“It was smart of her to think of it,” Lydia said in Chloe’s direction.
“I figured it would make her happy, and that’s an important part of healing,” Chloe said.
“Well, thanks, Chloe, because I was wondering if Devon would come if Hailey couldn't.” Caleb turned to his brother. “I would have been pretty devastated if you hadn’t come to meet Maisie.”
It was Devon’s turn to blush because that was almost what he had done. Not that he would never have visited Lori and Caleb to meet the baby, he just wouldn't have done it until Hailey was released from the hospital and able to get around without assistance. He realized it could have been a very long time, and he avoided his brother’s gaze. It would have been a horrible type of selfishness not to celebrate his brother’s firstborn when Caleb had been there for him through every high and every low.
Without a word, he pulled Caleb in for a hug and let his sibling engulf him in his strength. Guilt, his familiar friend, reminded him he wasn't worthy of the brother he’d been given.
“She’s beautiful, Caleb, and I’m so happy for you,” Devon said as he stepped out of Caleb’s embrace.
The affable grin on Caleb’s face proved all he needed from him was his sincerity. “Thanks, brother. I’m happy you're here.”
Devon was happy to be there, too, but it was a fleeting feeling. And as the temporary exhilaration passed, it left Devon drained and anxious. “Hailey, we should get you back to your room.”
She didn't complain, proof his suspicions were correct; she was tired. He unlocked the wheels on her chair and rolled her toward the door, stopping to let everyone say their goodbyes.
“We’ll be there soon,” Don said as Devon let Chloe take over with the wheelchair so he could hug his parents.
“Okay, Dad.”
He wondered why they were coming to Hailey’s room when they had so much else going on. They’d seen her already, so why would they need to visit? Would they lecture him on something he’d done wrong? Would they try to insist he go home when he wasn't ready? Would they tell him he couldn't stay with them while he house hunted and Hailey healed?
Those nagging thoughts consumed him so much he didn't realize Chloe was speaking to him. “I’m sorry, what?”
“I asked if you were doing okay after everything.” She only made eye contact briefly before looking back down at the top of Hailey’s head.
“I guess the honest answer is not really.”
“Have you given any more thought to my suggestion of therapy?”
He breathed in and out carefully, trying not to blow up at her. “I don't need someone to tell me I’m messed up, but thanks.”
“That’s really not their purpose. I can see you’re going through so much with anxiety and maybe depression, and it won’t go away without working on it.”
Her voice might have been gentle and non-accusatory, but when the elevator reached their floor, he gave a look that said she’d pushed too far.
As soon as Chloe had Hailey out in the hallway, Devon took over pushing her chair and ignored Chloe. Sighing, she followed along behind him to see them settled. Once she had Hailey propped up with pillows under her pressure points and made sure she had ice water, she turned to Devon.
“Look, I know it’s not my place, and I apologize because I apparently upset you. I can’t help but want what’s best for Hailey, which includes her only parent being mentally healthy. I won’t bring it up again, but please, actually think about what I said instead of dismissing it out of hand.”
Devon stared after her as she left the room, then sank down in the chair next to Hailey, who was already drifting off to sleep. He kissed her temple and brushed her hair off her face. Since he was completely alone, he gave in to the overwhelming pressure weighing down on him, pressing his face into his hands and crying.
