Page 78 of Close to My Heart

At the hospital, I parked by the emergency room, and we walked in together. Sutton’s mom and dad were already in the waiting room.

When we approached, Sutton asked, “Have you heard anything?”

Her father frowned. “They’re running tests now.”

Sutton sat in the chairs opposite them. “Is it her heart?”

“That’s usually what it is,” Mom said flatly.

“Did you see any signs?” I asked, my brain searching for something that made sense.

“The signs are shortness of breath and fatigue. Something that’s hard to notice if you’re not the patient,” Dad said.

So they hadn’t noticed, and I felt awful that I hadn’t either. “Why doesn’t she say something if she’s not feeling well?”

Mom tore at a tissue in her hand. “She was enjoying her party. I’m sure she didn’t want to cancel.”

“Her health is more important than a party,” I said, knowing that might not be the case for Sutton’s family. Appearances were everything, and she wouldn’t have cancelled after inviting all those people. She would have suffered in silence and hoped that it wouldn’t be a bigger issue.

Sutton’s grandmother loved a good party, especially one that was thrown in her honor. But enough to ignore the signs of an impending episode? What if she hadn’t gotten medical treatment?

I sat next to Sutton, offering my silent support as we waited for any update. When we had been dancing, Sutton was preoccupied with whatever she’d been discussing with her mother.

I wanted to declare my love to her, to tell her that this marriage was real for me. But then her grandmother collapsed, and I didn’t get my chance.

Now wasn’t the time or place, and I wasn’t sure it would be any time soon. I cursed myself for not doing it earlier. Sutton should know how I felt.

If something happened to Mrs. Rosesmith, then our deal was over. Sutton would inherit the estate and wouldn’t need me anymore. Would she believe me if I told her how I felt? Or would she think I was just like her parents using her for the money?

I didn’t think Sutton would be that shallow, but this was a major life event, and I had no idea how she’d react. I’d lost my mother as a teenager, but Sutton hadn’t lost anyone close to her. But then again, her family wasn’t there for her like mine was for me.

I couldn’t bring it up now. I’d lost my chance.

I sat in that cold, sterile waiting room, my heart clenching with regret. This wasn’t the time or the place to be thinking about our marriage, what her grandmother being in the hospital meant for us. But I couldn’t help the thoughts running through my head.

There was nothing to do except ruminate.

The television hanging in the corner played news continuously, and none of it was good. Then my phone buzzed. It started with Teddy, asking what happened and if we were at the hospital. Then Jameson and my sister texted.

I sent a group message so I could inform everyone at once, then told them to stay home. There was nothing they could do. There was no point in them being here.

An hour passed, the clock on the wall taunting me. No one had come out to let us know what was going on. I was going to jump up and start pacing, but I was worried how that would affect Sutton and her parents.

I had to be the one who was steady right now. Her parents looked stricken, and Sutton was quiet. Every few minutes, a tremor ran through her body. I’d offered to get water and food, but each one was politely turned down.

I felt useless.

Then the emergency room door burst open, and Teddy walked in with the rest of my family close behind. I stood and moved to greet them. I lowered my voice. “What are you doing here?”

“We’re here to support you.” Teddy’s gaze tripped past me to where Sutton and her parents sat, holding vigil.

“Yeah but?—”

Teddy gave me a hard look. “No buts. This is what family does.”

For all the people at the party celebrating Mrs. Rosesmith’s birthday, no one else was here. It was just Sutton and her parents. Didn’t they see that those parties were with superficial people, ones who didn’t care if you got hurt or sick?

Daphne moved around Teddy and hugged me tight. “How is she?”

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