to stay calm. Misty had an appointment today. During her exam, the doctor noticed the baby’s heartbeat was low. Too low.” He takes a minute to let that sink in. “Evan had to rush her to the hospital where they are monitoring her and the baby. If there is no improvement, they’re going to have to take the baby,” Aaron calmly explains.
“She’s too small,” I cry. “She’s not due for another two weeks and she’s already measuring tiny. It’s too early,” I argue.
Squeezing my hand, he says, “Yes, you are right on all counts. The doctors are giving Misty shots of steroids to help strengthen the baby’s lungs, just in case they do have to deliver early.”
“How is he?” I force the words out. I know how he is. His last text message flashes through my mind. “I need you.” I can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now.
Aaron is quiet the rest of the drive, allowing me to get lost in my thoughts, my worry for Evan. As soon as he parks the truck, I’m jumping out with him hot on my heels. “I’ll take you there,” he says, falling into step beside me.
We enter the hospital and Aaron leads us to the elevators. He hits the button, which one I have no idea. I don’t need to know. I just need to get to him. When the elevator doors open, Aaron motions for me to exit, letting me know this is our stop. As soon as I step out, we are in a waiting room and what I see breaks my heart. Evan is sitting all alone, elbows resting on his knees, face buried in his hands. I don’t even think as I move toward him. He must hear my heavy footsteps. Lifting his head, his eyes find me and he stands just in time for me to crash into him. We wrap our arms around each other, and I hold onto him telling him without words that I’m here.
“Kinley.” His voice cracks and, I swear, so does my heart. Neither one of us move. We stand there in the quiet waiting room of the maternity ward and hold on as tight as we can.
Eventually, he pulls away. His eyes are red and filled with moisture. “Are you okay?” he asks me. I can hear the concern in his voice.
This man.
He’s going through hell, the worry for his daughter evident, yet he takes the time to ask and worry about me.
“I’m good. I left my phone at the house. I’ve been busy in the studio all day,” I explain.
Evan nods as he laces his fingers through mine. I’ve completely forgotten Aaron was with me when I got here, until he clears his throat. We both turn to face him. I try to pry my hand from Evan’s, but he’s not having it.
“Any word?” Aaron asks. I can see the question in his eyes, but he doesn’t voice it.
“No change. We’re waiting for the doctor. I actually need to get back in there. I just needed . . .” He trails off and silently squeezes my hand. He needed to know I was okay.
“We’ll be here, go. You don’t want to miss what the doctor has to say,” I tell him.
“She’s right. We’re not leaving. You’ll find us here when you need us, man. Don’t leave the decisions up to Misty.” Aaron says her name with disdain.
Evan nods. “Thanks, man.” He releases my hand. Leaning down, he places a kiss on the top of my head, then squeezes Aaron’s shoulder and walks away.
“What was that?” Aaron asks.
“He’s emotional, Aaron. His daughter’s life is at risk,” I say defensively.
“Yeah, I get that, but I’ve been standing here the whole time. He was worried about you,” he points out.
“Well, yeah, I’m like a little sister to him. We’ve spent a lot of time together the last few months. I’ve been his shoulder through all this.”
“McKinley Rae,” he warns.
“Look, there’s nothing going on between us. Am I happy about that? No, not really. Can I change it? No. Evan is a great guy, you know that. He has too much going on in his life to notice his best friend’s little sister.”
“He looked like he noticed to me,” he retorts.
“He’s hanging on by a thread, Aaron. Misty hasn’t been taking care of herself and his biggest fear is possibly about to become a reality. His daughter is in danger. His parents don’t live here and his grandparents are not in good health. They can’t sit here with him, so he needs someone. That someone is me.”
Aaron’s quiet for a few minutes before he finally says, “I get that, Kinley. I do. He’s my best friend and I’m glad you’ve been there for him. Hell, I even encouraged him to let you help him. What worries me is your feelings are more than just helping out my best friend. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I won’t. You have nothing to worry about, Aaron. He needs us right now more than ever.”
He puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into him. “You’re right. I just worry about you. About both of you, really.”
“You don’t have to. I’m a big girl. I just . . . my heart breaks for him, Aaron.”
He doesn’t say anything. Instead, he guides me to one of the chairs along the walls and we settle in, waiting to hear from Evan.