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"Absolutely." His lips just brush mine for a second, but I can feel my spirits lift.
"I'll see you soon," I promise.
Lifting Solana up and cradling her in my arms, I make my way to the ambulance.
The ride to the hospital is a blur. My mind is consumed with worry for Solana and the other children. Dare's words replay in my mind, "everyone made it out alive," but the fear of what could have happened is still overwhelming. I hold Solana close to me, trying to soothe her. Her little body trembles with each cough and I feel helpless. Finally, we arrive at the hospital and I carry Solana inside, following the medical staff to the pediatric ward. She's admitted immediately and given an oxygen mask while they run tests.
I sit by her bedside, holding her hand and watching her sleep. The minutes tick by slowly until finally, Dare arrives.
He looks tired, his suit wrinkled and his hair disheveled, but he still manages to look breathtakingly handsome. I feel a pang in my chest as I take him in, realizing how much he means to me now. I never thought I could fall for the man who forced me into marriage, but here we are.
"Is she okay?" he asks, his voice low and hoarse.
I nod, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. "She's stable for now. They're still running tests to see if there's any damage to her lungs."
Dare takes a deep breath and sits down beside me, his hand finding mine and holding it tightly. He kisses my knuckles. "Thank God. I was so worried."
I can see the genuine concern in his eyes. I reach my arms out to him and he responds by beckoning me closer, wrapping me in a warm embrace. I don't resist and bury my face in his chest, inhaling his scent and feeling his arms wrap around me protectively. We sit like that for a while, holding each other.
Doctors and nurses rush past the door of the room, their hushed voices blending into a chorus of anxiety.
Eventually, Solana falls asleep in her room. I pace the floor, hands clenched around my swollen belly as if I can shield our baby from the anguish ripping me apart. Dare sits with his head in his hands, elbows propped on knees.
"Have you seen Aunt Minnie?" I ask.
"She's here. I saw her. She's caring for another kid."
I nod. "That sounds like the Minnie I know."
He reaches for my hand and I cling to his fingers, drawing strength from his touch.
The memory of Solana's blistered skin and rasping cries haunts me.
The door swings open. A doctor in blue scrubs searches the room, concern etching lines in her forehead. "Are you Solana's family?"
Dare and I stand up, as if that makes us more official. "Yes, we're here for Solana." My heart jackhammers against my ribs.
"Solana suffered severe smoke inhalation and minor burns, but she's stable now."
Tears blur my vision. Thank God.
The doctor smiles gently. "She's a fighter. She's going to be here for about twenty four hours, then I'll release her to you. If you want to come with me, I will walk you to her room. You can stay with her if you want."
Dare is on his feet and already ushering me into the hallway. “We’re ready.”
Dare squeezes my hand and I breathe again. Solana is like family to us; it just took this act of God for us to realize it, I think.
"Thank you," I say, trying not to cry.
Dare refuses to leave Solana's side so I bring him coffee and sandwiches, coaxing him to rest when I can.She has nightmares and Dare sits beside her in the bed, stroking her hair.
At one point, she wakes up from a bad dream, her fingers clutching at Dare's chest. She is in the space between sleep and wakefulness and seems to be in the grip of utter terror.
"I'm going to be alone!" she shouts.
I move to shush her but Dare kisses the top of her head.
"You'll never be alone, Solana," he swears. "Never."
