Page 60 of Might as Well

Sydney gives me the answer I need and I grab my keys. I should have worried sooner. I should have figured out what was happening sooner. Sydney stays on the line while I drive to the hospital. Apparently, there was a massive multiple car accident. There’s been two reported fatalities. Liam Irving, the goalie for the Rebels, lost his ex-wife and daughter.

Sydney said she only heard that, that Zane was also involved, and that an impaired driver caused the whole thing. When I arrive at the hospital, I nearly sag in relief when I see Sydney standing at the doors, waiting for me. She didn’t mention she would meet me here. It’s not until my eyes land on her that I realize how much I need the support. At least until I can get a look at Zane.

She hugs me and then hooks her arm through mine. “Let’s find out how Zane is doing.”

Only we don’t get any answers right away. Sydney holds my hand and I zone out. What if Zane isn’t okay? Maybe that’s why we haven’t been told anything yet. What am I supposed to do?My free hand absentmindedly rubs my stomach. Zane has to be fine. There’s no way life would be so cruel to either of us.

Right?

I absolutely can’t do life without him. Not now that I know what it’s like to have him. I love Zane so much it kills me to think of being without him. That doesn’t even factor in our baby. We both need him.

He’ll be fine. I repeat that in my head over and over because I refuse to believe everything else.

“Mrs. Landry?”

I stand as my name is called. Part of me thinks I should be relieved, but not yet. At some point, Cassie showed up. We’re led to a room where Zane rests in a bed. There’s a cast on his arm and I listen as the doctor explains his injuries. A broken arm. Bruised ribs. Second degree burns on his lower legs because apparently his car caught fire and he didn’t get out in time.

I sit gingerly on the edge of the bed and Zane takes hold of my hand.

“I’m fine,” he says as soon as the doctor steps out. “Don’t worry.”

“People died,” I whisper.

Zane’s eyes widen. “What?”

“Liam’s ex-wife and daughter were in one of the other vehicles. It sounds like they got the brunt of the impact,” Sydney says.

“Jesus,” Zane breathes, but his gaze quickly returns to mine. He squeezes my hand, but doesn’t release the pressure. “I’ll heal, babe. You doing okay?”

I lean forward and throw my arms around his neck. He grunts, but hugs me back with his one good arm. I know I’m probably causing him pain, but I need this moment. The reassurance of his body next to mine. Of his chest brushing mine with his every breath. Of his head against mine.

Zane’s lips press against my forehead. “I’m fine. Nothing a little bit of time won’t fix,” he tells me softly. “You okay?” he repeats.

I nod and release him, though I can’t make myself let go of his hand.

“Sit, babe.”

I shake my head. I don’t want to be that far away from him.

“Violet, you’re pale and you’re my pregnant wife. Sit down.”

Cassie, the traitor, scoots the chair over as close as possible and I plop down. Cassie then steps out to get me something to eat.

He’s okay. Thank god, he’s okay.

“I love you,” I tell him.

Zane smiles that boyish grin and says, “I love you too, babe.” And for the first time since Sydney called me, my chest loosens and I can breathe easily again.

CHAPTER 20

ZANE

My body feels weighed down as if the world itself rests on me. The room is dark when I peel my eyes open, but my attention is drawn to the pile of brown hair resting on my thigh. Well, that explains part of the weight I feel.

My door creaks open and a nurse smiles at me.

“How are you feeling, Mr. Landry?” she whispers.

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