Page 138 of Perfect Rhythm

The elevator dinged, and the doors parted.

Shade’s mother was sitting in the waiting area. Tears poured down her face as she clung to his father like she was trying not to fall apart.

A knot of dread twisted in my gut. I didn’t want to hear what was about to be said. My heart couldn’t take it.

“Mama, what’s going on?” Shade asked, desperation in his voice.

She hopped up from the couch and wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry I didn’t call you. I was just so overwhelmed.”

“What happened? Is Jassi?—”

“She’s awake.”

My shoulders dropped as a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding escaped my mouth. “What?”

“Are you serious?” Shade asked, barely above a whisper.

His mother nodded, swiping a tear from her cheek. “We were all just sitting around talking like we always do.” She glanced at Ocean and Xandie, then back at Shade. “Then...her hand moved. At first, I thought I was just seeing things. But a second later, her eyes opened.” Smiling, she pressed her hands against her cheeks. “My baby is awake.”

“Well, if she’s awake, why is everyone out here?”

“Because they’re running tests and making sure she’s okay. They said we could go back in shortly.”

He nodded, a quiet smile forming as he turned to face me.

I slipped my arms around his neck. “I told you she would fight her way back. I told you.”

He planted several kisses on my cheek, like he needed me to feel how thankful he was that I was right.

Several more minutes passed before the doctor came out and let us know that Jassi would make a full recovery. Elated, we hugged each other and thanked God for the second chance he’d given her.

Since she was just waking up, we were told that only two people could visit with her at a time.

As soon as Shade and I entered the room, a smile appeared on her face. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the two love birds themselves.”

I giggled, grateful to see her poking fun at us.

“Damn, it’s good to see you awake,” Shade said with a heavy sigh.

“It’s good to see you too, big brother.” She motioned for him to come closer, then pulled him into a hug. “I know you didn’t think you were going to get rid of me that easily, did you?”

He laughed.

There was a moment of silence as she stared at him, then she leaned into his ear and spoke slowly. I couldn’t make out whatshe was saying, but from the relieved expression on his face, I could tell it was exactly what he needed to hear.

She squeezed him tighter, then kissed his cheek.

“Now, please tell me that the two of you have finally sealed the deal in my absence?” she teased.

“Not quite, but we’re working on it,” Shade said.

“Actually,” I chimed in as I stepped forward and grabbed his hand. “I think we have.” Shade looked over at me, a mix of confusion and wonder on his face. I knew he was trying to get a clear understanding before jumping the gun. I nodded. “We’re on the same page about things. This can’t stop,” I said.

He squeezed my hand and smiled.

I could tell he wanted to kiss me, but was trying to keep his cool in front of his sister.

Claps filled the air, forcing us to break our gaze from each other. “This is so beautiful,” Jassi squealed. “Nyx Fenton is going to be my sister-in-law.”