Page 93 of Saving His Heart

That a boy, Ash! I knew he would come through. Why can’t I say anything? God, this is fucking infuriating. I don’t want Emory going alone to deal with that dickwad. I need to be with her.

“It can only be good news, Ems. I’m sure of it.”

My mother is a saint.

“But we can’t have you showing up looking so tired. Why don’t you go home, get some rest? You haven’t left his side since he got here.”

“I’d like to stay, Sylvie. I’ll sleep on the plane tomorrow. I don’t want to risk him waking up when I’m not here if I can help it. But if it happens, I have a letter I’ll leave him.”

“More damn letters? Don’t you think we’ve had enough letter writing in this family?” my mother jokes, but there’s an edge to her voice that’s worrisome.

“I know, Sylvie. But like I told you, we’ve had a very unconventional relationship. I think it will be best if he has time to think about what he wants now. When we got married, his life had a very different outlook. I have to prepare myself that I may not be what he wants now.”

“Tsk. That’s bullshit, Emory.”

You tell her, Mom!

“I still think he deserves his space to decide. I never even told him I loved him while he was awake. Would you marry someone who had not said they loved you?”

Yes. Yes, I did, and I would again because I felt it, Emory! I felt your love. Mother fucker, wake me the fuck up! I can’t take this shit anymore.

Beep*Beep*Beep*

“I think Preston is trying to answer you himself. But yes, my answer is yes. I would have married Preston’s father even if he hadn’t said the words because I could feel his love. Words are nice, honey, but it’s the actions the make the relationship.”

*Beep*Beep*Beep*

* * *

“Emory?”I barely recognize my own voice.

“Preston? Oh, Broken-heart. It’s so nice to have you back. Let me grab my phone so I can touchin’ the ladies to let poor Sylvie know you’re awake. She just ran out for some coffee.”

GG.She is never going to admit it is texting, not touchin’.

“Emory? Where is she?”

“She, well, she left this morning, son. But just hold yer horses, your mother’s got somethin’ for you. That girl saved your life, ya know? With her bare hands, she pumped your heart and got it to beat again. That’s some kind of woman.”

I nod, not sure I can deal with GG right now.

“Preston? Oh, thank God, honey. Thank God,” my mother gushes.

“Mom. Water.”

“Yes, yes. GG, go get the nurse, please.”

“On it like hotcakes, Sylvie.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes at the crazy lady, then smile because I can roll my eyes at the crazy lady. My mom holds a straw to my lips, and I take a long sip. Nothing has ever tasted better.Nothing except Emory. Good to know that freaking voice hasn’t gone anywhere.

“Emory? I need Emory.”

My mother’s expression darkens. “Preston, I know you have been awake for all of five minutes, but I need to ask you something. Then, you’re going to have to think long and hard about your answer.”

I swallow, a troubling feeling of understanding tickles the back of my consciousness, but I can’t place it. “Okay.”

“Why did you marry Emory?”