Page 71 of Exposed to Him

“Mom?” my voice cracks, and she opens her arms for me.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m at peace. You could come with me, but I think there’s someone waiting for you to get back,” she whispers.

“Jared,” I say, and pull back to meet her eyes.

“Yes, sweetie. That boy sure does love you, honey. I need you to let all this guilt you are holding go. I’m okay now, and I need you to go back and live your life. This is not your time,” she explains.

“I miss you so much, Mom.” I go to reach for her again, but she starts to fade.

“No, Mom! Please don’t leave me yet,” I beg, and she gives me a small smile.

“This is all the time the angels will give me, sweetheart. Just know that I will always be with you.” Her voice echoes in the meadow and I’m left stunned with my thoughts. This feels so real, and I have no clue what I’m supposed to do next.

Jared

I continue to wait in the waiting room to hear from the doctor. She was rushed into emergency surgery. She had a gunshot wound to her side. I hope that she wasn’t damaged internally in any way.

Shannon and Sean have been here waiting with Matt and a few others. I know Matt cares for her deeply. They have become great friends. A couple of my men didn’t make it. That shit sits heavy on my shoulders. Even though this is what they signed up for, I will forever remember their bravery.

I pace back and forth, refusing to be looked over even though I’m bruised and bleeding. I can’t risk missing the doctor when he comes out.

“Jared, you need to get looked over, man.” Sean appears at my side.

“I’m fine,” I gruff out, and all I can think of is that my girl in surgery and she may not make it back.

“What if it was Shannon?” I retort, and he holds both hands up.

“All right, man, I get it.” He walks away in defeat. I can’t help being snappy, but I’m pissed the fuck off I let it get this far. My body is aching and my head is pounding.

“Here, honey,” Shannon says, and she hands me a bottle of water and a sandwich.

“Thanks, Shannon.” My voice cracks, and I can’t seem to get it together. She places her hand gently on my back, giving me a soothing rub.

“She is a survivor; she’s the strongest person I know. Erica will come back to you.

Do you want to know how I know this?” I look at her face and it shows that she genuinely believes what she says.

“How?” I stare at her with hopeful eyes.

“Because a love like yours just can’t possibly be over when it has barely begun. Jared, I believe that your love is strong enough to conquer all,” she whispers, and I see a lone tear slip down her cheek. I give her a nod because that’s all I can do. She then gets up and makes her way to Sean. He gives her a hug to comfort her, and that’s all I want. I want to hold Erica and feel her warm, healthy body pressed up against mine.

After I drink and eat, I make my way to see Grady. His leg is in a cast. It’s broken from the explosion. He was tossed and landed hard on a metal piece that snapped his tibia.

“Hey, just wanted to check on you quick before I go back in the waiting room.” I’m standing at the door and he sits up.

“Any news on her?” he asks.

“Nothing yet; I assume she’s still in surgery.”

“Is Shannon here?” Grady looks up at me. I’ve never heard him ask about a woman before.

“Dude, you feeling that chick?” I almost laugh at the look in his face.

“Nah, man; she’s a cool girl, that’s all,” he says, but I don’t believe him. He likes her, but she’s with someone else.

We talk for a couple of minutes and I make my way back to the waiting room. My heart stalls when I see the doctor talking with Shannon and Sean. Shannon covers her mouth with a sob and I feel dizziness take over. I shake my head and walk over, needing answers. The doctor turns towards me,

“She made it through the surgery okay. Her heart stopped during the procedure, but we were able to revive her. Now it’s just a waiting game until she wakes up… If she wakes up,” he tells me.

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