I leaned over Grae, brushing the hair from her face and pressing my forehead to hers. “I’m going to pick you up.”
“Mm-kay.”
Her voice sounded far away, and panic lit through me. Her insulin pump beeped, and that panic turned to terror.
Holt bent, fumbling with the pump. “It’s out of insulin. She must be spiking.”
This couldn’t be happening. I couldn’t lose her. Not again.
My arms slipped under Grae’s body, and she cried out in pain. I froze, my gaze jerking to Nash.
His jaw was so tight he likely cracked a molar. “We have to do it.”
I moved then, Grae’s moans slicing deep as I lifted her into my arms and stood. Her head rolled into my chest. “Gigi.”
“Mmm?” she mumbled.
“Need you to stay with me. Open those blues.”
Grae fought to open her eyes. “Feel funny.”
My steps came faster. “I know, but we’re gonna get you some help.”
“Love you, Caden,” she whispered, then her head went completely slack.
“Gigi!” I gave her a slight shake as I picked up to a run.
But there was no response. There was nothing at all.
* * *
The waitingroom was full to bursting. Kerry and Nathan sat clutching each other’s hands. Lawson stared down at his phone, most likely getting updates from Aspen, who was watching the kids. Maddie clasped Nash’s hand, trailing her fingers over his arm in a comforting pattern. Holt had his arm wrapped around a red-eyed Wren. Roan glared at the wall opposite him. Jordan and Noel sat quietly, both pale with shock from the news about Eddie.
The grief and anxiety were palpable. The emotions swirled around the room, grating against my skin and making me twitchy.
I pushed to my feet, unable to take it anymore. I strode out of the waiting room and into the hall. I couldn’t leave, but I couldn’t stay either. So, I paced. Up and down the hall, counting the linoleum tiles as I went. Blue. White. Blue. White.
Grae’s face flashed in my mind: her skin unnaturally pale and clammy, her breaths shallow.
Memories slammed against the walls I’d tried so hard to keep up—memories from all those years ago when I’d almost lost her.
“Caden?”
I turned at the sound of a familiar voice. “Mom?”
She hurried over to me, wrapping me in a hug. “How is she? Have you heard anything?”
I shook my head. “The doctors are still working on her.”
Mom released her hug but took my hands. She searched my eyes, clearly not liking what she saw there. “I’m so sorry.”
My ribs twisted in a painful vise. “I don’t think I can take this.”
She squeezed my hands. “You can and you will. You’ll stay strong for Grae until she can be strong for herself.”
“It’s my greatest fear.”
Mom’s brows pinched. “What is?”
