I groaned.

There was no way I could fake it now.

I texted slowly.

ME: Are you still at the hospital? My parents wanted to see Reid.

Mom smiled, patted my shoulder and shifted away. While her attention diverted to Dad, I texted at warped speed.

ME: It’s okay if you’re not comfortable. I’ll tell my parents you left.

I didn’t wait for a response.

“Mom and Dad, bad news. I don’t think—”

My phone chirped.

DEACON: We’re coming.

I forced myself to sound cheerful. “They’re on their way.”

“Fantastic.”

I dreaded the moment Deacon walked through the door and that moment came way too quickly.

As soon as the knock sounded, Mom popped out of her seat. “Must be them.“

I waited by Dad’s hospital cot, breathless and worried, while Mom skipped like Dorothy down the yellow brick road and opened the door.

Just act normal, Angel.

Deacon stepped in, his presence sucking all the air from the room. Daddy sat up and I helped him to rise, propping the pillows behind his back so he could be comfortable.

“Hello, young man,” Dad greeted warmly.

Reid ducked behind his father’s leg.

“He’s so cute,” Mom squealed, edging around Deacon to peer at Reid. “Hello.”

“Say hi, Reid.” Deacon nudged him forward. “These are Angel’s parents.”

Reid’s fingers clung more firmly to his father’s jeans.

“He’s shy,” Deacon and I said at the same time.

We glanced at each other.

I looked away first, my throat going dry.

“Thank you for stopping by,” Mom said. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Deacon gave my mother a swoon-worthy smile. “It’s our pleasure, ma’am. We consider Angel a part of the family.”

“I see.” My mother eyed him up and down. “Are you married, young man?”

“Mama!” I hissed.

“No, ma’am.”