Page 8 of Never To Forever

“Garrett, I’m so sorry this happened,” Christian says, running a hand through his hair as he shakes his head. “I should’ve just gone myself. This was my responsibility, and I…”

“If you had, it’d be you in this bed instead of me,” Garrett tells him in a firm tone. “What would Haven do then? Oliver? The rest of the company? This isn’t on you, man. I offered to go in your place and I’m glad I did.”

“Fuck,” Christian murmurs, his expression twisted with his guilt. “I’m going to take care of this, okay? The company will take responsibility for your treatments and anything else, and I’m going to figure out what the hell caused that machinery to blow like that.”

Garrett gives him a reassuring nod. “I know you’ll do right by me. We’re good, I swear.”

He looks up and meets my gaze. When he smiles, it’s the same smile he gives to Haven. A brotherly one, and it makes my heart ache with disappointment.

“Hi, Marie,” he says, waving me over.

I cross the room to stand by his bed. He takes my hand and squeezes it.

“Hey, big guy.” I smile down at him. “Glad to see you’re okay.”

“I am,” he assures me. “Thanks for looking out for Haven. I appreciate it.”

I will always be there for Haven, but I wish Garrett would say he’s just happy that I’m there because it’s me. He only ever sees me as his sister or as Haven’s best friend, nothing more, no matter how much I wish he would.

“No problem,” I say, keeping my swirling thoughts to myself. Now’s not the time. “You know I’d do anything for you guys.”

Anything and more. These people are my family, as much as my father, stepmother, and siblings. Sometimes, it feels like more so.

About fifteen minutes later, Ally walks through the door with Oliver in her arms. His face nestled against her shoulder, but he perks up when he spots Garrett.

“Uncle Gary!” he exclaims, frowning as he looks Garrett over. “Are you going to be okay?”

Hearing Oliver call Garrett, Gary, makes me laugh. Only Garrett’s mother ever called him Gary and the fact that Oliver calls him that now, is far too amusing.

Because he hates it.

Garrett gives him a reassuring smile, though I can see the pain in his eyes. “Don’t worry about me, buddy. I’ll be just fine.”

Oliver doesn’t look entirely convinced as he clings to Ally and eyes Garrett warily. This is clearly a lot for the little boy, seeing his uncle in this state.

Haven and Christian exchange a look. I can see that Haven is torn—stay with Garrett, or take Oliver home? Before she or Christian can say anything, I speak up.

“How about Ally and I take Oliver home and watch him tonight? That way you guys can stay here.”

“Oh, Marie, you don’t have to do that,” Haven quickly protests. “It’s okay, Christian and I…”

“It’s not a problem,” I insist. “Really. We’ll just go and stay with him until you guys get home.”

Haven hesitates, but I can tell she wants to say yes. She doesn’t fight the urge for long and slowly nods.

“All right,” she says. “I really, really appreciate it.”

She moves in to give Oliver a hug and a kiss. “You be good for Ally and Marie, okay? Daddy and I will be home soon.”

Oliver nods and glances toward Christian, who gives him a smile and steps closer so he can give the little boy a kiss on the top of his head as well.

“We’ll see you soon, buddy. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Oliver murmurs. Ally squeezes him to her and he snuggles against her shoulder as he waves to his parents. Ally takes him out of the room and I move to Haven’s side.

I give her a hug and then step back and look back down at Garrett. My throat tightens as I look at his black and blue face, and pressure builds up behind my eyes. I need to get out of here before I burst into tears.

“I’m really glad you’re okay,” I murmur, gazing into his eyes.

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