Was I really alive? I could barely move my head and limbs, but I could tell I was in a hospital. Someone, maybe an angel, had somehow rescued me.
I’m not dead.
If I wasn’t dead, what about Art? Had help arrived in enough time to save him too?God, please,I begged.Please let Art be okay, please.
“Mom?”
I slowly rolled my head toward Maddox’s voice and saw my dad standing beside my son in the doorway, both appearing worse for wear. A tear rolled down my temple and into my hair, unable to speak and overwhelmed with gratitude. I was alive.
Maddox came to the bed and dropped his head, closing his eyes tightly. “I’m so sorry, Mom, for everything.”
It took every ounce of energy I could muster to move my hand and touch his. “I… love… you.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I’m so sorry for all the things I said. I shouldn’t have left you the way I did.”
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. Dad would beat my ass for the way I talked to you.”
“I forgive you.” Maddox wasn’t wrong. Matt never let the boys disrespect me. He’d reprimand them swiftly and give them a stern talking to.
My dad came on my other side. “Eve, I’m too old for this shit. You scared the tar out of me, sweet girl.” He kissed my cheek and took my hand. “I’m so grateful you’re going to be okay.”
I was exhausted. Words couldn’t find their way onto my lips. I just stared at my son and father, all the while wondering if Art was alive. I didn’t feel I could ask Maddox or my dad about him.
“Markey is on his way.” Maddox sat down and leaned toward me. “Cobra got a pilot friend in Arizona to fly him home. He should be here in an hour. Mickey and Jax are coming with him.”
“Who’s Jax?” my dad asked.
If I didn’t feel like I had been plowed down by a train, I’d freak out. I simply didn’t have the energy or wherewithal to react.
“Mickey’s son,” Maddox told him. He held my hand. “He’s alive, Mom. I know you’re wondering about Art. He’s alive.”
My bottom lip trembled as tears streamed down my face. I closed my eyes, relief washing over me. “Thank you,” I whispered. My prayers had been answered.
“Try to rest, Mom.” My son kissed my hand. “The doctor said you need to rest. I’ll stay here as long as they let me. I won’t let anything happen to you. Just rest, knowing Art is alive.”
I opened my eyes. Dad appeared confused, but he didn’t question me.
“I’ll be here too, Eve.” He smiled faintly.
I let my eyes close and drifted off.
Hushed voices woke me seemingly seconds after I’d fallen asleep.
Recognizing Markey’s voice, I struggled to open my eyes. Both of my sons were here, but I couldn’t bring myself out of the haze of exhaustion. So I rested peacefully with the knowledge I was protected.
“Eve, I need to check your vitals, dear.”
I fluttered my eyes open, and my boys were gone. My throat felt bone-dry as I tried to ask where they’d gone. “My sons?”
“I had them step out. Do you need to use the bathroom? Whenever you’re up to it, you can sit up.” She put a cup with a straw to my lips. “Sip slowly.”
I did as she instructed. “Thank you.” I cleared my throat.
After the nurse did her thing and I peed, she let my boys back in.
“Jesus, Mom.” Markey hugged me gently. He was my cuddly boy, whereas Maddox tried to act like a tough guy who didn’t need affection. His hard exterior hadn’t deterred me. I gave my boys lots of hugs and kisses. “How are you really?”