Page 8 of Not In The Christmas Plan
I frown at the message and read it again. “Sutured? Why would she need sutures?”
“Sounds like she had a c-section,” Grant says. “That’s typical for delivering twins.”
I know it’s typical, but that doesn’t stop the panic from creeping back up.
“But why wouldn’t they tell us she was going into major surgery to begin with? How is Ivy doing now? How are the babies? Do you think your mom has more information she isn’t sharing?”
“Eve—”
I begin pacing in front of the coffee table. “I knew I should have been there. I’m her big sister and the only family she has left.”
I should be there to watch over Ivy and make sure the medical team is doing all they can. What if somethingslips through the cracks and Ivy ends up like the mom she and I never got to know?
As my thoughts spiral, a tug on my arms brings me back to the present.
“Hey,” Grant says, angling his head down to look at me. His hold is firm but not too tight, long fingers wrapped around and grounding me. “It’s all good. I promise. My mom will let us know when there’s more info. She won’t keep you in the dark about anything. Okay?”
He stubbornly waits for my assent, relaxing only once I nod in agreement.
“Good. Now, this is good news. You’re an aunt. We should be celebrating. Break out the wine.” He smirks. “Ya boy could go for some more pie. I’ll even save some for you this time.”
I let out a slow breath. “How can you have an appetite at a time like this?”
His eyes take on a serious edge. “Eve, look. There’s one thing I don’t play about—sweet potato pie. I haven’t met anyone who comes close to making them like Grandma Simmons used to. Until now.”
For as much grief as the pies were to bake, if Grant is to be believed, Ididthat. And as his serious expression morphs into a charming grin, I consider saying yes to the pie and more. Like the ghost of Christmas mischief is whispering in my ear that if I give into the urge to throw myself in his arms, everything will be okay. My sister, mynieces, my heart.
I draw my arm back, blocking out that dangerous voice. I’ve learned from my mistakes. Love isn’t for me, and prolonged time with Grant spells bad news for my control.
I take a small step back so Grant’s hands fall off while shaking my head. “All of the excitement is finally catching up with me. I think I’ll just go lay down and try to get some sleep until we get another update.”
I dare to meet his eyes, pretending like I don’t see the disappointment he tries to hide, and walk away before I can do something I’ll only end up regretting later.
Chapter four
Despite what I told Grant, and despite it being close to midnight, I’m not tired in the least.
I sit on my old Queen-size bed worried about Ivy and once again wishing I would have gone to the hospital with her. I can’t shake the feeling she needs me. She’s got her husband and in-laws, but my intuition tells me it’s not enough. She needs her sister there, too.
I’m going to send Linda a text just to make sure there aren’t any new developments she hasn’t told me about.
Right as I pick up my phone it starts vibrating in my hand with an incoming call from Braxton.
I immediately swipe to answer it. “Braxton, how is everything? Is Ivy okay? How are Nia and Amani?”
“Hey, Eve,” he says, followed by a long exhale. “Sorry I’m calling so late. It was too much to type out.”
“Too much to type? Why? What happened?”
I’m already off the bed and looking around the room for my keys and purse.
“We’re okay, or,willbe okay,” Braxton says carefully. “I just need you to listen and not react, okay?”
“Okay.”
God, where are my keys?
“Ivy is sleeping off the effects of the drugs, but otherwise she’s fine. Nia and Amani…” My heart breaks at the sound of Braxton’s voice cracking before he clears his throat and continues. “They came so early that their lungs haven’t fully developed, so they have to be transferred to a Level four NICU.”
