Page 82 of My Destiny

“I don’t think he knew anything about Brooke until he saw her at Lara’s party.”

“You mean Brooke’s mother never told him about the baby.”

“Yeah, she did, but let’s just say John’s reaction to the news that day was less than honourable. He never saw her again after that, and I guess he wasn’t sure if she went through with the pregnancy.”

“Well, I never,” she says, sitting back in her seat, shaking her head. “How did Brooke take the news?”

“Not good. She took off,” I reply. “That’s how we ended up here. We knew her ex was after her, and I’ve been doing my best to keep her safe. That’s why she’s been staying with me.”

“And you didn’t try to stop her from leaving?”

“I wasn’t there.” Leaning forward in my seat, my elbows rest on my legs as my gaze moves down to the laminate floor. “I would’ve if I had been.”

“Oh, sweetheart. She means a lot to you, doesn’t she?” she says, rubbing my back.

“She means the world to me, Mum. I’m in love with her.” I see a smile illuminating her face, when I glance at her over my shoulder.

Our moment is broken when I hear the nurse call my name. An uneasiness settles in the pit of my stomach as I rise from the seat and head in her direction. I’m not sure if I can take any more bad news tonight.

“I’m Logan Cavanagh,” I say, coming to a stop in front of her.

“Your girlfriend is asking to see you.”

“How is she?”

“Doing well under the circumstances. You’re welcome to chat with her doctor when he’s free, if you’d like more information.”

“I’d like that, thank you.”

“Come, I’ll take you to her.”

“Is there any news on John?” my mother asks, coming to stand beside me.

“John?”

“Johnathan Sanders, he came in at the same time,” I add. “He had a gunshot wound to his abdomen.”

“Oh right, yes. He’s in surgery I believe, but I can check and see if there’s an update.”

“I’d appreciate that,” my mum says before turning her attention to me. “Go see your girl. I’ll hang around until we get an update on John.”

“Thanks, Mum.” Leaning forward, I place a kiss on her cheek.

“Give my love to Brooke.”

“I will.” I give her a hopeful smile before disappearing through the double doors.

The nurse draws back the curtain slightly when we reach the cubicle Brooke’s in. “I have a visitor to see you,” she says, in a cheery voice. “Would you like me to adjust the bed so you can sit up?”

“Please.”

I stand back as the nurse makes her comfortable. “How’s that?” she asks, fluffing one of the pillows.

“Great. Thank you.” Brooke smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. What she went through tonight was pretty horrific, and I’m concerned for her mental health.

“If you need anything, just buzz.” The nurse gives me a sympathetic smile as she leaves.

As soon as we’re alone, I grab the chair sitting against the back wall and carry it towards the bed. I reach for Brooke’s hand after taking a seat. “How are you feeling?”