Piper
I managedto get a few bites of food down. Callum and Ashford tried to keep me distracted. But my anxiety was through the roof.
I was probably driving Teller insane with my constant messages.
Me
Any news yet? What’s happening?
Teller
New evidence in the investigation. Good chance Grayden will be able to leave soon.
OMG THANK YOU WHEN???
You’re hurting my eyes with the all caps
I’m conveying a sense of urgency
Oh is this important to you? Hadn’t noticed
Relax and take care of yourself. You’ll see Grayden soon.
I forced myself to set down my phone. It was stillhard to breathe. I wouldn’t be able to relax until I saw Grayden with my own eyes. Could touch him with my own hands.
Finally, Grace got back to the hospital. She’d made sure Ollie was settled at Emma and Ashford’s.
“Dane brought over the cookie dough from our place, so you can imagine how popular he’ll be with Ollie and Maisie,” Grace said, settling into the chair beside me. “He’s going to help them bake. I told Emma and Zandra to have a fire extinguisher ready.”
“Will he wear an apron? We’ll need some photo evidence.”
Grace took out her phone. A text had just come in from Zandra: Dane in a frilly apron, with Maisie and Ollie aiming spatulas at him like they were ready for battle.
The picture made me smile, and yet the ache in my heart only worsened.
The new additions to our family over the years had brought us closer and made us stronger. Now, I couldn’t imagine Dane, Emma, Zandra and Ayla not being in our lives.
Ayla wasn’t here, obviously, but she’d sent me a few personal texts expressing her love and support.
I checked my phone again. Teller had written about ten minutes ago. I hadn’t heard the notification.
Leaving with Grayden any minute now. As soon as he’s out of his last interview. We’ll head to the hospital
Thank you I love you you’re the best big brother ever
Remember that the next time you get grumpy at me
“Teller and Grayden are on their way,” I said to Grace.
“Oh, thank goodness.” She hugged me, wiping her eyes.
A little while later, Callum and Ashford strolled into the waiting room. They’d been on some kind of snack mission. “Thevending machine near the maternity ward has the best stuff,” Callum announced. “Check out this haul.”
He dumped an armful of cookies, cakes, and chocolate bars on an empty seat.
Grace greeted her brothers. That tension between her and Ashford was still there. A strain in her expression when she hugged him, pulling back lightning fast.
“Piper, have you heard any news about Grayden?” Callum asked.
