Page 93 of Pieces of Us
“What about Melonie?”
“The surgeons will need to see how much damage was done, check for internal bleeding, and go from there. We’ll most likely do an MRI and some x-rays. She’s receiving blood, so she’s stable at the moment.”
I run my hand down my face. “Okay.”
“It looks like you and Melonie have a good support system here, so sit tight and we will come to get you as soon as possible.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
She walks back through the doors. I hate those doors right now. They’re separating me from my family, from the woman I love. I walk to a chair that’s close to the doors and sit, Jax on one side, Marcus on the other.
Jax puts his arm around me. “It’s going to be okay, Linc.”
I lean back in the chair, and my head tilts back and hits the wall. I’m done fighting the tears. “Fuck, Jax. My entire world is beyond those doors, in a room I can’t get to. There’s nothing I can do. I feel so fucking useless right now.”
Marcus squeezes my shoulder. “You can be strong for her. Talk to us, get it all out. Millie needs you to have strong, steady hands waiting.”
I take a deep breath. “You’re right. I just feel like I haven’t had enough time with her yet. All I can think about is time. I can’t get my mind to calm down.”
Jax keeps his hand on my back. “I know you will be strong and calm for Mel and Millie when the time comes. But whatever you need to get out, we’re here. It’s okay to be scared right now. We all are. Feel what you need to feel before you go meet your daughter. Let us take it, give it to us to carry.”
I feel like I finally have permission to let my guard down. I lean forward, palms to my eyes, and I cry. I feel surrounded and protected by my best friends. Fuck, I’m lucky to have them in my life. It doesn’t take long to feel a sense of relief from the pressure in my chest. My mom brings over tissues, so I wipe my face dry, take a few deep breaths, and focus.
“I’m going to meet Millie.”
Jax smiles. “You are.”
“Shit, we don’t have a bag. No clothes or anything.”
“Gigi’s already on it. I gave her your key.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Audrey steps in front of us. “Can I join you guys?”
“Of course.” Marcus pulls a chair over.
“Time is going so slowly. I need to stop looking at the clock.” Audrey puts her phone in her purse.
I look up at the ceiling. “It’s sort of crazy how your mind can replay an entire year in less than ten minutes.”
She places her hand on mine on the arm of the chair. “She’s strong, Linc. Everything is going to be okay.”
“I know she’s strong, but I’m not sure about myself right now.”
“I know you’ve got this. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
She has more faith in me than I have in myself right now.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Linc
“Mr. Hudson?”
I look up. I’m beginning to associate my last name being called with a rush of anxiety. “Yes?”
