bed, and Noah grunts but smiles as he wraps his arms around him. I let them have their moment, as does his father. I hear them whispering back and forth, but I don’t eavesdrop.
Eventually, Noah asks, “Dad, are you okay?”
His dad approaches, so I linger near the door, but Noah looks at me. “Conan, thanks for looking after them.”
“Always,” I reply as I tread closer. “How are you feeling?”
“My head hurts like a son of a bitch, but I’ll live.” He winces as he looks at his dad. “Sorry about spoiling your party.”
“You spoiled nothing,” he says as he holds his son’s hand. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Noah smiles, looking down at Mackie, who’s buried against his side. “Baby?”
“I’m mad at you,” Mackie mutters as he lifts his head, tears once more in his eyes.
“Mad at me? Why?” Noah’s eyes widen in shock.
“How dare you put yourself in harm’s way like that!” Mackie scolds, and it’s clear all his fear is now coming out. “It was stupid and reckless. Do you know how scared I was? I couldn’t carry you. I tried, but you were too big. I couldn’t even get help. Don’t you ever do that to me again!” A small smile grows on Noah’s lips until Mackie stops with a huff. “Don’t you fucking smile at me.”
“You’re so cute.” Noah sighs as he leans back. “I love you, Mackie.I’m sorry I scared you, but if you think for one second I wouldn’t jump in again, you’re wrong. I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”
Mackie deflates. “I love you too, you asshole.”
Noah laughs, but it ends on a groan as he winces and lifts his hand to his head. “Amanda?” he asks.
“We will take care of it. You just rest,” Noah’s dad murmurs.
“Okay, you’re staying, right?” He looks between Mackie and his dad.
“Of course, we wouldn’t go anywhere,” Mackie replies. “Like you could even get rid of us.”
For a moment, his eyes land on me. “Can you stay too and look after Mackie while I’m out?”
“Of course.”
“I’m a grown ass man. I can look after myself,” Mackie protests, but then he looks at me. “Please stay.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” I promise as I lay my hand on his shoulder.
FIFTY
We get as comfortable in the room as we can, since Noah will be staying. After a few hours, when our panic has lessened and we can breathe, his father and Conan go downstairs to get some food and pick up some essentials, but I refuse to leave Noah’s side.
I know I’m quiet, and I can feel him watching me as I play with his hand.
“Baby,” he murmurs. “Look at me.” When I don’t, his thumb tips my chin up. “I won’t say I’m sorry for getting hurt to protect you, but I am sorry it scared and upset you.”
“I was terrified,” I admit, my eyes burning with tears. They are swollen from crying so hard earlier. “You just crumpled.” Wiping at my eyes, I clutch his hand and press it against my cheek as I look at him. “You’re the biggest person I know, not just in stature, but your presence, and it was just gone. You were just . . . gone, and I was scared. I’ve never been so scared, not even when it comes to crashes or when my parents died. Watching you bleed out in my arms, knowing there was nothing I could do . . .” My eyes close as I lean into his touch.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, cupping my face. I absorb the warmth of his rough hands, the scent of oil never quite going away.
He’s here.
