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Kaj’s heart squeezed happily in his chest. “Val texted me. I’d been worried about what would happen to him. Is she still here?”
Joy rolled her eyes. “We can’t pry her from Jace’s bedside long enough to eat. That’s why we’re here. We brought her food. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, ma’am. My sister’s husband fed us. I’ll sit with Jace so Val can eat.” He buzzed the nurse at the ICU desk, who let him through. “I’m here to see Jace Gates.”
“Your girlfriend has a lovely voice,” the nurse said.
Kaj smiled at the nurse. “She’s been singing to Jace?”
“For the past hour. She only stopped ten minutes ago.” The nurse peered into Jace’s room. “Because she sang herself to sleep.”
“Ah. Thank you.” Kaj slipped into Jace’s room, closing the door softly. Sure enough, Val had propped her elbow on the edge of Jace’s bed, her cheek resting on her clenched fist. But she was wobbling.
Kaj started to reach for her, then stopped short. Jace was awake, staring at Val with something like awe.
Jace noticed him and whispered, “Is Elijah all right?”
“He’s fine. I’m going to tell a nurse that you’re awake.” Gently he shook Val’s shoulder and she sat up straight with a gasp.
She calmed quickly, though, her smile breaking wide when she saw Jace. “Hey, kid.”
“You’re okay,” Jace whispered, his voice dry and rough. “You stayed.”
“I am okay. And I will always stay.”
Kaj moved to the door and signaled for a nurse, who hurried over. Val stood on shaky legs, backing away to give the nurse room. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, Kaj urged her to lean against him. “He’s okay, Val.”
“I know. I know.”
Fortunately, everyone would eventually be okay.
Except for Noni Feldman. Kaj hadn’t had a moment to grieve for her. She should have been more forthright with them, telling them what she knew. She might be alive right now.
But Val was alive and he was so thankful. He tightened his hold until she sucked in a sharp breath and he remembered her sore ribs. “I’m sorry.”
She kissed him. “Don’t be. You feel good. You make me know I’m okay.”
They waited while the doctor and nurse did all their checks and left the room, promising they’d be back later.
“Are you going to tell him about Dianne?” Kaj whispered in Val’s ear.
“I think so. Hopefully she won’t change her mind, but it will ease his, so yeah.” Hand in hand, they sat in the chairs next to Jace’s bed.
“You sang to me,” Jace said sleepily. “Was like... far away. Followed the sound.” He drew a shallow breath. “What’s going to happen to me?”
“Do you mean your injuries?” Val asked carefully.
“That too. I’ll be good again?”
She nodded. “You will. And I’ll take care of you until you’re back to normal.”
“So will Elijah and I,” Kaj said. “You won’t be alone, Jace.”
He closed his eyes. “And after? When I’m all better?”
Val reached for Jace’s hand. “Dianne said she’d sign custody over to me, if that’s okay. She’s going to get some help with her alcohol issues.”
Jace’s eyes flew open, and they were filled with hope. “You’re not lying to me.”
