Page 27 of Midnight and Mine

“Told her what?”

His cheeks round as he blows out a breath. “That my parents are getting a divorce.”

“Oh shit, man. I’m sorry.” I pull him into a hug, but he stays a bit rigid. “Why? Is this why you’ve been acting weird? Does anyone else know?”

Shaking his head, he admits, “They were going to tell your parents and Wynter’s parents yesterday but obviously didn’t.”

“Have you told Ali?” Ali, Axel’s wife, has been a good friend of Drake’s for as long as I can remember. But with her role as stepmom and her toddler, she hasn’t had as much time. Maybe that’s when he started clinging to Wynter.

“No.”

“Well, you need to talk to someone, and I’m sorry that can’t be me or Wynter right now. Ali’s on her way. Why don’t you talk to her?”

As he strides away, he turns and admits, “Scott, I’m sorry. I fucked up.”

“None of us knows how to navigate this tragedy. Let’s just pray she remembers,” I mumble as I see Heath jogging across the parking lot, over the median and onto the patio area carrying Wynter’s camera.

“Hey, here it is. Sorry it took me a few extra minutes. Crazy Harlan came in saying there were fire ants in his pants.” I laugh as he continues, “I didn’t want to look, so I dropped him off at the Kissing Springs Clinic.”

“He always has something. Thanks for bringing this all the way here. I appreciate it.”

“Any change?”

“Not really, but she’s just as happy about seeing the baby as she was the first time.”

“Good. That’s good. Well, if there’s anything else I can do, let me know.” Heath shakes my hand and I know he’ll do anything to help.

“Major and Maverick are going to the gorge to look for her car. If anyone else spots it, call one of them.”

“Will do. And Scott… everyone is praying for Wynter and for you.”

“Appreciate it.”

I wander back into the hospital and Drake is sitting by Wynter’s parents. I point toward the double doors, letting them know I’m going back to Wynter’s room. Everyone gives me half smiles.

When I reach Wynter’s room, it’s completely dark except for the neon glow of the monitors. Her hands are on her stomach, holding our baby girl. I’ve watched her lie on the couch just like this for the past three months. Her mouth is turned up in a grin like she’s dreaming. I hope she’s dreaming of her life with me.

Hours pass without her waking up until the peaceful look is replaced by screams.

Chapter Twelve

Wynter

“No! Jess, no. Oh my God, no. Not Mark,” I scream as I collapse onto the floor beside Jess in the hospital. A guy beside me scratches my back in circles, and it has a calming effect on me, yet I feel out of control. Why can’t I see his face when I look over my shoulder?

I hear, “I’ve got you.” It sounds far away like I’m in a tunnel. At the same time, I feel a hard pump of my hand. For a moment, I can’t get my bearings. I’m half-asleep, just stuck in a dreamlike state.

“Mark!” I cry out.

Again, the same steady voice says, “I’m here.”

When I open my eyes, Scott has a pained expression, but his tone comforts me. My chest is rising and falling fast, but the beeps slow down as he strokes my hair.

“Another memory?” he asks.

I shrug. “How can I tell?”

“Tell me about it.”

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