Page 54 of Fourteen Years

Making sure the door was securely locked behind him, the nurse moved in front of us, walking quickly.

“I’m Zachary, preferably Zach,” he spoke, glancing back over his shoulder. “Mrs. Marshall is currently in the delivery room, this is our waiting room. Help yourselves to the drinks or snacks or there are vending machines down the hall, bathroom across from them. We’ll keep you updated as we can.” he spoke, gesturing to the cozy waiting room lined with plastic chairs and couches.

“Delivery room?” I asked, worriedly. “It’s too early…” I trailed off.

Zach reached out, patting my shoulder understandingly.

“It is,” he agreed. “But she’s in the best place she can be for her and the baby now. Plus, her own tall-dark-and-handsome came sprinting in here to be with her a few hours ago.”

My hands covered my face, trying to hold back my tears, as I heard Trevor wrapping up the conversation with him. He guided me over to the couch to sit and I grimaced as I sat down, the stitches pulling slightly.

“I know it’s no use trying to talk you into going home—”

“You’re right, it’s not.” I interjected.

Trevor quirked an eyebrow, “I am going to get you something to drink…not coffee, water first.” He said sensing my argument. “And something small to eat. There’s nothing we can do right now. You’re going to eat and drink something.”

I crossed my arms. I’d missed this. Someone taking care of me. I still wasn’t used to it being him again. Even though we’d been living together for a few months. Paul had always been the one to do it, combatting my stubbornness.

“Ok.” I conceded. “Are the girls okay? Still at Nan’s?” I asked. I was worried about Lacey. Telling her about her friend being gone. Losing someone so close to having lost Paul. My eyes teared up thinking about it and a tear slipped down my cheek. Trevor crouched in front of me, brushing it away with his thumb.

“They’re fine. Last I checked they were watching some teen flick with Nan and she had a pallet all made up on the floor for a sleepover. She’s living her best life right now and so are they. I assured them you are fine and I am fine. They’re just worried about Becks and the baby too. I didn’t say anything to Lacey or the other two about Jackson. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Together.”

I nodded, sobbing softly, even as he pulled me into his arms. It’s like he’d read my whole mind and handled everything. The adrenaline and chaos of the evening was wearing off and I hurt more than I was letting on. I was scared once again that I would lose my best friend and the sweet little baby she couldn't carry to term. I clutched Trevor tighter against me, holding on.

“So…husband, huh?” he asked softly, chuckling.

I jerked back, turning red. “I’m sorry about that. I just wanted you with me, and if they were only letting family—”

His lips tipped up in a grin.

“I’m not sorry,” he teased. “I like the way that sounded. My husband.” his thumb trailed over my lower lip gently. “We’ll have to see about making that official.” his voice lowered, going quieter, even as my breath caught in my throat. “I’m gonna go get your snack. Water or juice?” he asked, standing.

My mind was whirling with what he’d just said.

“Juice,” I requested, gaping at him.

“Got it,” he said, turning and exiting the waiting room, leaving me alone.

Chapter 33

“Ican’t believe they’re all dead…” I spoke softly, staring into the vending machine’s window. Monica would want something salty and then sweet. I had already gotten her some grape juice and a bottle of water. I’d thought about ordering a pizza, but I was pushing it with getting her to eat a couple snacks already. She was under a lot of stress and worried. I was barely holding on myself. Still seeing her bloodied and beat up when I’d opened that basement door.

“It's over.” spoke Nick, gruffly. “The old farmhouse is gone. We let it burn to the ground actually. After everything that's happened there.” his voice trailed off.

“Nick, you know this isn’t your fault.” I said, selecting a chocolate bar to go with the peanuts I’d gotten Monica. “There was nothing any of us could’ve done to prevent what happened to Jackson.”

“I know,” his voice was rough, terse. “I just feel like I was responsible for him, like I let him down somehow. He knew not to go there alone.”

I shook my head, even though he couldn’t see me.

“He’d dealt with a lifetime of abuse, man.” I said softly. “I know Jackson wouldn’t want you to feel this way, carry this.”

“Alright. Anything from Lucas?” Nick’s voice was even more short with me, changing the subject. I’d have to worry about him, the effect this was going to have on him, later.

“Nothing. Last I heard she was in delivery,” I updated him, walking back down the hallway.

“Too fucking early.” he muttered.

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