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Because I love her, I want to say, but he needs more than just that. I know him better than I know myself. Taking a deep, steadying breath, I step back, releasing him. My voice is low, strained. “Ameline has . . . she has a brain tumor.” The words are terrifying, and when I say them out loud, I realize how much it scares me to lose her.
I begin to tell him everything that’s happened to Ameline in the past days. Jude doesn’t interrupt me until I’m done.
“That’s a lot, but you didn’t need to marry her.” The skepticism in his voice bothers me.
“She wouldn’t accept my help any other way,” I counter.
“Mom’s not going to love this.”
I scoff, knowing well that Pria Decker is going to be pretty upset when she finds out what I did, and Dad will be right next to her, giving me the look of disappointment he’s perfected throughout the years. But this isn’t the time for that. At least not yet.
Jude’s reaction to my impromptu wedding just confirmed my fears and showed me how the family will react. There’s no way I’m going to submit Ameline to any of this when she needs to be stress free. For now, she’s just my roommate. We’ll give them the news later. A lot later, when she’s recovered, and I can handle their scrutiny.
“Which is why we’re not telling anyone,” I tell Jude.
“Really, you’re hiding your wife?” He crosses his arms. “I can’t wait to see how you’re planning on blocking the sun with one finger.”
It’s not that hard. I just need his help. “We’ll figure it out—I’m counting on you.”
Just then, Ameline approaches. Jude and I fall silent, our conversation halted by her arrival.
“Mom . . . she’s not doing well. She wants to see me,” Ameline says, her voice carrying a heavy mixture of sadness and resolve. “The doctors are recommending hospice care.”
I look at her, see the pain in her eyes, and feel a surge of protectiveness. “Let’s get you to her as soon as you’re ready,” I say softly, then turn to Jude. “Her mom is at Seattle Memorial. I’ll send you all the details. Can you get our people to figure out what’s next and ensure they give her the best care?”
Jude closes his eyes and nods. I understand he doesn’t approve, but I appreciate that he’ll support me. He salutes me. “I’ll be here for you.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Ameline
Walking into the hospital’s oncology ward, I can’t help but grimace. “Hospitals are officially on my list of least favorite places.” The harsh fluorescent lights do nothing to lift my mood.
Gabe glances at me with concern as we walk.“How are you feeling?” Gabe asks. “Did you take your medication?”
I give him a faint smile. “You’re adorable.”
“That doesn’t answer my question, Ameline.” Gabe’s tone is serious. He might seem like a very calm guy, but when it comes to my health and things that matter, he can get very bossy.
Knowing that he won’t drop the subject until I assure him that I indeed took my medications I nod. “You have to stop worrying so much about me. I’m totally fine and even brought my meds in case we stay for a long period.”
He smiles at me. “Good. Jude will bring some snacks while we figure out the setting,” he states.
At the mention of his brother, I bite my tongue, the memory of his conversation with Jude souring my stomach. I want to ask if he meant everything, he told his brother. Seemed like I’m just there because I have nowhere to go, and I need help. But admitting that I eavesdropped will lead to a discussion I’m not ready to have with him.
Not for now. Still, the bitterness lingers on my tongue. I don’t want to doubt his intentions, but did he marry me out of pity like Jude said?
Honestly, I need some alone time to think. Not only about him, but Mom too. She’s not going to make it. In fact, the doctor said she has only a few weeks to live. It’s like I just recovered my mother, but only to lose her again.
“You can go home,” I dismiss him. “Your brother is in town, and I assume you have a lot to catch up on. I’ll figure this out by myself.”
“Ame, we’re in this together,” he states, taking my hand. “I understand you have a hard time accepting help from others, but I’m your husband.”
Before I can protest, we arrive at Mom’s room. There are nurses and medical personnel moving things around. One of them glances at me. “Can we help you?”
“I’m Ameline Lewis, her daughter,” I state.
“Right, the doctor should be here soon. We’re waiting for instructions. Either moving her to the next wing so she can start hospice care or are you taking her home?”
