“Are you sure you’re ready?”
“Yes. Even … even if he doesn’t remember, I do. I remember what we were, and because of that, I need to see for myself that he’s okay.”
“Okay, let me get clearance from the nurse’s station. I’ll be right back.”
Tilly follows her out the door, and though she whispers, I still hear her question.
“Can’t you talk to the guys? His doctor? Anyone? Just make sure he remembers how he feels about her before we go wheeling her in there? Do you really think she can handle it if he doesn’t?”
“Till, your whispering skills suck,” Eli scoffs.
Tilly peeks her head around the corner, appearing guilty. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I know you’re just looking out for me, but I need to see him, Till.”
She nods, and we all sit in silence while we wait for Emory to return.
By the time the nurses have me unplugged and ready for transport, nerves have crept their way in, and I wish the doctor had left the sedative in place.
“Are you ready?” Tilly asks hesitantly.
“Yes.”
“Okay, let’s go. I’ll take her down,” Emory tells the orderly.
I’m surprised to see Preston, Dex, Lanie, Trevor, and Julia waiting for us in the hallway.
“What the hell? You guys seriously need to stop traveling in a pack. It’s not normal.”
“Neither are we, sweet cheeks. Haven’t you learned by now? This is how family works.”
“Yeah, families that don’t actually have to work,” Eli mutters.
Preston wraps a brotherly arm around her as Emory wheels me down the hallway. “You see, Eli. That’s the beauty of being part of our family. We’re richer than sin, and we take care of our own. Like it or not, you’re one of us now, so when family calls, we drop everything. Got it?”
“Rich people are so weird.”
I don’t see it happen, but I hear her squeal.
“Did you seriously just give me a noogie?”
“Damn straight, I did. What are big brothers for?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never had one,” she barks.
“Well, maybe you should come intern for me this summer so you can get the full effect.”
“Are you serious?” I hear the skepticism in Eli’s voice, but I know Preston. He means everything he says.
“One hundred percent.”
“But, Westbrook Enterprises has a waitlist for internships that are years in the making.”
“Ah, nepotism at its finest,” Dexter jokes. “We won’t tell if you don’t.”
Listening to their conversation, I’m at ease. No matter what happens with Loki, I know I’m going to be okay—our family will be okay.
Chapter 44