Page 43 of Wounded Hearts

“How are they?” Celeste asked.

Lauren sat next to Drew. “The bleeding has stopped, and the baby is fine.”

Drew felt and heard the audible sigh of relief everyone gave at the news. He felt a shudder go through Mara as she leaned in closer to him, her hand on his heart.

“Oh, thank god.”

“Thank fuck for that.”

“Jace is going to stay with her. They want to keep her in hospital overnight to keep an eye on her.”

“Did they say what caused it?” Mara asked and he knew there was more to her question than simple inquiry.

“No, they say these things happen.”

Mara and the others accepted it but Celeste who was sitting beside Lauren flinched and he didn’t miss it and neither did his sister. Lauren was keeping something from them.

“We should probably let the others know she’s okay. Lizzie will be losing her mind and so will Megan.” Lauren moved to stand and swayed.

Drew reached out to steady her. “You okay?”

“Yes, just tired is all.” Drew could feel Mara’s gaze on him and knew she had questions about what had just happened.

“Why don’t I take you home?” Evelyn said after she’d spoken with Roz.

“Thank you,” Lauren murmured.

Drew stood as well. “Let me walk you out.” He turned to Mara. “Are you okay with Zin and Celeste for a moment?”

“Yes, of course.” She offered him a smile and he saw the relief in her eyes that Lucy and her baby would be okay.

Drew went with Lauren to the hospital exit, her arm in his for support. Whatever she’d done had taken it out of her in a big way.

“I’ll bring the car closer,” Evelyn said and ran off.

Drew looked at Lauren. “Talk to me.”

“A minute later and I wouldn’t have been in time,” she choked out.

“Will the baby be okay now?” he asked as he held her upper arms in his.

“Yes, but it was so close, Drew. If you hadn’t called me, I don’t think the baby would have made it.”

“Do you know why?”

“No idea, but everything looks perfect now from what I could tell. But I need to get home and rest.”

“Of course. Does Jace know?”

“I think so, from the way he was looking at me as I worked, he was listening to my thoughts.”

“He’s terrified.”

Lauren lifted her hand and stroked his face. “I know. But you need to go look after Mara. This will have been hard on her.”

“We’ve already spoken about it.”

Lauren smiled then. “You have the kindest heart, Drew, and the purest soul. Mara is lucky to have you.”

“I’m lucky to have her. She’s helped me so much the last few days with coming to terms with what my mum wrote in her letter.” He’d called his sister earlier and told her about the letter, needing to be rid of the guilt that weighed so heavy.

“I’m glad for you. I want that for you. To have someone who loves you and appreciates you for the man you are.”

Lauren turned as the car pulled in close and he helped her inside, watching as they drove away before making his way back to Mara. After today, he needed to be honest with her about everything and if Zack didn’t like it, then tough.