Page 28 of Dark Truth

“We’ll tell him where you are. We’ll take care of him, I swear.” Kevin hugged me tight, and that’s when I noticed something.

None of them were in their normal suits. All had on jeans, loafers, and t-shirts. They’d come casual, prepared to be here for a while. They’d done this together then, I decided, and felt another wave of tears start, but swallowed it back.

I went back to the penthouse and did as instructed. I had a shower, a light lunch, and then went to bed. I didn’t sleep, not at first; my brain was too exhausted, too nervous to sleep. I put on a movie, an old black and white film, and tried to watch it, but found my eyes kept closing.

I woke up a few hours later and realized I’d missed the movie. A color film was on, and the sky had started to darken. I rolled onto my back and stared up at the ceiling. I had to get dressed and head back to the hospital, but first, I had to wait for the nausea to pass.

I rubbed my hand over my still flat stomach and talked to the baby hiding inside of me. “You have to stop making me sick, little one. You’re no bigger than a jelly bean, you know? Settle down in there.”

The sickness passed after a few minutes, and I got up. I checked my phone and saw I had messages. My brothers told me that Dylan had improved and that he was going to be released later that night. His vision was better, his legs were working again, and he was responding well to the medicine. I wanted to cheer to the rooftops but held myself in check.

Dylan might not be out of the woods, but he’d improved enough that the doctors agreed that he could go home to recuperate. That was a good thing and one I’d be thankful for.

I also had a message from Roxie, and I sent a long one back to explain what had happened. She replied immediately and asked what I needed. She’d always been such a good friend. I replied saying all I needed was some love, and she sent that back gladly in her next text. I smiled as I got dressed and couldn’t help but take stock.

I had my brothers and their wives in my life again, and Roxie, a true friend through it all. I had Dylan. I’d felt so alone not that long ago, and now, I almost had more love than I knew what to do with.

In fact, my sisters-in-law showed up just as I started to leave. “What are you all doing here?”

“Trent said you all were bringing Dylan home later, so we want to make sure you have what you need when you get back. Do you want us to pick up shopping, or make something to eat? What do you need, Emily? Just say the word.” Jessi hugged me and went to the kitchen, Laura and Ember on her trail.

“Well, I could use some shopping, yes. I can order it; you don’t have to go to that trouble, honey.” I followed the women into my kitchen and tried to hold back tears again. “Dammit, Jessi, Laura, and Ember. Don’t make me cry again. I’ve done enough of that today. I’ll get one of those nasty headaches crying always gives me.”

“Nope, no tears, sweetheart,” Laura said, brusque as usual, but always loving. “Tell us what you need.”

I sat at the table with them, and we decided on the things we might need here once Dylan was home. Ember went off to find the mattress made from some kind of special gel that one of the doctors had recommended. Jessi went to get groceries and planned to come back to make a dinner for all of us, and Laura decided to pick up the medicines the doctors had prescribed him. They would all meet back here and take care of everything.

I kissed each woman, each sister, and then I left. Trent’s driver was waiting for me when I got downstairs and soon had me back at the hospital. I walked in to find the men talking quietly, but happily.

“Ah, there’s Emily.” Kevin stood up to let me get by him so I could kiss Dylan hello.

“How are you, darling?” I asked as I brushed hair back from his forehead.

“Tired, ready to go home. We were waiting on you. Everything’s done, and I’m ready to go.” He smiled at me, tired but happy.

“Shouldn’t they keep you for one more night?” I asked, but he put his hand over my mouth and smiled.

“Don’t give them ideas! There’s no immediate danger of death. I’m improving, and I’m taking up space someone else might need. It’ll be fine, Emily. Don’t worry.”

I stared back at him, my eyes narrowed. “Did you demand to go home, is that it?”

“No!” he protested but kept his smile. “There’s really no point in my being here now, honey. I promise. It’s going to be alright. I’ll need some help to get out of bed, and time to heal, but I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.” I still wasn’t sure, now that I was back in the hospital.

I’d wanted him to come home, but this seemed like too quick of a discharge. He could move again, and he proved that by sliding out of the bed. He was already dressed, he even had his shoes on, but it just seemed to be too soon.

I looked at my brothers, and they all nodded. “Fine, but I don’t like it.”

“It’ll be fine, Emily. I promise.” Dylan pulled me to him, and I let myself lean into him.

“It better be. Or you’re coming right back here, mister.

Emily

I stared at the black and white image on the screen, my heart full of love and wonder. “That’s my baby?”

“It is. I’d say your approximately six weeks, Emily,” the doctor said and gave me a grin. “Do you want pictures?”