Page 85 of The Beat of her Heart

“Yes,” Josephine said. “They understand more than you might think. But it’s your call if you want to see them.”

Giselle nodded, glancing back at Josephine. “Thank you for that.” The words barely scratched the surface, but she knew Josephine understood.

Josephine’s eyes held hers for a moment, and then she turned toward the door. Giselle watched her leave, a quiet thought slipping out before she could stop it.

“Josephine, do you think Addie can still love me?”

Josephine stopped, turning back with a raised brow. “Pardon?”

Giselle gave a short, bitter laugh. “Dropthe act. You know we’ve been seeing each other.”

A faint smile crossed Josephine’s face. “I’d hoped.” She let the words hang between them, a subtle warmth softening her usual formality. “Addie’s a driven woman. And emotional. If she loves you, Giselle, it will take more than this to change that.”

Giselle’s shoulders relaxed, her gaze settling on Josephine with gratitude she didn’t try to hide. “Thank you. For everything.”

Josephine gave a small nod, her face softening just enough to show her approval, then left without another word.

28

ADDIE

Addie sat beside Sophie, watching the steady rhythm of the monitors as her daughter’s small chest rose and fell.

Her hand rested over Sophie’s, her thumb gently tracing small circles on her daughter’s skin. Sophie’s face was pale and her body looked so fragile against the white hospital sheets, but the steady beep of the monitor reassured Addie. Sophie was here.

She was alive. The relief hadn’t yet settled, and tears slipped down Addie’s cheeks, one after another, quiet and steady.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she whispered. “You’ve been so brave. You’re the strongest person Iknow.” Her voice cracked, but she kept talking, her words soft and full. “Mommy’s here, and you’re going to be just fine. Just fine.”

Addie kept her gaze on Sophie’s face, letting every little feature fill her mind—the small eyelashes, the faint curve of her cheeks. She brushed a hand over Sophie’s forehead, tucking a stray lock of hair back.

“You scared me, you know that?” she murmured. “But you pulled through. You’re so, so strong.”

Time passed slowly, the quiet punctuated only by the steady beeps of the monitors. Addie stayed close, feeling every heartbeat through the monitor, each one easing the knot in her chest a little more.

She thought of the long night, of everything she’d said and felt. She hadn’t wanted to lash out. She hadn’t meant to, not in the way it came out. But the thought of losing Sophie had made her desperate, furious with anyone who stood in the way, even Giselle.

The door opened, and Addie looked up to see Giselle standing in the doorway. Giselle’s face was pale and her shoulders a little stiff, like she hadn’t recovered from the hours in the OR. Addie rose slowly, her handstill resting on Sophie’s, her gaze steady on Giselle.

Giselle walked in and closed the door softly behind her. She took a hesitant step forward, her eyes flicking to Sophie, then back to Addie, searching for something in her expression.

Addie opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat. She swallowed, her mind a mess of things she didn’t know how to say.

“I…Giselle, I…I don’t know where to start.”

Giselle nodded, her gaze steady. “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”

“No,” Addie said, shaking her head. “I do. I need to say it.” She took a breath, her hand squeezing Sophie’s. “I shouldn’t have said those things. I was terrified. And angry. I was…angry because I love her so much, and I didn’t know what else to do.”

Giselle’s eyes softened, her hands dropping to her sides. “You were scared. I don’t blame you for that.”

Addie let out a breath. “I didn’t mean it, Giselle. I didn’t mean any of it.” She paused, her gaze shifting to the floor for a moment. “Iwas just…scared of losing her. Of losing everything.”

Giselle took a step closer, her eyes on Addie’s. “I know. And I…I’m sorry too.” She looked down at Sophie, then back at Addie. “I’ve pushed you away, over and over. Then there’s the drama with my parents. I should’ve?—”

“I understand.”

“I was trying to start a life away from them. I didn’t mean to keep that much away from you. I was just too scared that I’d never find love, so I clammed up.”

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