Page 16 of Every Chance After

The doctor is nonplussed. “This wasn’t a routine surgery. Marnie’s injuries are substantial. The hip bruise alone will make it difficult for her to get around. She’ll need care.”

Ashe rushes to my side, grabbing my hand like it’s his cue. “We’ll take care of her.”

“Of course, we will,” Cora says, hand going to her son’s back. “Your family is here for you.”

Her words spin in my head, and I think‘you’ll be good as new in no time’just as she says the same words aloud.

I’m not psychic. I’ve heard her spiel at Sunny’s Beach Market when employees have asked for leave over illnesses, broken bones, or sick kids.Your family is here for you. You(or your daughter, son, husband, grandmother, insert relative)will be good as new in no time.

She means it. Just because she says it a lot doesn’t mean it’s insincere.

And yet.

That’s just something people say. Isn’t it? I long to demand a truth policy with them as I so easily did with Grady Tripp. But it’s too late. If not established early, it might as well not be done at all.

Besides, being family is understood, not something thatneedssaying. If one has to say, “We’re family,” is it really true?

Not that I know much about family.

“Thanks,” I manage, warmed by Ashe’s comfort, at least. His fingers intertwine with mine, fitting just right.

“Marnie, what’s your house number again?” Wes asks once the doctor leaves, and the room slips into silence. I eye the clipboard he’s holding, not surprised that he was tasked with filling it out.

“I’ll take care of that, Wes. Thank you,” I say, patting the movable table beside me. He sets it down, smiles weakly, and shoves his hands into his pockets. “How’re you feeling?”

I’m a conversational ringleader most days, but the question baffles me. I feel like I’m on mute and set to black and white—an old fifties-style tube television on the blink. Is this how Mom used to feel?

Can’t think about that now.

“Um, tired.” My head falls to the pillow behind me. “Sad. This isn’t… It’s hard to… I’m so sorry about the wedding.”

“We’ll reschedule,” Ashe says quickly. “As soon as you’re better... the honeymoon, too.”

Not only do his words bring relief but they remind me how much I love his excitement. Ashe is like a handsome version of the Energizer Bunny, always pushing forward.

Cora smiles admirably at her son. Seeing her softer side is a privilege I don’t take lightly. They call her Cora the Conquerer at work for her tough negotiations with vendors, employees, and distributors and her stealthy, ninja-like apprehension of shoplifters. Many people find strong women intimidating. I find them inspiring, especially her.

“What about the guests? The arrangements? Should I make some calls?” I offer, considering all of the must-haves for this wedding. Cora wanted a grand affair “the likes of which this town has never seen.” Thinking of the gourmet food, uneaten. The gorgeous flowers, unseen. The expensive wines, uncorked. And the string quartet’s music, unheard. It makes my head swim, and my stomach turn.

Of course, that could be the meds, too.

“Don’t worry your pretty, little head about any of that,” Cora says. “It’s being handled. Focus on healing, Marnie. We know this wasn’t your fault.”

I swallow a lump in my throat, suspecting her words say otherwise. I wasn’t blaming myself, though my god-awful birthday bad luck could be the real culprit.Is this my fault?

“Ashe, honey, how about we take you home and let Marnie rest?” Cora suggests.

“I don’t want to leave her, Mom.” He looks almost defiant as he reaches for the remote control strapped to the bed.

“You can change, fetch her things, and come back. Huh?”

“Mom, I want to stay.”

“You haven’t eaten,” she protests. “You’re no good for Marnie on an empty stomach.”

She gives me a look, prompting me to say, “Ashe, she’s right. I’ll need my things, and you should get out of that suit. Besides, the drugs are kicking in. I’ll be snoozing in no time.”

A gentle knock on the open door sidelines our discussion. I recognize Detective Watson from Sunny’s. He buys his wife Elena a chocolate chip birthday cake from the bakery every year, which is so sweet in more ways than one.

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