His eyes hold mine, but they’re still brimming with concern.
“What did the doctor say?” Sinclair asks.
“That rest is needed. Time to let the lungs recover.” Sterling strokes the back of my hand, his eyes trained on my face.
“That goes for you too,” I say.
“They’re waiting on extra tests. But all being clear, we should be out of here soon,” Sullivan says, pushing his hands into his pant pockets.
“I’ll stay with them both today. I’ll head home and change and fetch Monty from Zoey’s place.” Sinclair’s attention flicks to Denver in question.
“I’ll drive you,” he clips.
She nods, then looks back at Sullivan.
“I’ll take care of everything at the club with Mal when he arrives. And I’ll head over tonight and switch with you,” he says.
A fuzzy warmth fills my chest as I watch them plan out our care package.
“We’ll be fine,” Sterling says.
“Don’t argue, Dad. You two are getting us whether you like it or not.”
“Fine.” His lips curl a little at Sinclair’s scolding tone, and the twinkle in his bloodshot eyes makes my heart soar.
This is what family does. They take care of one another no matter what.
The door to the room opens and a doctor comes in holding a chart.
“Miss Burton, good, you’re awake. We need to discuss some things, but then I’m happy to discharge you.”
“Thank you.” I smile gratefully at the him as he walks to the side of my bed and stops.
I just want to get out of here and go home.
Have a bath and lie in Sterling’s arms.
And try to block out the heat, the smell, the fear, the?—
“I’m going to put you in touch with someone you can talk to,” the doctor says kindly, studying my expression.
I nod and squeeze Sterling’s hand. It’s a good idea. Maybe Sterling will go too. Or come with me. My eyes dart to his face, but he’s looking at the doctor, listening intently.
“Your tests came back normal…” The doctor pauses, taking in Sinclair, Sullivan, and Denver.
“Go on,” Sterling urges, a muscle in his neck tensing like he’s preparing himself for bad news.
The doctor looks at him, then me.
I nod. “They’re family. You can say whatever it is in front of them.”
My stomach rolls with nausea at the way his brows furrow. I feel fine, but maybe the smoke inhalation has caused complications, or maybe?—
“Miss Burton, were you aware you’re pregnant?”
No one speaks. I’m not sure any of us even breathe.
The entire room is silent.
