Page 30 of Until Waverly

“Exactly.”

“What to do here, Ire,” I said. “How do I fix this?”

“Like all the Banks men do. Brute strength. I usually wouldn’t condone putting yourself in her way full-time. However, in this situation, go full-court press. She needs to understand she made mistakes too. You missed out on several milestones even though Alandria was only four months old. You’ll never get that time back, Jackson, and Ihatethat for you.”

“Speaking of, where’s Junior-Junior?” I teased. There was a tradition in the Redman family. All first-born male children were named Mackinley, causing all kinds of issues when it came to calling Mack, Mack Sr., and little Mack.

“December called me when she saw the news. She’s watching little Mack for me while we’re here.”

“You should go home, sis. You have a family to think about now.” I didn’t really want her to leave, but I also knew she didn’t enjoy being away from her baby boy. They were so bonded, and my heart burst with love whenever we were together. I wondered if I could have the same with Alandria. As it was, I adored her name. It was perfect. Strong. Different. I just wanted to see her.

“Not going anywhere until you do,” she said. “You supported Mack and me when we needed you last year. Now it’s my turn to be your older sister and your shoulder. We’re all here for you and Waverly.”

I glanced over my shoulder at the hospital. “I’m going to need it, I think.”

Ireland rubbed my back. “Come on, let’s get back to the group. Sarah Jane has been feeling more than a little guilty. She’s the one Waverly called when she had Alandria.”

Made sense. Waverly needed one person she could count on. I was glad it’d been her mother. “You’re right. They should be starting now too.”

“Waverly is going to be okay, Jackson. Have a little faith.”

I was trying to. My head spun with the information given to me. I was surprised I hadn’t glitched yet. Though, technically, I supposed I already had, considering the episode earlier. “Trying.”

We made our way back to our family and stood with them. Silence descended over the parking lot. Not even a car could be heard, and I wondered if they’d shut down the road finally. The bright spotlights in the media area had been turned off as well. Detective St. James wasn’t kidding when she said she didn’t want information getting out.

She was going all in.

Seconds ticked away as the SWAT teams made entry into the hospital. Tension drifted in the air in suffocating waves. While we were together, silent and waiting, others prayed and some openly wept. I feared breathing for giving something important up. Silly thought, but true.

“There,” Mack Sr. said, pointing back toward the front of the hospital. “They got him.”

How long had we been standing there? How much longer would we be in the vacuum of silence? I glanced at Ireland, who checked her phone. I cocked a brow, and she showed me the time. Almost forty minutes had passed in a blink. For sure we’d be there until the wee hours of the morning.

“Come on.” Mack Sr. grunted. “We need to get toward the doors so we can grab Alandria and check on Waverly.”

Right. I mentally shook the cobwebs from my mind and hurried behind him. I wasn’t sure when they’d allow us in, but anticipation flowed through me, replacing the fear. Starting small, I needed to clear the air between Mack Sr. and myself. Specifically, if I was going to be in Alandria’s life. “I’m sorry, sir. I was careful. I never wanted to hurt Waverly or do something stupid.”

He shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. Sarah Jane should have pushed to see Waverly sooner. That’s in the past, though. We’re going to start fresh from here. So, I have another question for you, son.”

I licked my bottom lip, wincing when I touched the fresh cut. “Anything, sir?”

“What are your intentions for my daughter and my granddaughter?” Straight and to the point. Two things I appreciated about Mack Sr.

“First, I want to meet my daughter. Then, if Waverly would have me back in her life, I intend to make her my wife.” The declaration spilled forth without hesitation. I meant it. Even though I was furious with Waverly and scared out of my wits, she was my everything. Even if she hid the truth from me.

“Good to hear,” Mack Sr. replied. “We’ll be a phone call away to help where we can.” He held his hand out to me, and I came to a stop beside him.

Joining our hands, I gave a shake. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your help.”

“Now, let’s go see Alandria and your Boom.” Mack Sr. smacked me on the back. “A grandpa twice over. I’ll be damned.”

Chapter10

Jackson

Mack Sr. had good intentions.

The problem was the police didn’t give a shit about parental good intentions, so they weren’t allowing anyone in or out of the hospital yet. The hospital had to follow its shelter-in-place protocols. Which meant, until those who remained behind were accounted for, we were stuck outside. They estimated the head count could take anywhere from a half hour to forty-five minutes. Considering how long we’d been there already, what was another hour?

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