Page 29 of A Promise For Tomorrow

I let out a shaky breath.

Get it together, Madison.

Turns out,Dad won’t be allowed to have any visitors. The hospital has a bad virus going around and is just now limiting the visitors to one person—typically, the spouse. You will be required to gown up before entering the room each time. Luckily, they anticipate him to be heading home in the next two days. I can visit then.

On a brighter note, I was able to talk to him for a while. He sounds like shit, but I guess that is to be expected when they break open your ribs and bypass three of your major arteries.

He’s one of the strongest men I know, my father. I can guarantee you in a few days he’ll be asking to go back to the gym—even though we all know he can’t. Try telling him that. This is the same man that pulled his breathing tube out when he woke up.

Before anyone in the house could see me, I snuck out, grabbing an Uber to my favorite coffee shop a few blocks over from here. They have the best pastries and their espresso is smooth and rich, barely acidic.Still not Diego’s espresso… but a top five.

The barista recognizes me. She hands me my coffee, and herand I get to chatting a bit. Apparently, the owner is selling the place.

“A month ago he sold it to a ‘mystery buyer’,” she air quotes. “Some billionaire from Florida.”

“Are you able to stay on?” I ask, knowing how much this job means to her. She’s been working here full time, trying to pay her medical bills that racked up from a bad car accident she had a few years ago.

“I’m not sure. I hope so. I love it here.”

We exchange numbers and I wish her well before taking off down the block. I am on a mission to find the cutest boutique or toy store for my nephew. I want something unique.

I walk a few more blocks, admiring the holiday decorations. New York City is always magical this time of year. My phone starts to vibrate in my pocket. I toss my empty cup into the trash can next to me and retrieve my phone.

“Hey, Lex.” I press a finger to my exposed ear.

“Where are you, girlfriend? Liam is losing his shit over the fact that one of the guys didn’t drive you to the hospital.”

“I never went. Hospital is on a visitor restriction due to a virus running rampant.”

“Oh, damn. Are you okay? How was the rest of your night?

I bundle my scarf tighter around my neck as a bitter breeze blows down the avenue.

“It wasinteresting. We can talk more about it over dinner. Are you still planning to talk about your wedding tonight?”

“Yes. That’s also why I am calling. Conor and I aren’t able to attend Kian’s birthday. We are on our way to Connecticut. Con needs to take care of some shit atThe Triskelion. Are you willing to come out with Liam tonight and have a few drinks with us at the club? Liam agreed to it. He said he’ll drive you guys there.”

“Umm… yeah, I don’t see why not.”

“Awesome. Thanks, girl. I gotta run. I love ya! See you tonight. I want every detail!”

A laugh carries along the wind before I hang up. She really means it—everydetail. Heat spreads to my cheeks at the memories of what we did last night.

Suddenly feeling like I’m being watched, I turn around, but find no one behind me.Weird. I look left and right before entering the cute baby boutique. Already, I spot the cutest gift. A wooden coffee machine with numbers and fun shaped gadgets. There is even a set of colorful coffee mugs that comes with hand carved and painted donuts and pastries. Yes.Hell, yes. It’s the perfect sensory and educational gift. Beyond all that, it's straight up adorable.

Of course, his auntie would get him his first coffee machine.

Maybe it’ll even make his Uncle Diego crack a smile.

The house is buzzingwith some of the syndicate members and their families. Sel was careful who to invite from her play groups, wanting to keep it more of an inner circle party. The party planner did another incredible job. It went from a Vegas themed party last night to a fully functioning zoo.

I kid you not.

There are animal tanks and exhibits lined up. A petting zoo is out on the patio in the heated tent they left up. Face painting and a craft station is over in the dining room. Cotton candy, popcorn, gummy candies, and ice cream stations are spread out throughout the main floor. There is a man outside with a headset microphone, dressed like Steve Irwin, directing an animal show-and-tell. From what I can hear, they are exhibiting a baby kangaroo.

Oh my God. I need to be out there! I want all the baby animal snuggles.

I crane my neck, trying to get a peek of the cute little joeywhen a familiar hand lands on my lower back. Liam chuckles next to me.

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