“I’ll take you to her.”
I follow the doctor through the door and into a private room where Ember lies with her eyes closed.
I listen to the instructions from the doctor, basically telling me to be gentle with her and not let her get upset. Nothing is going to hurt her if I can help it. Quietly making my way into the room, I place a chair next to her bed, take her hand in mine, and rest my forehead against it.
“Ryder?” Her voice is soft and frail.
“Shh, baby. Don’t talk. Just rest.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Before I can tell her it’s okay—that we’re okay—she slips back to sleep. Raking my hand through my hair, I grab my cell and call Charlie.
“Hey, Ryder, how’s Ember?” Charlie’s voice is quiet, which tells me Amelia must be nearby.
“Stable. How’s Amelia?”
“Scared. Confused. We’re snuggling on the couch, watching a movie.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry I dumped her on you.”
“Do not apologize to me. This is what family does. Mark and I are here for whatever you need.”
“Thanks. Give her a kiss for me and tell her I’ll check in as soon as I can?”
“You got it.”
Hanging up, I turn back to Ember. The woman I love. If all of this has done anything, it let me see just how much I care about her, how much we mean to each other.
“Ryder?” Ember’s weak voice calls out to me.
I rush to her side. “Baby, you’re awake. You’re going to be okay.”
“Amelia, where’s Amelia? Is she okay?”
“Shh… she’s fine, baby. She’s with Charlie and Mark. She’s safe.”
“Devlin…”
“He’s in custody. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
“I’m so sorry,” she sobs. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“You didn’t, baby.” I press my lips to her forehead. “We’re okay. We’re all okay.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR
Ember
Ryder steps into my room, yet another bouquet of flowers in his hands.
“Don’t you think this is overkill?” I ask with a smile.
“These are special.” Handing them to me, he presses a kiss on my forehead.
“Oh?”
“They’re release-day flowers. You’re going home today, baby.”