I leave Tatiana’s other hand on top of the covers. I don’t want to disturb the needle feeding vital fluids into a vein.
Jasper swallows audibly. “Anything?”
I told her Tatiana asked for her mother and how she reacted when she woke up in my room.
A single shake of my head suffices as a reply. I can’t speak through the knot that’s lodged in my throat.
Jasper pats my back. “She’ll be fine. Tiana is stronger than you think.”
I’ve never doubted that she has strength in spades.
Emily returns, carrying Noah on her hip. He immediately holds out his arms when he sees me. Warmth spreads through my chest as I take him from Emily and hold his small body against me.
He sticks his thumb in his mouth, something he’s been doing a lot since Tatiana disappeared.
“Hey there, buddy.” I smile. “What have you and Jasper been up to?”
“Painting,” he mumbles around his thumb.
“Paintings, huh? Did you make one for me?”
He nods, pulls his thumb from his mouth, and says demurely, “It’s a surprise.”
“In that case, I won’t ask what it is and spoil the surprise.”
“It’s the big plane, the one you and me and Mommy flew in.”
I can’t help but chuckle. Noah isn’t good at keeping secrets. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Sniffling, Jasper wipes tears from her cheeks.
Noah stares at the still shape of his mother. “Why doesn’t she open her eyes?”
“She will.” I brush a hand over his head. “For now, she’s resting.”
“Is she tired?”
“Yes.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. “She was hurt, and she needs rest to recover.”
“Did she fall like me when I played soccer?”
Emily gives me a look. “Your mommy is going to be fine, but we have to let her sleep. Come on, big man. It’s time for lunch.”
I put him on his feet. “Go with Emily. When you’re done, we can read a story here.”
He perks up. “Really?”
“Sure thing. I think your mom will like that.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
He hugs me before running ahead of Emily to the door.
“Slow down, Noah.” Emily hurries after him. “You may break a bone if you fall.”
Jasper sniffs. “I’ll go help with lunch.”
When she turns to leave, I hold her back with a hand on her arm. “I saw the scars.”
