Page 162 of Beautiful Storm

A thought hits me and I cut her off. “Actually, yes. Can you go to my place? There’s a baby bag already packed in the nursery, but could you grab a few things for Amelia? And feed Shadow. I won’t be going home tonight. Amelia should be getting a private suite. But either way, I’m staying.”

“Of course. I’m happy to help.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.” She stares at me for a moment, her expression apprehensive. “I’ll head off now in case you need something soon.”

“One more thing,” I rush out and then cringe when her eyes widen.

“Yes.”

“I need you to stop looking at me like that. I need you to remember I’m your annoying older brother. Deal?”

Lainey shakes her head as she grins. “I can handle that. But—”

“Lainey…” I groan.

“Oh, stop. I’m happy to let things go back to normal. But I’m here if you need to talk.”

“I know.”

She squeezes my shoulder before smiling at Jelly Bean one last time and waving goodbye. And the second she’s gone, all of the darkness returns until I’m on the brink of spiraling. How long am I going to have to wait? Surely they know something by now.

“Sir?” I start and spin around, finding a new nurse by the door. “They’re moving your wife into her private suite now, if you want to go and see her?”

My eyes widen as my heart finally starts beating properly. “God, yes. How is she?”

“The doctor should be there soon to talk to you both, but she won’t need surgery at this stage.”

Oh, thank God.My entire body sags as the tension leaves my body. She’s going to be okay. She has to be.

“What about J…what about our baby?” My eyes flash to Jelly Bean sleeping peacefully in her crib.

“How about I bring her in after five minutes?”

“Yes!” I exclaim before cringing. “Sorry, I mean, yes, that would be great. Thank you.”

The nurse laughs as she gestures for me to follow her but I struggle to move, my eyes locked on Jelly Bean. She’s so small. So fragile. I never want her to be alone.

“Would you prefer she came with us now?”

“Yes. But I need to chat with Amelia first. Five minutes is okay.”I hope.“Just point me in the right direction so you can stay here.”

I stare at Bean for another few seconds before leaving a piece of my heart by her bedside and moving to the door, a lump firmly lodged in my chest.

What a fucking day.

“Third door on the left.” She points down the hall. “But she might be asleep so—”

“Got it. I’ll be quiet.”

I do the right thing and quietly approach Amelia’s door when I desperately want to burst in there, but as I reach for the curtain, Amelia’s voice cuts into my thoughts and her curt tone makes me smile. “How long?” she demands.There’s my girl.

I pull back the curtains to step through as she continues her argument.

“I want my… Luke?” Her eyes widen as they lock on mine, and she tries to sit up before groaning in pain and lying down again.

A sharp pain stabs me in the chest as I rush to her side and clutch her hand, careful not to hurt her any more than she already is. “I’m here, Ace. I’m here. Fuck, it’s so good to see you.”

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