“Keep it simple. He collapsed and is receiving medical attention, and we’ll give an update when we can.”
In spite of Edward’s words, this isn’t simple. Less than two weeks ago, we took over the company in what the media is calling a hostile coup. This won’t help our dipping share price. Then again, the dip wasn’t as big as I expected and we’ve already regained most of that drop.
“I’ll send it to you before we get to the hospital.”
Edward’s phone beeps and he reads the text. “Carlla is waiting to hear where they’re taking him.”
“Oh, I should message Devon.” Sliding my phone from my pocket, I glance down and unlock it.
“Don’t bother.”
Head jerking up, I’m about to give my brother a tongue lashing about treating Devon with respect when I see why he said what he did.
Devon is standing in the foyer of our building. I don’t know what shocks me more. The fact I don’t remember coming down in the elevator or that Devon is here.
“I’ll leave her in your capable hands,” Edward says before continuing behind the paramedics.
“I need…”
“We do.” Devon slips an arm around my waist and urges me out of the building. His bike is parked beside the ambulance.“Livi or Lexi is going to swing by here and collect your bag. They’ll meet us at the hospital.”
“Why?” There is no love from my friends for my grandfather.
“Because you need them.” He glances at me. “And they want to be there for you.”
“Oh.” I’m still amazed by the support my friends have given me since I walked out on my wedding.
“It isn’t about him.” Devon’s words are sharp. He’s been less than accommodating when it comes to my grandfather since he was served with divorce papers.
Not that I blame him. I’d be pissed about it too. “Thank you. But how did you get here so fast?”
“I was already heading this way.” He steers me to the bike. Pulls my helmet from the handlebars. “Was going to surprise you with a ride and lunch.”
I smile. It’s not the first time he’s shown up at my work and whisked me away for an hour in the middle of the day. Or brought me a meal we eat in the garden terrace off my office. “I’m sorry your surprise was ruined.”
“I’m not.” He doesn’t elaborate. Just plonks my helmet on my head and fastens the strap.
While Devon is making sure I’m safe, the ambulance doors are closing. “They’re about to leave.”
“We won’t lose them,” he promises while swinging his leg over the seat and putting on his helmet. “Jump on.”
Another smile graces my lips. In spite of the situation, I can’t help smiling around Devon. He makes me happy. In the months we’ve been married, I’ve gotten very comfortable with him. More so than I was in our first few days together. I hate knowing this will end. Except we made a deal.
With a rev of the bike, I wipe my mind clear of those thoughts and concentrate on what’s happening now. I hold onto Devon as he maneuvers the bike and follows the ambulance into traffic.And when we reach the hospital, he ushers me inside and waits beside me, my hand in his.
When Olivia and Alexandria arrive, Carter and Garrett in tow, I can’t help but smile. We don’t talk. Not even Edward says anything other than hi to Carlla when she arrives.
It’s only the doctor coming into the waiting room that draws out words.
Quickly on his feet, Edward asks, “How is he?”
“As we suspected. He’s had a stroke.”
“Okay. How bad?”
The somber look on the doctor’s face says it all. But it’s his words that drive the severity of the situation home. “If he makes it through the next twenty-four hours, I’ll be shocked. And if he defies the odds and does, he won’t be capable of taking care of himself.”
“Right.” Edward nods. “Well, I guess all we can do is wait.”
