Page 26

Maybe, if Bea’s family can find something positive enough to laugh about while she’s in surgery, I don’t need to be as worried as I’ve let myself become. “Something funny?” My voice comes out scratchy, lack of use has made my throat dry. Reese lifts his gaze to mine.

“Someone from work checking in.”

“Oh, that’s nice. You told them about your mom?” I ask, slightly confused. Because of the regularly scheduled vacation, I knew he had at least a few more days before he was expected back to work. I guess he’s just a very diligent employee and everyone knows Bea’s not going to be back to one hundred percent in four days or less.

“Oh, uh, yeah. Trying to be proactive, you know?” Hospital lighting is harsh but the slight blush is hard to miss. “That’s good thinking.” I offer, deciding to leave it at that. I don’t know what that stuttering answer means but I’m in no position to push for more information.

I let the conversation drop and Reese doesn’t pick it back up, already refocused on his phone again. York is still gone, so I let my mind wander. I guess I'm, technically, out of a job. At least for the time being.

With all the chaos of her emergency, I haven’t given myself a chance to think about what happens once she’s out of surgery and discharged from the hospital but I would assume that Bea would be heading to some sort of rehabilitation center where food will surely be provided. Who knows what’s going to happen once Bea’s recovered. Could she return home?

While I think myself in circles, my hand slides into my pocket, rubbing against the business card resting inside. Just for a moment, I let myself daydream about the possibilities this card might offer me.

I’d never leave Bea, not if she needed me.

Thankfully, I don’t get to think about the what-ifs for much longer. York returns to the room, letting us know he got an update and Bea should be out of surgery within the next hour or so. So far so good, as he was told.

Depending on how surgery goes, I’ll need to decide on if and when to talk to York about the unexpected visitor from this morning.

Once we get word that Bea is out of surgery, Reese excuses himself to go call Mars and give them the update. York’s hands pull me tighter against his body, one hand sliding up to tilt my face up to look at him. Our lips are like magnets, crashing together as soon as they are close enough.

“Honey, I’m so glad you were here. I haven’t been able to thank you yet. I don’t know what would have happened if you weren’t there this morning.” York doesn’t pull back very far so that when he speaks, his lips bump against mine.

My heart swells. “Oh, York…” I’m so overwhelmed with so many different feelings that I can’t say anything more.

“I was so scared and you were right there like an angel. You don’t have to say anything but I just need you to know that you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” His voice cracks and I can’t stop tears from falling.

“I was so scared.” The admission comes out as a whisper, so quiet neither of us would have been able to hear it if there was any other noise in the room.

“Me too, honey. Everything’s going to be okay.” York reassures me with a soft kiss to my forehead. Realization hits me like a ton of bricks as we settle back into a comfortable silence, snuggled up together on the most uncomfortable chair this hospital could possibly offer.

I’m in love with York Snyder.

25

YORK

Once Mother is out of surgery and settled into a recovery room, Mars and his family join us at the hospital. Sybil has briefed the kids on how best to act while in a hospital, as soon as they arrive the little ones make their own space, coloring books and markers keeping them entertained.

Mother woke-up earlier and was happy to see everyone here for her, the way her eyes searched the room for Sage and how happy she was to see her on my lap was a surprise, but she drifted back to sleep shortly after that. I’m grateful that Mars or Sybil haven’t said anything about how close Sage and I have been while in the hospital.

Sage has grounded me and kept me calm more than anything while dealing with this whole unfortunate incident.

Mother has been in and out of consciousness all day. When she’s awake, we keep the conversation light but eventually the kids—as kids often do—start to get restless. I can’t blame them, I’m starting to feel restless as well.

It’s getting later in the day and I don’t think staying overnight is going to be the best option for any of us. I’ll confirm with Mother but I don’t think she’ll mind if I take myself home to rest and recuperate.

Reese packs up and heads back to my house with Mars and his family. Sage stays but, unfortunately, moves off my lap to go sit on the now vacant second chair. I must have drifted off for a moment, because I’m very surprised by Mother’s next question, “Oh, Sage! My dear, will it be too much trouble for you to stay in town while I’m recovering?” My head whips to the pair of them, my confusion mirrored on Sage’s face.

“Bea, I don’t know about that…” Sage's tone is cautious but there is a sparkle in her eyes that echoes my own excitement at the idea of Sage having a reason to stay in the same state as me.

“I’ll need you! I’m sure they’re going to send me to a care center, at least temporarily, and that food is going to be ass. I’m going to need you to sneak me your wonderful treats.”

“Mother!” I’m not going to protest anything that gets Sage to stay in the same state as me but hearing her swear like that is the cherry on top of this shock sundae the last twenty-four hours have been.

“Oh hush, darling. You’re not needed for this conversation.” Mother waves her hand like I’m an annoying bug. “Sage. I’d hate to ask this of you but I don’t think I’m going to be back to Arizona anytime soon. I’m sure this is too much to ask but I can’t imagine—” Sage stops Mother, placing her hand on Mother’s arm.

“Bea, you don’t need to be worrying about that right now.” Mother opens her mouth to protest but Sage keeps talking, “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. We’ll get things figured out once you’re more settled.”