Page 90 of The One for Me
Sean pulls me to his chest. “I see, but the boy was okay?”
“Yes, Mr. Arrowood, I was talking to him as we got him out of the car.” Tears fall, and I lean against Sean, needing his strength more than ever. “The accident could’ve happened hours before another motorist came upon it and was able to call for help, but we did everything we could.”
Sean rubs my back, my head starting to feel fuzzy and unable to think anymore.
“Thank you.”
“If you need anything,” the deputy leaves the statement open.
“We appreciate it.”
He leaves, and Sean guides me over to the couch on the side of the room and crouches in front of me. “It couldn’t have been hours, Dev, because we had just gotten home.”
I nod. “Right.”
“It’s a good thing. Be positive.”
“Sure.”
Sean’s finger swipes a tear. “I’m going to check to see if there are any updates. I love you.”
“I love you.”
I can’t think. Everything feels like it’s too much. My brother and sister-in-law are fighting for their lives, and I can’t do anything. I would give anything for this to be a bad dream. I sit, feeling so alone in my terror. I can’t lose them. They mean everything to me, and I have so many things to say to them.
The waiting room is cold and quiet. There’s a television up in the corner, but I have no idea what’s playing. I close my eyes and do something I haven’t done in a long time, I pray.
God, if you’re listening, please help my family. Please don’t take them from me. I know I’ve disappointed you. I haven’t done what I should, but if you can just give me this, I swear I’ll do better. You have to save them. They’re the very best of us. Jasper needs to be there to watch Austin grow. Hazel has to hug him more. Please. Please. I beg you, don’t let them die. Not because I didn’t want to stay in the hotel. Not because I was selfish.
“Sweetheart.” Sean takes my hand in his, and I do my best to focus on him. “You’re shaking.”
I hadn’t noticed. I don’t feel much, other than dread. I can’t lose them. I can’t . . . live through it.
“Did the nurses say anything?”
“No. Just what we know. Surgery and no updates yet. The doctors will be out as soon as they can.”
He pulls me to his side, rubbing his hand up and down my arm, trying to warm me. “I did this,” I say the words that have been my companion the last few hours.
“What?”
My stomach flips and bile rises in my throat. “I made us drive. You wanted to stay the night, and I didn’t. I wanted us to talk, and I was selfish.”
“Devney, no.”
“Yes. If something happens to them . . .”
He shifts so he’s squatting in front of me. “You didn’t do this. It was ice. The roads seemed fine and your brother and I both made judgment calls. Don’t put this on yourself.”
I don’t see how I can do that. I feel responsible. Jasper would’ve followed us back to the hotel, but I didn’t want to go so he said it was fine to drive.
Sean pushes back the hair that fell in my face. “No matter what happens, this wasn’t your fault, and when they pull through, they’ll tell you the same.”
I wish I had his level of faith.
“Devney!” My mother’s voice is loud as she rushes in. “Did you hear anything?”
I shake my head. “Nothing yet. They’re all in surgery. Austin’s injuries are not life-threatening, but Jasper and Hazel’s are. Other than that, we’re just waiting.”
