AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Did you? I was pretty sure she did.”
I shrugged. “I’ll take credit anyway.”
We were quiet for a minute.
“It means a lot. All that you’ve done.” I waved my hand around.
“Penelope’s recovery is of utmost importance.”
“I don’t need to tell you this, but I will anyway. Hold on tight to your family. You are the most silent bastard I’ve ever met, but you need to open that mouth sometimes and tell them how you feel.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Vivian rounded the conference table and kissed her husband’s head. “But he’s getting better.”
He softened under her touch.
I’d never understood how she’d changed him. Alma had turned me into a bitter man. The people I’d seen doing anything to protect the people they loved . . . in my jaded mind, I was certain it would end in disaster.
But JoJo had made me see exactly why Daniel Elliott was the way he was toward his wife.
She’d wrapped me around her finger in just a couple weeks.
“Zegas is trying to kick us out of here,” Elliott said.
Vivian used a glare I was fairly certain she’d learned from him. “You need support here.”
“Go get some rest,” I insisted. “I’ll think of lots you can do for us tomorrow.”
“Promise?” she asked, completely serious.
Did I promise to look after myself and get rest? Had I ever heard such thoughtful words before? Yes, from JoJo. From Nancy. I had no idea how I’d done it, but it seemed I had more people in my corner than I realized.
“Promise.”
She hugged me hard. “Muriella is saying extra prayers for Penelope.”
Somehow it brought me comfort that other people were praying for my daughter’s recovery too. It made me feel not so alone.
Daniel shook my hand. “See you tomorrow.”
I dropped back into my chair and looked around the empty room. So much for not being alone.
Quiet had never really bothered me all that much.
Now it gave me too much time to think. To worry. To be uncertain.
I didn’t want to keep JoJo from Penelope. Our daughter needed her mother. Was it good for JoJo to see her in such a condition? Was it too much? Too traumatic?
And how was Penelope doing?
I was so proud of her for fighting. She was in there somewhere, giving it her all to get back to us.
I’m worried about the head trauma.
“Me too, Barn. Me too.”
What if Penelope’s quality of life was significantly diminished?
Stop it, Kane. Be positive.
