Page 42 of Exposed

“He’s going to be a strong kid.”

“The strongest,” I brag. I pause our ride to check the time on my phone. “My parents should be here by now. I’ve got to leave soon for the engagement shoot.”

Don't freak out. They’re not in a wreck.People are late all the time. My parents are usually on time, though.

“Let me wash my hands. I can take care of Simon while you get ready,” Pepper offers.

“Yeah, okay. Thanks.” I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. My parents are never late.

The moment Pepper takes Simon from me, my cell rings. My heart drops when I see my mom’s number on the screen.

“Mom, are you and Dad okay?” I don’t give her a chance to say anything before I ask the question.

“We’re okay, honey. We were in a car wreck, but we’re okay.”

Fuck. I sink to the couch and scrub my hand over my face. “I knew something was wrong. What happened?”

“We’re okay. We think your dad has a broken arm. The ambulance is taking us to Florida Mercy Hospital.”

“Shit. Mom, I’ll cancel my session and drive straight to you guys.”

“No, honey. Don’t worry about us. We’re okay. Really.” She can’t hide the slight tremor in her voice. Car crashes shake you up. I’d know. “I have meatloaf in the car for you and Pepper. It’s a pity it’s going to go bad. Wait, maybe I’llgive it to the paramedics. They can enjoy it, at least.” She laughs nervously.

My palms are sweaty and my grip is so tight, I’m worried I may break my phone. “Mom, don’t worry about the meatloaf. I care about you and Dad, that’s all.”

“I know, but I’m flustered. What are you going to do about Simon? I’m so sorry we’re not there, sweetie.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m cancelling my session and coming to the hospital with Simon.”

A shuffling sound over the phone gives way to my dad’s voice. “Matt, son. We’re fine. We’re going to the ER to get x-rays for my arm. That’s no place for a one month old. Please don’t come here. We’ll get taken care of and take a taxi home.”

“Your car is totaled?” I exclaim.

“It needs repairing. They’re towing it to a mechanic for us.”

“Shit, you guys don’t have a car.” I grab the back of my neck.

“We’re fine. We’ve got my truck,” my dad assures me.

My hands are shaking, and my knees are bouncing. I need to walk, so I get up and pace the carpet of my living room.

“Call me when you get home, okay?” I request.

“Will do, son. Love you,” my dad says, then ends the call.

I toss it on the couch.

“What happened?” Pepper asks.

“Shit. They didn’t even tell me how the car wreck happened,” I walk to Pepper, take Simon and hold him close.

I hate car accidents.

“That’s okay. All that matters is they’re safe.”

“Yeah.They’resafe.”

Grace is dead, and I’m never getting her back.

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