Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“I will forever protect you, my sweet baby boy.”
Trey walked up and kissed TJ on the forehead as I walked around the living room.
“The only way to keep him from crying is to carry him around in my arms.”
Trey smiled and shook his head. “You don’t seem too bothered by that.”
Laughing, I replied, “Nope, not at all. I’d do anything for him. I’d give up my own life for him.”
Walking back up to us, Trey looked down at our three-week-old son and whispered, “As would I.”
The sound of Preston’s phone buzzing pulled me from my memory. He jumped up. Closing my eyes, I pretended I was still asleep.
“H-hello?”
I could hear someone talking. Rather, yelling on the phone.
Opening my eyes, I turned to look at him. Just as I expected, he was standing with his back to me as he looked out into the darkness that stood on the other side of the window.
“Shit, Sherry, I’m so sorry. Things just got really crazy and I didn’t want to leave Jake and—”
More shouting. His body tightened and his hand went up to his hair, where he grabbed a fistful of it before pushing it all the way through. That explained his hair. Now I just needed to figure out why the firefighter who attempted to save my son’s life was sleeping in my hospital room.
“I understand I haven’t been back home. It means something to me, Sherry. I can’t leave her. She only has her brother.”
Biting my lower lip, I felt tears begin to well in my eyes.
I can’t leave her. She only has her brother.
Turning away from him, I squeezed my eyes shut and forced the tears to stay at bay. Opening my eyes, I saw the water and my mouth was instantly dry. Reaching for the tray, I attempted to move it closer, but all I did was hit the bed and make a loud noise.
“Sherry, I promise we’ll talk when I come back home. I’ve got to run. Yes. I promise.”
The next thing I knew, Preston was standing there pouring water into the cup and reaching down to help me drink it.
After a few sips, I whispered, “Thank you.” Preston slowly let my head rest back on the pillow.
Smiling, he said, “Sure.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to him. I wanted to know why he was here, but I had overheard his reason. Maybe that wasn’t the reason though. My guess was he felt guilty and was now trying to play the hero by taking care of me. The thought made me angry.
“Why are you here, Preston? If you’re here because you feel guilty, you might as well just leave.”
The hurt in his eyes caused my stomach to drop. He slowly took a step back and nodded. “Right, um…I can leave if you’re not comfortable with me being here.”
I wanted to take the words back the moment they left my lips. Preston’s voice was laced with sadness and I knew the words I had spoken were the reason why.
“Jake went home to take a shower and eat, but I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
Giving me a weak smile, he turned to leave. Turning and looking out the dark window, I softly spoke. “Preston, wait.”
His footsteps stopped, but I knew he hadn’t turned back around. “Harmony, I’m not here because I’m trying to be a hero. I’m here because I’m genuinely concerned about you…and your brother Jake. He hasn’t slept at all and barely eats.”
A tear slowly moved down my cheek as I looked at him and asked, “Why?”
Turning around and walking up to the side of my bed, he asked, “Why?”
Our eyes met and once again, that feeling I knew we both shared moved throughout my body. A small sob escaped my lips as I tried to keep my crazy emotions at bay. “Why are you concerned about me?”
Shrugging his shoulders, he looked away briefly before glancing back at me. “I guess maybe it’s because we share a loss. I’ve never…I mean…I’ve never had…” Turning, he spoke under his breath.
“You’ve never what?” I asked as my stomach felt sick.
Chewing on his bottom lip, he nodded. “I’ve never lost…a child…” His voice cracked and his words broke off as he looked away. “I’m sorry. My loss is nothing compared to yours. It’s just…I felt a connection with you.” Rolling his eyes, he dropped his head back. “Jesus, I’m making myself sound like a real douche.”
Smiling slightly, I reached for his hand. “I don’t think you are.” His thumb moved across my skin and it instantly made me think of Trey. He would do the same thing with his thumb. My heart felt as if it would never heal. I would forever be broken from losing not only my son, but my husband as well.
“I feel the connection, too, Preston, and I appreciate everything you’re doing for both Jake and me. But it sounds like your girlfriend might be upset.”