Page 129 of Waiting for Redemption

“Keep us updated when you can. Hendrix and Mav will be fine with us for as long as they need to be.” Tears burn my eyes again as I nod my appreciation to Max. I take a deep breath, wiping the tears from my face before forcing a smile as I turn to face Hendrix.

“Okay buddy, you have a great time with Uncle Max and Shane, and be super sweet to Cece. Okay?”

“Why are we at Taylor’s work?” He looks out the window at the hospital and I fight with myself over what answer to give him. I always tell Hendrix the truth, but I don’t want him to be crushed by this. So I settle with a simple truth.

“Daddy got hurt so I’m gonna go check on him. But don’t worry, we’ll get him all fixed up and see you soon okay?” A look of sadness and concern crosses his features as he pets Maverick.

“Will we still go to the beach? I really wanted to give him his surprise.” I nod my head vigorously, trying to convince myself to think the best.

“Of course we will. As soon as Daddy is feeling better okay? But I really need to go check on him. I love you so so much.” I reach back and squeeze him in an embrace before Max hands me my bag and I take off to find my husband.

CHAPTER41

RUBY

I can’t rememberthe last time I prayed. Growing up my family went to church regularly and it was normal for us to pray over meals and at bedtime. I remember a pastor saying once that it doesn’t matterwhoyou are orwhereyou are, that when you pray, God listens. I’m not sure I ever believed that, but right now a little faith couldn’t hurt, and I find myself begging God to hear my simple request.

Please, let him be okay.

When I spot Taylor and Tucker, my knees almost buckle but I manage to make it to her arms and stay upright.

“Hey,” her voice is muffled as our faces nuzzle into each other's shoulders. When I pull away, I look up at Tucker, seeing the subtle agony burning behind his green eyes, so similar to his brothers, only lighter. I wrap my arms around him and feel his chest sink as he wraps his arms around me tightly. I know that feeling, the silent cry you do when you’re trying to be strong.

“He’s gonna be okay. He’s gotta be,” I whisper, trying to convince myself as much as Tucker that I believe Tank is too strong to let this be the thing that takes him from us. He simply nods in response before standing up and wiping his eyes.

“Please tell me what happened now. Max told me he got hit, but what else?” I plead with Taylor, letting my eyes bounce between them. Tucker wraps his arm around Taylor, squeezing her shoulder as she begins.

“When he came in, the ER was a madhouse. There was another patient from the same accident that came in before him that I was assigned to, so I didn’t see Tank when he was brought in. My patient didn’t make it, so when I went to see how I could help the other person brought in from it, that’s when I saw that it was him.” Her voice wobbles as tears continue streaming down my face.

“But how bad was it? Why is he in surgery?”

“I don’t know. I left to call you and Tucker and when I came back he was gone. I’m so sorry Rubes, I wish I knew more.” The tightness in my chest worsens and I feel my already empty stomach begin to contract. The cold sweat that breaks out over my whole body comes so quickly I don’t even realize what’s happening until my eyes fall closed and I land in Tucker’s arms.

The salty wind is blowing my hair as Tank and Hendrix run into the crashing waves. Hendrix is in his life jacket and Tank with an innertube and a smile on his face so big you’d thinkhewas the child coming to the beach for the first time. I glance around at the almost empty beach before closing my eyes to let the sun soak into my skin. My husband really does know me better than anyone. New Years at the beach where it’s still 65 degrees and nearly empty, this is exactly my speed. I hear Hendrix giggling and can’t help but smile at the sound. A few quiet moments of nothing but the waves crashing to shore pass before I’m startled by the deep swagger of my husband’s voice.

“Enjoying yourself, Honey?” My eyes fly open as a dripping-wet Tank stands above me, drying his hair with his Paw Patrol towel. He looks sculpted to perfection while wearing what I refer to as hoochie daddy swimming trunks. The ones that are long enough to not be gross, but short enough to make any woman that looks his way drool.

“I am, the view here is great.” I lower my sunglasses on the bridge of my nose as I let my eyes glide seductively over his body, earning a growl of approval from him.

“Is that so?” He leans down, inches away from my lips. I drag my bottom lip through my teeth and shake my head.

“Mhmm.” He pulls my lip from between my teeth with his thumb and captures my lips with his own.

“I love you, my perfect little wife,” he whispers against my lips, rubbing the tip of his nose along the bridge of mine.

“I love you more.” My eyes meet his and the peace I see behind them has a calming effect on me.

“Mom! Is it time for Dad’s surprise?” Hendrix runs up to us, unbuckling his life jacket.

“Now?” I shouldn’t be surprised by the fact that my child would pick the most random moment for this.

“Yes! I can’t wait any longer!” He begins bouncing up and down in the sand, making Tank laugh as he looks between us.

“A surprise for me?” His brows knit together curiously. My heart begins to beat wildly behind my chest with anticipation. I don’t know why I feel so nervous, I’m pretty positive he’s going to say yes, but I guess old habits die hard, and mine just so happens to be to expect the worst. Suddenly I feel a wave of nausea creeping over me. My mouth begins to water and a cold rush shoots down my spine.

“Trash can,” Taylor’s voice demands just as my eyes fly open. I sit up and turn to throw up in the trash can that makes it to my side just in time. After trying to thrownothingup into the can, I wipe my mouth and take a bottle of water from Tucker.

“What happened?” I ask, looking around to see that I’m on a roll-away bed in the hallway.

---