Page 48 of Every Single Wildflower
The surgeon glances at me, a question in his eyes. The one I was dreading he would ask. “Was your father driving?”
A painful breath wedges within my lungs as I contemplate my answer. But when the doors open and an officer strides in, I do what dad would have done. I protect my family.
“No. I was.”
The next thing I see is Brady’s fist, along with the unforgettable words that I killed our father.
Chapter thirty-five
Ivy
I squint at the papers lying on top of this stupid piece of plywood. Acting as if I stare long enough, some magical plan will appear before me. I’ve been holed up in here all day. Avoiding the cabin and the man that has my nerves in a giant bundle. I snuck out of the house around five. I know from Maddox’s routine that he usually leaves at six and I wanted to avoid him for a mile long list of reasons. My door had been closed, and I haven’t come up for air once. I know Maddox has been across the hall for the last two hours. It’s not like being locked up in here is helping. I’ve had thatkisson replay all day. The way myheart raced. My toes curled. It felt so automatic. Natural. Andterrifying.
I barely get the papers gathered together when my phone rings. My mother’s name is flashing across the screen.
“Hey mom,” I answer.
“Hey sweetheart. We got a good update." I can hear the relief in her voice. “Your father’s oxygen levels are good, so the doctor said we could possibly bust out of here tomorrow afternoon.”
I lean back in my chair. “I bet dad’s chomping at the bit.”
She chuckles. “You have no idea. I just want to make sure you were still dropping off dinner. He’s talked nonstop about Penelope’s peach cobbler all day.”
“Yes. I will be there.” I pinch the bridge of my nose.
I had totally forgotten. I’ve spent more time obsessing over the reasons I can’t forgive Maddox rather than handling my family.
“I’ll be there around seven.” I push to my feet.
“Perfect. Oh, and have her throw me in a piece of key lime pie.”
“Yes ma’am.” I hang up, and quickly dial The Mason Jar, rambling off my order to Fern.
Thankfully she’s doesn’t stay on the line to chat, so I gather my purse and my keys before heading for the door. I swing it open, my feet planting firmly when I come face to face with Maddox. His hazel eyes drink me in. Like he hasn’t seen me in years, not hours.
“Hey.” His voice has a rasp to it, and he clears his throat.
“Hey.” I shut the door behind me then go to walk past him.
“Where you going?” He asks.
“The Mason Jar,” I throw out over my shoulder. “I’m picking up food for mom and dad.”
“Perfect.”
I’m not sure why he says that, but I keep my feet moving forward to the safety of my car. When I reach the driver side door, I freeze.
“What are you doing?”
He opens the passenger side door. “Catching a ride. I happen to have a pickup order waiting on me.”
My nostrils flare. “Maddox.”
“It’s a ride, Goldie.” His head tilts to the side. “Don’t overthink it.”
I can feel my cheeks flush and I don’t think it’s from anger. I yank open my door, and slide in my seat as he closes his, folding his massive frame inside of my Chevy Trax.
“You okay over there?” I ask as he leans his head to the side. “You can scoot back.”
