Page 45 of Just One More Moment

“My father had a heart attack. I need to get to the hospital.”

Her eyes opened wide, concern obvious as her gaze softened. “I want to come with you. Is it okay if I get Stevie to cover?”

He immediately nodded, grateful for her presence. True, her coming along saved him from having to drop her off at the bar and make sure someone watched over her, but that wasn’t the main reason.

Remy could not lose his dad and he definitely didn’t want to find out how bad things were alone. He needed Raven and without asking, she wanted to be there.

Chapter Sixteen

Remy hated hospitals.The antiseptic smell reminded him of the night his mother died and the whole family had gathered in the waiting room for news. Shaking off that morbid thought, he held on to Raven’s hand as they entered the ER waiting room where Dex had texted him to go.

“What happened?” he asked Aiden, since he was staying at their father’s house.

“I…” He glanced from Lizzie to her daughter, Brooklyn, and Lizzie’s face unexpectedly flushed.

“Your father was having dinner at the guesthouse. With me.”

Remy raised his eyebrows, suddenly understanding the implication.

“We’d just finished dinner and he rose from his seat and put his hand to his chest. He couldn’t breathe, he was dizzy and sweating.” Her hands shook and Brooklyn stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her mom’s waist. “I called 911 immediately,” Lizzie said. “I didn’t waste any time. I swear.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“It’s okay, Mom. Nobody blames you,” Brooklyn said, rubbing her mother’s back.

Murmurs of agreement rose from his brothers and Fallon.

Remy glanced around at each of them, wondering what they knew about this newly revealed couple. They all shrugged or shook their heads and Remy didn’t think any of them had been aware of Alex and Lizzie’s relationship. The two had been good friends for years and Remy trusted that if anything romantic was occurring, eventually his dad would have let one of them know.

Until now, Alex Sterling hadn’t been involved with a woman since his wife died. Not to Remy’s knowledge, anyway. And if he and Lizzie just had been having a friendly dinner, she wouldn’t have blushed so badly. Beyond that, his father’s personal life wasn’t something he wanted to consider.

He paced the stark waiting room. Raven had taken a seat, understanding that he needed time. He was just glad she was here.

Aiden and Dex walked over and Remy stopped their movement. “What do you know? What did they say when they brought Dad in?”

“Not a damn thing,” Aiden muttered.

“They were more concerned with stabilizing him than reporting to the family.” Dex put a brotherly arm on Aiden’s shoulder.

Remy lifted a hand to run through his hair and realized he, too, was shaking. “Fuck.”

“The Sterling family?” A female doctor in a white coat stood in the doorway.

“That’s us,” Remy said, stepping up and taking control. As the oldest, he felt it was up to him to hold it together for the rest of them. Dex seemed to be doing the same.

“Mr. Sterling had what we call a myocardial infarction. In other words, a heart attack.”

Despite already thinking that was the case, Fallon gasped when the doctor confirmed the news. The redheaded doctor went on to explain about his father’s heart not getting enough blood and how important fast treatment always was.

Behind him, Lizzie sniffed, and he knew she was worried she hadn’t done enough to help. Nobody here would blame her and Remy hoped she knew that.

“Fortunately, the ambulance was called and arrived quickly. We were able to restore blood flow to the heart via a PCI procedure.”

Even Remy’s legs shook as he took in the news. “Will he be okay?” Dex asked.

The doctor nodded. “We want to run some tests and see if he needs any further treatment, so expect him to be here for a few more days.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Remy extended his hand and shook hers.

“You’re welcome. You can go in and see him now. Two at a time,” she instructed, then turned and walked back through the double doors.

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