“Is that why you didn’t tell us?” Asher asks. There’s so much sympathy on his face it’s killing me.
Wyatt gives me a grim smile.
“I told Wyatt, mainly because I needed to tell somebody. And it was only a couple of weeks ago that I got the full diagnosis. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew for sure.” My voice is thick. “And then there was the gala. I figured telling you once it was over would be a good time.”
“Is that why you came?” Autumn asks Wyatt. “To support Zach in telling us?”
Wyatt shrugs. “I figured a thumbs up probably wouldn’t help in this situation.”
“Does Sadie know?” Asher asks.
Every single member of my family turns to look at me.
I shake my head. “No, not yet.”
“You haven’t told her?” Autumn says, frowning.
And now I’m absolutely the biggest asshole in theworld. “No. I wanted to tell you all first.” And isn’t that the coward’s way out?
“You need to tell her,” Eden says, looking at her phone.
“I know.” I nod. “And I will.”
She glances up from her screen. “That’s good. Real good. Because I just got a message from West. He and Sadie are finishing up with the FBI. They’ll be up here soon.”
thirty-six
SADIE
“You doing okay?” West asks me for the fifth time as we reach the door to Zach’s intensive care room. I nod, because nothing is going to stop me from walking in there and seeing Zach.
“Just to warn you, he’s a little beaten up. And attached to some monitors.” West fixes me with his gaze. “He’s awake. He’s been seen by the doctor, they still need to run more tests, but he’s conscious and that’s a good sign.”
I nod again, because I don’t trust myself to talk without crying. The doors to the room slide open and West steps back to let me inside.
I can’t see Zach at first. He’s surrounded by his family, who are talking as they hug him from various positions around his bed.
West clears his throat and they all look up. And like it’s been coordinated, they step back. “Coffee?” Hudson asks his siblings.
“Absolutely,” Autumn says, shooting me a soft gaze. “How are you doing? Want me to bring you a coffee too?”
“I’m good, thank you.”
It takes a moment, but they all hug Zach in turn and step away, walking out of the room. And then it’s just the two of us, and every emotion I’ve been suppressing rises up through me.
For this man who tried to save me. Who’s in a hospital bed because of my ex.
Even in a hospital gown, he still looks stupidly handsome. There’s a bandage on his head, and an oxygen line under his nose, and yet all I can see is the way he’s looking at me.
“Hi,” I whisper, stepping toward him. “How are you feeling?”
“Better now.” He gives me a smile. “You look so damn beautiful.”
I look down at my clothes. Or rather, Eden’s clothes. “I’m wearing sweats,” I say, a smile pulling at my lips.
“I know. But fuck, you’re gorgeous. Come here.” He reaches for me and I walk forward, until I’m standing over him. He reaches for me, his grip strong, his arm muscles hard as he wraps them around me. “Did he hurt you?” he whispers.
“No. Not like he hurt you.”
