Page 56 of Everlasting Promises

It feels like an eternity passes before a nurse comes out through the doors. “The family of Shane Sutton,” she calls.

We all leap to our feet, Violet’s sister, Cassia, supporting her. “That’s us,” she tells the nurse.

The nurse scans the group. “I can only take two people through.”

Violet seems to shrink a little, but finds her voice. “Can you give the rest of us an update at least? Is he … is he okay?” she asks shakily.

The nurse’s gaze wanders over each of us. “He was in pretty bad shape. The amount of walking he did before he received assistance meant the venom made its way through his system. However, he was brought in within two hours of the bite, and we immediately started antivenom treatment. While he didn’t have an allergic reaction to the treatment, his condition worsened, and we had to give him another dose and move him to the ICU”—my breath wooshes out of me—“where he’ll be monitored closely and continue to receive further treatments every six hours.”

I can’t believe this is happening. It feels unreal that such a giant of a man is so unwell. He always seems so invincible. So strong. So vital.

Violet loses her fight to stand on her own, and as she collapses, Toby—her brother-in-law and world-famous musician—catches her and holds her up. I watch her find her strength and face the nurse. “Will he be okay?”

The nurse’s eyes scan our group and land back on Violet. “He’s improving, which is a positive sign. I can’t tell you any more than that. You’ll need to speak with his doctor. But I’m happy to take two people through to see him.”

Evan and I move away from the main group while they have a discussion about who’s going to go through with the nurse. We wrap our arms around each other in support. Nix and Toby hug Violet, and she disappears through the doors with Shane’s mom.

“Mom, do you think he’s gonna be okay?” Evan’s been so quiet throughout everything, internalizing his worry, so I’m glad he’s finally speaking.

“You heard the nurse. He’s improving, which is a positive sign. Rattlesnake bites can be deadly, but if he’s improving, I think he’ll be okay.” His shoulders drop from around his ears and I massage the back of his neck and across his shoulders.

“Do you think we’ll get to see him?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think so. Not tonight anyway, because it’s so late. We can come back and visit with him when he can have visitors.”

“I’m not ready to leave yet.”

“Me neither.” I’d rather be here with the people who love him the most, than be at home. At least here, if there are any updates, we’ll hear them along with everyone else.

25

HOPE

Wrappedin Wyatt’s hoodie and a blanket, I hold my morning coffee in two hands while I watch the sunrise from my front porch.

We sat with everyone, until eventually, Shane’s mom returned to the waiting room, leaving Violet to stay with Shane alone. Evan was curled up across two seats, asleep, and I figured it was time to head home. I left my number with Cassia and asked her to pass it on so I could be kept up to date. Evan and I stumbled through the door, said goodnight to each other, and disappeared into our respective bedrooms, exhausted.

I can’t stop thinking about how Shane saved Jasmine’s life. Even though I was exhausted last night, I couldn’t sleep because my brain wouldn’t shut down.

He was so angry that he survived the bomb blast when Wyatt didn’t. He felt that his life was somehow worth less than Wyatt’s because he didn’t have a wife and child waiting at home for him. I know there were dark times for Shane—times when he didn’t want to survive. Times I completely understood, because if ithadn’t been for Evan, I think I would have given up on this life to be with Wyatt.

But now I’m wondering if he was meant to survive for a reason. And maybe that reason was to be here to save Jas.

Shaking my head, I lift my coffee to my lips and drink, savoring the warmth as it slides down my throat. If I consider there was a reason Shane survived, then I also have to consider there was a reason Wyatt didn’t, and that’s too difficult to contemplate. I refuse to accept any reason would be good enough to take him away from us. But I can’t deny the idea that Shane was meant to be here.

A shiver works its way up my spine, and I shudder as I look out across the street, noting the glint of the rising sun off the windows of the houses opposite us. Glancing upward, I suck in a sharp breath at the beautiful purplish-pink shades stretching across the sky. I didn’t notice colors after Wyatt first died. I didn’t notice the color of the flowers—or how green the grass was. I didn’t see the changing colors of the seasons, and I completely missed changes in Evan because I was too entrenched in my grief.

Now, I realize it’s important to appreciate the little things—the changes and shifts caused by the passing of time and the beauty in the world around me. I promise myself to pay more attention to Evan and to never miss another milestone.

As I pullinto the hospital parking lot, I glance at Evan in the rearview mirror. “Remember, we can’t stay too long or you’ll be late for soccer practice, and you need to be there to show Ben what to do.”

He nods. “Yeah, I know.”

Imagine my surprise when Evan called Ben to ask him if he could coach the team at practice tonight because Shane’s in the hospital. He did it without consulting me while I was busy finishing the gardening I didn’t get to on Saturday.

We climb out of the car and walk inside, searching for the room number Violet sent me yesterday.

“It’s here, Mom.” Evan steps through the door, and I follow close behind. “Shane!” he calls as he closes the distance to the bed.

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