For me. To save me.
He stirred, coughing gently, snagging our attention. Josh frowned in concern and rushed to his bed.
I followed, and the two of us helped him sit up, adjusting the hospital bed. Then I held a cup of water to his lips.
He looked at me, his eyes bloodshot. “You’re okay.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.
I blinked back tears. “I should smack you.”
Josh flinched, but Jasper only laughed.
My chest pinched as I scanned him. “You took off your mask.”
He shrugged, slowly taking another sip of water.
“And you went into a fire against the order of your commander.”
He only blinked at me, unapologetic. “I’ll talk to the chief,” he said, voice like sandpaper. “She’s used to me being a pain in her ass.” Turning, he frowned at his brother. “Vincent?”
“He’s with Jess. We’ve been here with him the whole time. Should I get him?”
Jasper nodded, coughing again.
“You scared the shit out of me,” I said as tears slipped down my cheeks.
Face crumpling, he grasped my hand. “Sorry.”
“And you shared your air with me.” A sob escaped me. “You could’ve—” I shook my head, unable to finish the sentence. “Vincent needs his parents.”
“I’d do it again,” he rasped, bringing my knuckles to his lips.
The words landed heavily, like a weight settling on my shoulders.
I ducked, my throat tightening, and focused on breathing, trying to collect myself. The monitor ticked between us, slow and steady, and the world narrowed to just this room while we silently processed what we’d been through.
Before long, Jasper’s hospital room was crowded. Josh returned with Vincent and Jess, and before long, Jenn showed up. Frankie too. She quickly took on the role of bouncer, keeping all the well-meaning townspeople from entering. Jess fussed, Jenn interrogated the hospital staff, and Josh paced, texting furiously.
The love in the room was palpable. It filled every inch of space. This was what family did. They cared and supported. They showed up.
I snuggled Vincent closer, my heart aching in a good way. This was what I wanted for him. Not emotional abuse and fracture. These people stuck together, for better or for worse.
It was ridiculous now, how terrified I’d been to become part of this.
After a shower, several tests, and lots of fussing from the lovely nurses, I was given permission to find the waiting room. Before I even entered, I could smell the sugar cookies over the scent of disinfectant and hear the chatter of several familiar voices. The Maplewood brigade had arrived. In this town, no matter what the emergency, baked goods were delivered within the hour.
After many hugs and kind smiles, I sat in a large chair, cupping a mug of tea. Vincent and Jasper arrived shortly after, my little guy tugging on his dad’s hospital gown and giving everyone his signature gummy smile.
I sipped my tea, my throat aching, so grateful to be here surrounded by all this love and support. The room was full. Too full, really. Josh was perched on the windowsill, boots leaving dusty prints on the tile floor. Jess and Jenn were feeding peoplewhile Frankie fussed over Brooks, and Ruby and Paul stood with their arms around each other, looking sleep-deprived but happy.
Olive and Bitsy were here too, grilling Gabe about the investigation and the upcoming fall events calendar while Aunt Suzie and Uncle Ed snapped photos of Jasper and Vincent. Even the nurses popped in, snagging scones and cooing at the babies.
Jasper looked handsome in his hospital clothes. How could he not? He looked good in anything. His hair was damp and sticking up in every direction, his voice rough and his eyes bright. Every few minutes, one of our friends would offer him a cookie. He’d put up a hand and half-heartedly protest, only to take one anyway.
Paul and Ruby shuffled closer. “The whole town is buzzing. The fire’s out,” Paul said. “But the investigators and insurance folks have descended.” He scrolled through his phone, no doubt checking the Maplewood group chats. “And a meal train has already been set up for you three.”
Jasper laughed and patted his stomach. “Evie, we may need to put a second fridge in the garage.”
I stuck my tongue out at him, though I let the sound of thatwerattle around in my brain for a bit. We had a lot to figure out, but for now, I was content to enjoy this moment. We were safe and the people I cared about were here. I couldn’t ask for more.
