Nina turned to the others because even though she wanted – needed – to be there, she respected that they were his family and that they needed to see him too.
‘I just have something to give him,’ Benji said. ‘I’ll be quick.’
‘I’ll go with you,’ Sierra seconded. ‘That way, Nina and Poppy can stay longer once we’re done.’
Nina nodded. She took Poppy’s hand and gave it a squeeze, said, ‘We can see him soon,’ even as she watched Benji and Sierra walk away with the nurse.
Chapter 33
Mav forced his eyes open when he heard the door, and when Sierra and Benji walked in, the first thing he asked was, ‘My girls?’
‘All accounted for,’ Benji replied. But he held up a plastic bag that contained Mav’s wallet and the ring box he’d had at the barbecue. ‘Thought I’d give you this before you see Nina.’
Mav smiled even though it took effort. ‘Thanks.’
‘I’m best man, right?’
‘Who else?’ Mav replied, but his heart settled knowing that Benji had come. ‘Can you stay awhile?’ he rasped. ‘I’m going to be out of commission for a bit …’
Benji’s voice was raw when he replied, ‘Christ, Mav. As long as you need. You know that.’
Mav’s gaze tracked to his sister. Sierra’s characteristic neatness was gone. Her hair was a mess, her clothes crumpled, her makeup smudged. ‘You look like shit,’ he said, knowing that the casual ribbing would settle her more than any assurances that he was fine.
‘You look like death warmed up,’ she returned instantly, making him smile. She came to him, and she hugged him awkwardly over the hospital bed. ‘Don’t ever do that to me again,’ she warned, her voice hitching with emotion. Lowering her voice just for him, she added, ‘I won’t survive any more, Mav.’
Because he understood some of her grief, the loss of their parents, he said, ‘I won’t.’ And because he knew that he could never understand the rest of her grief, the loss of a child, he added, ‘I’m here for you, Si. Always.’ It was a promise, even though they both knew life always had her own plans.
Sierra squeezed his arm one last time and then stepped back from the bed. ‘I’ll go get Nina and Poppy.’
Benji lingered as Sierra walked out. ‘You scared the shit out of us, Mav.’ He cleared his throat. ‘But I’m sure as shit glad to see you awake.’
Mav’s mouth was dry, his lips cracked and sore. But he had to ask, ‘Have you heard anything – about Cane?’
‘No. Don’t worry about that now. He’s not walking away from this.’
‘But you’ll keep an eye out? Just in case?’
‘Of course.’
‘Sierra—’
‘I know. I’ve got her – always. Don’t worry.’
Mav sighed tiredly.
‘You ready?’
‘Fuck yes.’
If last night had taught him anything, it was that waiting was a waste of time. He wanted to look at Nina and call her his wife, and in the early light of a new day he couldn’t quite remember why it had seemed so important to wait for the right moment. He loved her. He needed her. All he could do was hope that she was done waiting too.
Because time was a fickle bitch. He knew that more than anyone else. But his own fears, his insecurities, had made him cautious when, really, he should know to be greedy against the clock, to hoard moments and memories as if each one might be his last,theirlast.
In his haste, and still drowsy, he fumbled, trying to open the Ziplock bag.
Benji took it from him. He removed the ring box and closed it in Mav’s hand. ‘Okay.’ He turned to go, paused in the doorway. ‘I’m happy for you, Mav.’ And because he was still a best friend, he added, ‘But I still don’t know what she sees in you, you ugly fuck.’
Mav braced against his own chuckle. ‘Don’t make me laugh.’
