Page 99 of Must Love Bees
“Astrid.” He tilted her face back, a deep furrow settling between his brows as he stared down at her. “I’m where I need to be.” He spoke with such tenderness.
That did it. She stopped fighting the tears and stepped into his arms. Her world had been knocked off its axis and there was no knowing the outcome. “She’s the heart of our family. We all need her, Charlie. She can’t...she can’t...” She wasn’t going to say it out loud. “I can’t lose her.”
“I’m sorry you’re hurting.” His arms tightened. “What can I do?”
She buried her head against his chest. “This...just...don’t let go.”
CHARLIELEFTTHEhospital feeling lighter. Exhausted, but hopeful.
“I’m so relieved.” Astrid held his hand. She was smiling again. It was a tired smile, but happy.
After hours of waiting and fearing the worst, the doctor had delivered good news. Camellia’s heart showed no signs of further clots or blockages or anything else concerning. She wouldn’t be going to Austin, but she would be staying at the hospital for at least three more nights. Astrid had wanted to stay until Camellia had a room—making them the last to leave.
“I’m so glad Van and Aunt Mags can be with her.” Astrid smiled as he held the car door open for her. “Thank you.”
Once he’d started the car, he glanced her way. She’d cried so much he’d begun to worry. Her grief was so deep and endless. And he’d been helpless to ease it. They knew things were going to be okay, but she had to be exhausted. He was—but he wasn’t worried about himself. “You need some sleep.”
She nodded, yawning. “What about the girls?”
“Nicole is having a big slumber party.” He wasn’t going to think about it. They would be fine.
“Are you okay with that?” She rested her head on the seat. “If you’re worried, we can get them.”
He shook his head. After all the hell she’d been through, she was asking if he was okay. He still hadn’t accepted that she could care about him. Didn’t she see that she deserved so much better?
“I don’t mind, Charlie.”
“I’m sure they’re asleep.” He hoped they were asleep. “I’ll get them in the morning.”
“Okay.” She yawned.
He was tired, so the drive home felt longer than usual. The highways were lit up but once he turned onto the farm-to-market road, he forced himself to perk up and concentrate. It was pitch-black. No streetlights. No house lights. Just country. When they’d first arrived, it had been unnerving. Now he didn’t mind. The view of the stars overhead was like nothing he’d ever seen.
“Charlie?” Astrid’s voice was soft. “Shelby is probably already asleep and Tansy is staying with Dane and I don’t want to be alone. Could you stay with me tonight?”
He glanced her way. He didn’t want her to be alone, either. “If that’s what you want.”
She nodded.
When he parked, she was asleep. He managed to scoop her up and carry her to the house. The door was unlocked,
All of the downstairs lights were on, but the house was quiet.
Until a stampede of dogs came clicking down the wooden floor. A chorus of whimpers and whines woke Astrid.
“Are we home?” Astrid murmured, looking down. “It’s okay. She’s going to be okay.”
Charlie set her down. “Do I need to feed them? Let them out?”
“They have food.” She crouched, giving each of the six dogs a pat and scratch. “And a doggie door. But I’m sure they know something’s up. The house is never this empty.” She stood and hugged herself. “It’s too quiet.” She smiled at him.
“Is someone crying?” Charlie stared down the hall.
“Oh.” Astrid hurried down the hall. “Lord Byron.” She moved to the perch where the bird sat. His head was tucked under his wing and he was making a pitiful sound. “Hey, pretty boy. Camellia is okay.”
Lord Byron sat up. “Camellia? Camellia?” he squawked.
“She will be home soon,” she assured him.
