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Dianne closed her eyes again, tears escaping to roll down her cheeks. “Do you mean it?”
“Yes. I was going to apply to be a foster parent so that I could take him, but if you sign over custody, we can do this quickly—as long as Jace agrees, of course. It’ll be up to him. But if he does agree to live with me, I’ll take care of him. I promise.”
“I believe you. You took care of me and Noni when you didn’t have to. And you made me leave you so that we could get away.” She wiped her face again, murmuring thanks when Val handed her the box of tissues next to Jace’s bed. “He has dyslexia?”
“I think so. I’ll get him an official diagnosis.”
Dianne nodded. “Thank you. I...” She exhaled. “Just thank you. If Jace is okay with it, I’ll get the papers drawn up. Can... Can I still see him sometimes?”
“Of course. We’ll work it out.”
“Thank you.” Dianne stood, kissed Jace on the forehead, then left the room.
Leaving Val with a full heart. She took Jace’s hand in hers. “I’ll take care of you,” she said quietly. “I promise.”
Then she sang the same lullaby she’d sung to Elijah, hoping Jace could hear her. Hoping that he understood that he mattered to someone now.
The scent of flowers hit Val’s nose after the third verse, a slim arm sliding around her shoulders. “Hey, Ingrid.”
Val smiled. “Hey, Sylvi.”
“You look awful,” Sylvi said honestly. “But I’m so glad to see you.”
“Me too.” Val laid her head on her sister’s shoulder. “I heard what you did, how you helped Kaj and the others find me. Thank you.”
“I’m glad it worked.” Sylvi let her go, then sat in the chair Dianne had vacated. “I saw Dianne in the elevator. She told me that she’s giving you custody.”
Val’s lips curved. “I know. I can’t believe it.”
“You’ll be a good mom to him. You were a good mom to me.”
Val’s throat closed. “Don’t make me cry.”
Sylvi chuckled. “Fine, fine. I’ll save the mushy stuff for another day. I do remember you singing me to sleep with that song, though. It’s nice to hear you sing again.”
Val held out her free hand and Sylvi took it, squeezing hard. “You smell like flowers.”
“I went to the shop,” Sylvi said, “and made arrangements for all of your friends, for when they’re out of ICU. I left one in my car for Kaj to take to his sister since she’s on bed rest.”
“That was nice of you.”
“I needed to work off some energy. Stress plus idle hands isn’t a good combination for recovering addicts.” Val hadn’t even considered that. Her expression must have given her concern away because Sylvi’s smile was wry. “I know my limits and my triggers, Ingrid. I’m okay.”
“I’m so glad,” Val said fervently.
Sylvi squeezed her hand again. “You know about Noni Feldman?”
Val sighed. “Dianne told me.”
Sylvi looked away. “I’m not going to be charged for staying silent when Rico Nova confessed to Van’s murder, according to Kaj’s boss, Mr.Hogan.”
“That’s good. Right?”
“Of course. I just feel like I should do something. Make amends.”
Val smiled at her. “Then we’ll find something and do it together. There are so many ways we can help.”
Sylvi leaned into her. “I’m so glad I have you back.”
