Page 5 of Mad Love

I move to the other side of Caleb’s crib, and the tears fall all over again as I look him over and say a silent prayer of thanks that he’s okay.

“Are you—” Weston starts. “Who are you?”

He holds out his hand, eventually dropping it when I ignore him.

“I’m Weston Shaw. I got a call that my s?—”

A nurse hurries into the room, interrupting Weston, and her smile is luminous when she sees him. I’m not sure she realizes anyone else is in the room, including Caleb.

“Hi, Mr. Shaw. We’ve been expecting you,” she says.

My mouth drops open. They’ve beenexpectinghim? How is this happening? I turn, looking back at Weston with renewed fury. I’m heartbroken, terrified, and every protective bone in my body is on alert.

“You have exactly two seconds to get out of here,” I say coldly.

Surprise crosses his features, and it’s an expression I’m sad to admit I’ve already seen on his son’s face.

“Look, this is a hard situation—God, I don’t evenknowthe situation,” he stumbles around his words, “but can you please just tell me the truth? Is this my son?” he asks, looking down at Caleb asleep in the crib.

His face softens as he looks him over.

“Is he sick?” he asks the nurse.

“Would that make a difference?” I ask coldly.

I’ve already checked Caleb’s face and fingers for any scrapes, any signs that he was hurt. He looks perfect, and Sasha’s doctor assured me that he is.

“Of course, it makes a difference. What kind of person is okay with a child being sick?” he says. “Why is he here?” He glances at the nurse. “I’m sorry, maybe you can catch me up on the details. I got a phone call saying my son was here, and I wasn’t aware until that moment that I had a son.”

I let out a sound of derision and both Weston and the nurse turn to glare at me.

“Ma’am, I’m not sure who you are, but visiting hours are for family only,” the nurse says.

“Iamhis family. More than this guy is.” I stare at her defiantly and she backs down.

“Well, I’ll ask that you keep your differences outside this room,” she says haughtily.

I feel Weston’s eyes on me like a weight dragging me to the bottom of the ocean. The need to pick Caleb up and bolt with him is so strong right now.

Dr. Williams walks through the door, and I sag in relief. The nurse leaves, happy to leave Dr. Williams to deal with this. His expression is full of sympathy when he looks at me.

“You can see for yourself that Caleb’s fine, Sadie,” he says softly.

Tears drip down my face and I nod. “Yes, thank you.”

Dr. Williams turns to Weston and his eyes widen in recognition.

“I’m Dr. Williams,” he says.

“Weston Shaw,” Weston answers, shaking Dr. Williams’ hand. “Is the baby okay?”

“I recognize you,” Dr. Williams says, smiling kindly. “And yes, he’s just fine. Not even a scratch on him. It’s remarkable really. I’m just so sorry for your loss.” He glances at me, his expression grave. “We did everything we could for Sasha.”

“Sasha,” Weston repeats. “Who is Sasha?”

His eyes fly to mine, and I can see when it all lines up for him. I’m a year and a half older than Sasha and my hair is darker than hers. She is a few inches shorter than me and has always hated that.

Was a few inches shorter.

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