Page 78 of These Jagged Edges

"Fuck yeah, she will Charlie," Bashes pipes from his spot beside her.

Charlie's eyes never leave me waiting for my reaction. He looks at me on the brink of tears again and I clear my throat. "Your mama is the toughest person I know, a fighter through and through. Don't you think?" Charlie gives me a slight nod. "So, fuck yeah, she's going to wake up."

"Can we go see her?"

"I don't think—" Lou begins.

"SHE'S MY MAMA!" Charlie's voice trembles as his chest rises and falls with the intensity of his outburst. Lou stands frozen, wide-eyed and unsure, but I remain steady. Anger and I, we’ve danced this dance before.

Charlie’s fists clench at his sides, and I pause, setting the potatoes aside. “She is your mama,” I say gently, “but she’s been through a lot. She wouldn’t want you to see her like this right now.”

"But it's our fault," Bash whispers. How in the world can they blame themselves? Why would they?

"Boys, this is not your fault."

"But it was our birthday cake she went to get." Shit. So that's it. Do they think that a birthday cake was the reason for all of this? The fact they believe that makes me wish I could snap that bastard’s neck all over again.

“Boys, look at me,” I say, and they turn, their faces downcast with guilt. “Sometimes, evil just finds its wayinto the world, and we can’t always prevent it. But what happened to your mama wasn’t your fault.” I look at each of them, my voice firm but gentle. “It would break your mama’s heart to know you blame yourselves. Do you understand me?” Without waiting for a response, I envelop them in a warm, reassuring embrace.

After dinner and a quick shower, I head back to the hospital. Vic gives me a nod as he heads out the door. I take my place by her bed and trace the back of her hands like she's done mine so many times before. Her hand seems so frail next to my own.

"I went to see the boys today. Ashamed to admit I hadn't been to see them at all. I didn't feel I could, but the minute I saw them I realized how much I needed them. Damn, they’re so much like you." I swallow before continuing, "The boys blame themselves for all this. Told me it was because you had to get their birthday cake. Evie, it fucking broke my heart to know they’ve been blaming themselves these past few days." I wipe my eyes. "And I swear I've never cried so much in my fucking life."

"When Livvy died, everything went dark and numb. I wanted that darkness to swallow me whole, so I didn’t have to feel anymore. Too cowardly to end my own life so I hid from the world. Until you, you brought me back to life." A small smile tugs at my lips. "I meant every word I said the other night. Marriage, babies, all of it. I’m giving you everything."

"You going to ask or tell me?" A hoarse voice ask.

For a moment I freeze, scared to even breathe. Then slowly I force myself to look up, and when I do, I find tired eyes and a weak smile looking at me. A sob escapes me, and I carefully place a kiss on her cupid bow. "About time you fucking woke up."

Vic and the boys are the first call I make after she wakes, and they are here seven minutes later. I run a hand up and down her back as she trembles with nerves waiting for them. All three of them are dressed haphazardly and freeze in the doorway once they see her. Sure, she’s banged up pretty good and covered in bruises, but she’s still the pretty little thing she's always been.

The boys look unsure of what to do until hearing their mama softly say their names. They climb that bed with record speed, and I try to tell them to be mindful of where she’s been stabbed but Evie silences me. They fall into her arms, and they all cry. Evie’s still weak from so much blood loss, but she isn’t about to let those boys go.

"Victor," Evie calls out softly. "Get over here. I need a hug." And would you believe the old bastard tell the boys to move before wrapping her in a firm hug that he sobs through?

The last coupleof weeks pass in a frenzy before Evie is ready to be discharged. Everyone has stopped by; Mercy brought of course the biggest bouquet and box of chocolates he could find with a card that read 'Even if you're a mess, I'd still let you choke me like a biscuit.' I ripped that to fucking shreds. Joe and Lou showed up shortly after the boys and busted through the door so fast I was sure the damn thing had come off its hinges. After a little bit of yelling Lou collapsed on the bed next to her and had such a tearful reunion even the nurse cried. Lou of course tried to scold her for planning and trying to leave the boys, but Evie told her she was their Godmother, simple as that. Joe apologized again and again, swearing there was a new security system if Evie ever decided to step foot back into the cafe.

A quick knock on the door lets us know the doctor is here. "Come in," Evie calls out.

Doc walks in adjusting his tie and giving her a warm smile. "Today is a big day, you get to go home!" Evie thanks him for allowing everyone to stay and see her. "Sometimes the best medicine is simply being surrounded by love."

Evie nods in agreement and begins fisting the end of her shirt. Lou and Joe brought her a fresh change of clothes and Lou helped her shower, trying to help her feel like herself. I even braided herhair. Seeing her fisting her shirt makes me uneasy. Evie is fisting it so tight I know there will be wrinkles.

"Before you go, we need to go over your discharge information here." He gives her a wary look. "I don't think I need to tell you the state you were in when you arrived do I?" Evie shakes her head no. Doc gives her a long look before proceeding. "Go home and rest. Your body is still recovering, don't lift anything. Clean and redress the stab wounds on your chest once a day for the few weeks and then come back to have the stitches removed. I'm prescribing you something for pain, take it as needed."

The doc goes over how to clean and redress her bandages and then he pulls me aside. "She's been through a lot. Be sure to take very delicate care of her. Her mind is fragile right now."

After he leaves, I walk in giving what I hope is my best smile. "Let's go home Pretty Girl."

Chapter Twenty-Eight

EVIE

It feelsstrange coming back home. My last memories here were happy and jovial, but now I feel like I’m intruding on someone else's life. I feel out of place, as if the person I used to be and the person I am now are strangers. Don't get me wrong, seeing my boys again is everything. They’re my everything and I’d get stabbed a million times over if it meant they are safe. They made a cake and cards saying, 'Welcome Home Mom'. After a good meal and a few laughs, they all clean the kitchen while I sit on the couch, trying to relax with Mellon Collie curled up at my feet.

"Maddox?" I call out. It doesn’t take him long to appear, shirtless, with a dishrag slung over one of his broad shoulders.

"Are you hurting? Do you need anything?" he demands, his deep voice full of concern.

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