Following the signs to the pediatric unit, I almost ran into a nurse, I was walking so quickly. After a quick apology, I was back on my way and finally, fuck, finally, I was pushing the door open, finding Stoney sitting in a chair by the window, my brother nowhere to be seen.
“Ah...”
“Hey,” Stoney said.
I ignored him as I shook off my confusion and stalked to Felix’s bedside. I ran a hand over his forehead, and touched his cheek. “He looks so tiny,” I whispered.
“Yeah. He’s good though,” Stoney said. “Well, physically.”
I burst into tears and was surprised when Stoney pulled me against his chest. “He’s okay, Breezy.”
“What happened?”
“Not gonna fill you in on that, sweetheart.”
“What?” I leaned back and met his eyes. “Why not?”
“Not somethin’ you need in your head.”
“Oh my god, it was that bad?” I asked, horrified all over again.
He said nothing, just pulled me against his chest again and cupped my head, stroking my hair.
“I’m going to homeschool him from now on,” I rasped as I sobbed into Stoney’s chest.
“Don’t think you’re gonna need to go that far,” he said.
“What are you doing here?”
“I found him—”
“Wait. What?” I stepped back, needing distance. “I thought Luca did.”
“Technically, I guess he did too,” Stoney conceded. “Your brother went off-book, so he needed to speak with his captain. I offered to sit with Felix until you got here.”
“So, you know he’s your son?”
He shook his head. “Haven’t done the test yet. Talked to the doctor about it today. He said if you okay it, he’ll do it all.”
I nodded. “Okay. I’ll talk to him.”
“Appreciate that.” He smiled gently. “I’m gonna head out if you’re okay.”
“Oh. Right.”
“I can stay—”
“No, it’s okay. Thank you for sitting with him. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. You take care.”
I nodded and Stoney walked away. I crawled into bed beside Felix and pulled him against me. Just smelling his hair gave me all the proof I needed he was real and finally home.
* * *
Asoft touch on mycheek jarred me awake. “Auntie?”
I forced my eyes open and found Felix staring at me, his hands on my face. “Hi, baby.”
