Page 86 of Going Home

"Thanks for marrying me," Lane mumbles. "I know you didn't want to..."

"Shh," he says. "I'll do anything for you. You know that."

Her cheeks glisten under the dome light of the ceiling, and Lex realizes Lane's crying. She hadn't noticed it before, and her eyes flutter open to look at Margaret. She's fighting the disease and medication with everything she has left.

"You are the most beautiful little girl I could have ever hoped for. You were my dream come true, sweetheart."

"I love you, Mommy," Margaret says as she wraps her arm around Lane's waist and sobs against her shoulder. "I love you."

"I used to imagine... my life... and I always saw you. I knew I'd have you... even when they told me I couldn't... have kids. You were meant... for me. I'm so lucky... you chose me to be... your mom. You. Are. So. Special."

Margaret looks at Lex, and she reaches out to squeeze her niece's ankle. Nothing she could say would make any of this better, but she can give her what little comfort there is with a simple gesture.

"I'll never stop loving you, Lane," Zane whispers, his mouth next to her ear. "Never."

"Don't let your love... for me... stop you from"—she pauses and swallows, her eyes closing again—"opening up your heart again. I can't... bear the thought... of you alone... forever."

"I'm not alone. I have our daughter. The perfect mix of you and me," he says, his lip trembling as he takes a shaky breath.

Her fingers tap his hand, and she says, "Not the same."

"I have never loved anyone like I love you. And I never will."

Her breathing begins to slow, and Margaret looks at Lex with panic in her brown eyes. Lex wishes there was something she could do to make this easier for them. The fact Lane’s as lucid as she is despite everything is a miracle within itself, but only time can heal them. Even that sounds like a stretch right now.

"It's okay to go, Mommy," Margaret whispers, her face scrunching up as she tries to hold back her sobs and stay as strong as she can for her mom. "I love you, and I'll miss you every single day, but I don't want you to hurt anymore. I promise to take care of Daddy."

Lane’s head moves in a nod so slight that it's almost missed, but she doesn't respond. Lex knows it's really any moment now, and she slips out of the room to give the family their last few minutes together without her there. The moment she steps into the hall, she slides down the wall in silent sobs.

"How are you doing?" Maggie asks.

Shaking her head, Lex wipes her eyes. "How do I help them get through this?" she whispers. "That little girl is braver than she'll ever know, and I don't know how to help her. What can I possibly do to help ease losing her mother?"

"There isn't anything, dear," she says and sits down next to her. "Sometimes, all you can do is just be there and let her know she's not alone. Everyone always expects the bereaved to talk, but there aren't words to describe how it feels sometimes. Especially when it's the first time they're experiencing something this terrible. You're doing great."

The older woman places a hand on Lex's shoulder and sits with her as they wait. Maggie's been with them for the past couple of weeks, but she's taken up residence on the couch since the wedding. She's helped Lex take care of things, and Lex is grateful for her.

Griffin's Beach

Felicity

Felicitywalksuptothe clubhouse, confused why there are so many motorcycles sitting outside. It's one in the afternoon, and many of them barely climb out of bed by this time.

Stepping inside, she sees the room packed with not only members but their families. Gavin sits with Hailey who holds Calla on her lap, and Lucas sits and plays some type of video game with Noah.

Gavin catches sight of her and walks up quickly. "Mom?"

"What's going on?"

"Lane. It's not long now," he says. "Lex is with Zane and Margaret at the house. I guess she really took a dive last night."

Her heart aches. It's been a week since the wedding. Lane has only been married one week.

"What are you doing here, Felicity?" Melanie asks, walking up and keeping her voice low.

Gavin gives her a warning look before walking back to sit with Hailey, and Felicity almost laughs. Of course, her son would pick the girl he's sleeping with over his mom. Not surprising, really.

Swallowing, Felicity lets out a calming breath. "I was looking for Lex, but no one was at the house."

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