Page 91 of Memories of Us

Brenton

“BABY?” DESPERATIONlaced the single word. “Please say something.”

Hollow eyes shifted to mine, but she didn’t see me. My heart shattered at the emptiness where such life and love had bubbled over just hours ago. I hated hurting her, but she had to know, needed to know the truth of what our fathers had done.

Seconds turned to minutes without her responding to either Ryder’s or my pleas.

“She's in shock,” I said to Ryder, who nodded. Hands under her shoulders and legs, I scooped her off the couch. Clutching the most precious thing in my life close, I stalked to the front door.

“Where are you going?” Ryder asked with pure panic in her voice.

Couldn't blame her.

“Taking her to the main house,” I grunted, shifting her in my arms to turn the doorknob. “I want her out of this fucking place.”

Halfway out the door, Ryder was at my side.

“I had no idea,” I said to her, looking down to the catatonic woman in my eyes. “I don't know what to do.”

A tiny hand rested on my back. “I know you didn't know, and you're doing what you can. When you leave, I'll take care of her. She'll be okay.”

“How do I leave her like this?” At the words, my heart cracked open, spilling out the feelings I'd been holding back. “How do I leave the woman I love who’s fucking breaking apart in my arms?”

Inside the main house, we moved through the expansive halls toward my room. As gentle as possible, I laid her on the unmade bed before pulling the covers over her trembling body. Eyes still open wide, she stared unblinking at the ceiling.

“I'm calling a doctor,” I stated and reached for my phone.

“She needs you,” Ryder said in a soft voice. “Not me, not some strange doctor. You.”

“Give us a few minutes.” I toed off my boots.

“I'll be in the kitchen when you need me.”

I nodded without looking at her as I crawled up the bed. The thick pillow gave to the weight of my head as I lay down beside Beks. Entirely still, only her soft breaths told me she was alive.

“Beks,” I whispered in a plea. “Please talk to me. Anything.”

Nothing. Not even a stolen glance.

At a loss, I slung an arm and leg over her and hugged her close.

“I love you. I’m in love with you,” I said with my lips against her shoulder. “I've always loved you. Don't leave. Don't give up. Please. Don't give up on us, not now. I need you, baby. Don’t you see that? You’re the only good in my life, the only one who sees me. Come back to me. Please, please come back to me.”

Only her quiet, even breaths responded to my shattering heart.

**

Me:How is she?

Ryder:Not good.

Me:Seen her father around?

Ryder:Nope. Nobody has.

Me:Take care of her, please. I hate not being there.

Ryder:She’s in good hands.

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