Chapter 43
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Shelby
“Think you can eat all of that for me?” I ask Riley.
My sweet girl nods enthusiastically, shoving another spoonful of red Jell-O into her mouth.
“Quick”—I smirk, glancing out the window into the hall—“before he comes back and tells us off for eating too many pots. And by us, I mean you.” I tickle her belly.
Our timing is perfect. Leo appears at the hospital room door just as Riley eats the last bit of Jell-O.
Sighing, I lean back on the thick pillows and give him a small smile when he enters.
“Hi,” I breathe.
“Don’t think I didn’t see that.” He glares playfully. Coming closer, he leans down to press a kiss to Riley’s head and then mine, his hand squeezes my fingers.
I close my eyes at the feeling. It’s the only way he’s touched me since we found out about the baby.
“Right, baby girl. Time to go home.” He claps, reaching for Riley.
“Aw. Can’t we stay?” she pouts.
“No, baby. You’ve been here all morning. You have schoolwork to catch up on.”
“I’m coming home tomorrow. We can have a movie night,” I offer, hoping to calm her.
“Maybe.”
My head snaps to Leonard.
“We’ll see what your doctor says.”
Like hell! After a week of being monitored and tested, I’m more than ready to get out of here.
“I’m going home.”
Wherever that is now.
My eyes fill.
A large hand smooths over the back of my head before he presses his lips firmly on my forehead.
“We’ll see,” he whispers against the skin.
His thumb is gentle as it wipes away my stray tear.
“I’ll be back in two hours. Try to sleep while you can.” The back of his fingers smooth down my wet skin. “You’re not sleeping enough.”
“Nurses come in and out in the night.”
Leo adjusts the pillows behind me. “I know, baby.”
We both freeze at his choice of words. I watch as he shuts down right in front of me.
“Rest,” he tells me.
Riley climbs up on the bed to hug me. Wrapping my arms around her, I squeeze her tight, breathing her in.
I press my cheek to her hair, and my heart calms.
“See you tomorrow.” I kiss her head.
“Bye, Momma,” she whispers. The word punches me in the throat the same way that it has since she’s been calling me that after the accident.
I hold her tighter, avoiding her father’s gaze.
Words are lodged in my throat. I press two quick kisses to her hair before releasing her with a sniffle.
“I’ll be back soon,” Leo promises, lifting Riley off the bed.
My eyes stay glued on them until I can’t.
Tilting my head, I groan.
I’m definitely going home tomorrow. I can’t stare at these white walls anymore.
I fight as my eyes grow heavy, but it’s useless. Leo was right. I am tired. Actually, I’m exhausted.
I drift in and out of sleep for what feels like hours. Frowning, I glance at the door.
Biting my lip, I reach for my phone, scrolling through my messages for Sam.
Hi, let me know when Riley gets there, so I know she’s okay.
Sam’s reply comes quickly.
She’s here. Sorry, thought Leo would have told you.
Two seconds after her text, my phone chimes with a photo. One of Riley sitting happily coloring a picture of a dog. Definitely not schoolwork.
The sight makes me smile.
Thank you for watching her.
Of course, she’s family.
Her dad might disagree. I reply.
He still being weird?
More than normal, you mean? Yes.
I chuckle at the skull emoji she sends. Fitting.
When did he leave?
A little over an hour and a half ago.
He’s avoiding coming back. Maybe he really is done with me.
Want me to come sit with you? Kaleb can stay with Riley. Sam offers.
No. She needs you more but thank you.
Dropping my phone on the bed, I cover my face with my hands.
Is this how it ends? Because of Cooper?