I hadn’t expected the question, but the answer fell from my lips without thought. “Because you are.”
“Oh.”
“You’re helping everyone else. I’m here to help you.”
“My mom and Anne are helping too.”
“They are, but your dad is taking care of your mom and Chris is taking care of Anne. I’m here to take care of you.”
This time she blinked to rid her bloodshot hazel eyes of the extra moisture.
“I’m going to ask again, and this time you’ll answer me. What do you need from me?”
The corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly.
“Can you tell me everything will be okay?”
I nodded, tugged her closer, and kissed the top of her head. Sweat mixed with her normal floral scent. I pushed her away but kept my hands on her shoulders. “The doctors are monitoring Emily and they won’t let anything happen to her or her babies. I’d bet my salary they’re already prepping their Plan B.”
“Thank you. I needed that reminder.”
“You’re welcome. You want to stay here, or go back?”
“Let’s go back.”
When we got back, John was talking to Emily’s father. They laughed like old friends sharing memories.
“How long has your family known Emily’s family?” I asked.
“Forever. Jamie and Chris have been friends for as long as I can remember.” She sat next to Jay, and I took the seat next to her. “They were the best man at each other’s weddings, and Jamie is Zoe’s godfather. Chris will be baby boy Sheppard’s godfather.”
“They haven’t decided on names yet?” I wanted Madi focusing on good things, giving her mind a reprieve from worry.
“They have,” Jay answered. “They just won’t tell us.”
“Emily read an article about parents changing their minds after the babies are born, and she didn’t want to be stuck with names because they’d told everyone.”
“Like we’d care if they changed the names,” Jay huffed.
“When it’s your turn, you can do whatever you want,” Madi shot back.
Jay and Cate shook their heads as one. “Nope.”
“We don’t want kids,” Cate added, in case we misunderstood their violent head shaking.
The conversation died down and before long, Madi was asleep on my shoulder. When I looked over at Jay, Cate was asleep on his. He dipped his chin once in solidarity.
I tried not thinking about how good it felt knowing Madi felt safe enough to use me as a pillow while she slept.
Just because my feelings for Madi had clawed their way out of the locked box in the back of my mind didn’t mean she felt the same.
She was letting me in, slowly but surely, but that didn’t mean she was ready to admit she had feelings for me.
Shortly after two on Saturday morning, Mary, Anne, and Jamie walked down the hall.
Mary smiled softly when she noticed Madi asleep on my shoulder. Jamie squinted, a flash of irritation crossed his eyes, then he inhaled for a four count and shrugged.
I get it dude, you have way bigger fish to fry.
