I close my eyes.
"But you do owe her your truth," Jake says.
He leans forward, voice low but firm. "She's not just waiting on a letter anymore, Cade. She's building a life around you. Don't make her do it alone. You've got people at home who love you.A woman who sees you, not the scars, not the wounds, but you. The guy who wanted a porch and a family and a forever."
I blink hard. The words dig in, deep.
Jake rests a hand on the edge of the bed. "You've still got time to be that man. Maybe not the same way. But better. Real. Honest. Don't waste it."
He stands, heading for the door, but pauses before opening it.
"When you're ready, she's waiting. But don't make her wait too long."
He's gone, and I'm left with the sound of the machines, the letters in my hands, and a heart that's still somehow beating.
Chapter 5
Lucy
Something is wrong.
I can feel it.
Everyone's trying too hard to act normal. Lexi keeps giving me these careful smiles as she leaves the room to avoid talking to me. Jake disappears when I walk into a room without making eye contact. Even Noah has been weirdly quiet, like he's waiting for something to explode. And Grace? Grace won't meet my eyes.
Finally, I corner her in the laundry room, while folding towels like my sanity depends on it.
"What's going on?" I demand.
Grace freezes. Her jaw tightens as if she's trying to hold something back. She is my sister, and we don't keep things from each other. So, if she is holding something in, it's big.
"Grace. Don't do this. Don't lie to me."
She sighs, closing the dryer door slowly. "He's here."
My stomach drops. "Caden?"
She nods. "He got in two nights ago. Lexi and Jake have been keeping it quiet. They didn't want to overwhelm him. He's in one of the private rehab rooms."
I feel like I've been sucker-punched. Two nights. He’s been here for two days, and no one told me.
"Where is he?" I ask.
"Lucy…"
"Where?"
She gives me the room number, and I storm out before she can stop me.
I find Lexi in the kitchen, stirring a pot on the stove.
"You knew," I accuse.
She sets the spoon down slowly. "Lucy…"
"Don't. Don't talk to me like I'm a kid. Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"Because he didn't want to see you yet. He asked for space. He's... he's struggling."
