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“Good, I think. She’s really excited to meet the baby.” I give her an outline of what Libby had shared with me.
“Aww,” Serena sighs. “Sounds like she doesn’t want to fly too far from the nest?”
“Maybe. At least she seemed comfortable away from home. I barely heard from her.” Dex had distracted me this weekend. I didn’t check in on Libby as much as I normally would. I frown, unsure of what that says about me as a big sister.
“Well, that means she was having fun,” Serena says.
“I hope so.”
As if they have everything perfectly timed, Grayson pops a straw into one of the cups and puts it to Serena’s lips.
‘Thank you,” she whispers at him when she’s finished. She flicks her blue gaze my way. “I swear this kid’s sucking every ounce of liquid from me. Not just milk.”
“You already look like a pro,” I encourage.
I stay a little longer but then it’s clear Serena’s worn out. I squeeze her hand, wave goodbye to Lincoln, and leave. Grayson walks me into the hallway.
“She’s okay, right?” I whisper to him.
He nods quickly but his gaze strays to the room. “Yeah. Things were…rough for a while. Doctor just wants to keep her here a little longer. Make sure they’re okay.”
“How about you?” I touch his forearm. “Are you doing okay?”
He stares at me for a few seconds. “I’m good. I’ll be better once I have them settled safely at home.”
“Well, let me know if she needs anything. And as soon as you’re ready to have people over, I’ll be there. Libby and I can make you guys dinner or something. Give you a break.” I tap his elbow. “You’re taking good care of her, someone has to do something foryou.”
His hard expression melts and he actually smiles at me. “Appreciate that, Emily. I’ll definitely let you know.”
My phone buzzes, letting me know I need to leave if I want to pick Libby up from rehearsal on time. “I have to pick Libby up from school.”
“Are you two doing all right?” Grayson asks. “Need anything?”
“No. We’re good.”
His eyes narrow slightly. “Dex treating you all right?”
Why does my skin flare from my ears to my toes? Grayson’s not my dad but his question feels like a fatherly sort of inquiry. “Yes. He’s…he’s wonderful,” I gush like an infatuated teenager.
“Good.” He nods. “Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
A wail splits the air.
“Sounds like you’re needed.” I gesture to the room, but didn’t need to say anything. Grayson’s already hurrying to Serena’s side.
I hurry to the parking lot, texting Libby that I’m on my way.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
Dex
I siton my bike and stare at the rambling Empire Medical complex. Grinder asked me to visit and see the baby. After everything he’s sacrificed for the club, I can’t deny his request, no matter how much my body is screaming for me to get the fuck away from here.
Life is a series of choices. The wrong ones can change the course of your life and everyone you love. Indecision can also have severe consequences. No one knows that better than I do.
Still sitting on my bike, I study the key chain Libby gave me. I turn Lady Liberty over and over in my fingers, then stare at the hospital again. Libby’s about the same age my daughter would’ve been, isn’t she? Maybe a little older. My heart can’t do the math. Funny, in my mind I never picture Carrie as anything more than the tiny preemie sentenced to a short term in an incubator.
I slide my thumb over the shiny, bumpy surface of the small lemon charm. Like if I rub it the correct amount of time, some magical creature will appear and grant my wishes.
