West, on the other hand, stared wordlessly through the windshield. The shock on his face rimmed his eyes and lips in red. This was how he mourned: privately, pressing down every tortured emotion that tried to claw its way out, as if they made him weak.
Lizardman licked West’s cheek. He blinked, the only outward sign that he was alive. His fingers twitched then ran over the puppy’s soft fur.
She felt horrible for him. Seeing how West pulled inward every time he encountered hurt, she knew more than ever that she’d never been a part of his life.
Cole squeezed her hand in return. She pressed a silent kiss against his cheek and his arms went around her. Though he was hurting, he surrounded her in the cocoon of his love. Yes, she was with the right brother.
Chapter Thirty
Their boots echoed through the sterile halls of the hospital. Last time Cole had been here, he’d counted the ceiling tiles in the waiting room. Thirty-two, in case anyone asked.
Seven of those were off-white.
Cole had never wanted to darken these halls again. After thinking things had gone so well with his mother’s heart transplant, he’d hoped to never return. So much for expectations. And on the holidays? This place felt like a ghost town. The halls were hauntingly empty as they made their way to the cardio wing of the hospital.
That was all he could think about at the moment. Those little details, not… were they really losing their momma? She was such a bright light of goodness. Could such amazing vibrancy truly be snuffed out? And to lose her on Thanksgiving? This was the day where she worked for hours to set a table with creamy pies and a golden turkey roasted to perfection.
The smell of the sweet and savory seemed enhanced in that warm kitchen because of her smiles and laughter. Even though Cole loved the food she made, he loved his momma more. Nothing would taste the same without her love.
He couldn’t imagine a Thanksgiving without her. He remembered each one, from the time he was crawling and watching her legs march busily back and forth while he played cars under the table until last year’s when Charlie and Pip had come over, and she let them snitch the cheese she taught them to grate.
He’d never forget this Thanksgiving either. The memories would be bittersweet. He’d lose his momma and find Eva all at once.
Cole kissed Eva’s fingers, not sure how he could’ve made it this far without her. On the jet, he’d only parted from her once, so that they could change out of their wet clothes. She’d found a soft sweater and plaid pencil skirt. All that glorious wet hair was caught up in a messy bun. His breath had caught when he saw her.
She was simplicity and elegance in one.
He’d been a different story. Cole had changed into one of West’s gray fitted suits—the biggest one that he could find, and yet the expensive threads still pulled at his shoulders. He’d finally had to unbutton the first two buttons of the dress shirt to even get his neck to fit in there.
Eva had assured him that he looked absolutely dashing. His momma would be so proud of her boys.
Presently, Eva leaned into him as the CNAs and nurses pointed out his momma’s room. “I’ll wait for you out here,” she said, pointing to a chair in the hall.
“No.” He couldn’t do this without her.
“This should be your time alone with her,” she said.
Obviously, West wasn’t about to argue with her. He’d wanted to leave her behind in the jet with Lizardman. “Let’s go.” He rammed Cole towards the room with his shoulder. Eva was right, as usual. Cole looked back at her as they headed for the door. Her comforting smile made him straighten.
His momma had supported him from cradle to only a few days ago; now he’d be the strength that she needed.
Pushing through the door to Momma’s hospital room, Cole wasn’t sure what he’d find. Lily Slade sat on her bed, her light blonde hair pulled into a low ponytail at the back of her neck. She was hooked up to an IV and monitor. Her breathing was heavier, but then it had been that way since the heart problems began. He couldn’t believe that she was in such terrible health, not with that relieved sparkle in her blue eyes when she turned to them.
“My boys!” Her voice was exuberant, though weak. Cole saw it now. His stomach clenched. She was fading. “West! Cole! You came.”
One look around the room told Cole that Hudson and the twins hadn’t made it there yet. West’s private jet had beaten them all, even though they’d left later. Their dad sat vigil by Momma’s bed like Papa Bear guarding her from Goldilocks.
Ignoring their old man’s ominous looks, West rushed forward. “Of course we’re here.” He leaned over her and kissed her pale cheek. “They can turn this around. We’ll get you another transplant. You’re not too weak. Look at you!”
Instead of arguing, Momma’s eyes widened when she saw the bruises on his face. Her gaze immediately flew to Cole. “No, no, you two weren’t fighting, were you?”
Their father let out a protective growl to the side of them. Even if their disputes had resulted in West’s bruised face, they’d never admit it now, not with Momma’s eyes tearing up like that.
West exchanged glances with Cole. “No, of course not.”
Momma clung to West’s hand. “I told you to watch out for him when you went down there.”
“Yes.” West hastened to reassure her. “And I will. I’ll always have his back. I promise.”