Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
GRIFFIN
Ford had texted during my layover to say James was still in surgery.
But when I landed in Charlottesville, there was no news.
I messaged for an update, but Ford never responded—which meant either he was busy, or James hadn’t made it, and Ford couldn’t bring himself to say it in a text.
Either way, I was too scared to call my parents and find out.
The twenty-minute Uber ride from the airport to the hospital was agony.
I strode down the surgical hallway, counting doors to keep from spiraling. Why was this hall so freaking long? And where the heck was my family? Ford had told me every Dupree was there, waiting on the surgeon.
A nurse bustled in my direction.
I put up a hand to stop her. “Where can I find James Dupree?”
The woman startled. “Are…” She stared at me. “Are you a relative?”
She probably thought I wasn’t. I didn’t look much like a Dupree. I took after my mother’s side.
“Yes,” I said. “His brother.”
She nodded. “Your family is just down the hall. James’s surgery is wrapping up right now, I believe.”
He was still alive.
My chest unknotted. “Thanks.” I hurried past her.
I heard them before I saw them—a hush of familiar voices, the kind of quiet a waiting room forces on people who are usually anything but. My hands shook as I rounded the corner.
Mom, who looked like she’d been crying all night, saw me first. “Griff?” Her hand went to her mouth.
Did she really think I wouldn’t come?
All at once, the quiet gave way to a collective cheer.
Mom met me halfway, pulling me into a hug.
Sophie wedged herself against my side. I held onto them, wishing I had another arm for Dad, who was hugging me from behind.
Anna was next. Then Blue. Granny and Gramps, Grandma Lisa, Holden and Christy, Ford and Peyton, Ashton and Tally, every cousin, every face I loved.
It was the biggest group hug of my life.
“You did this, didn’t you?” Dad chuckled, his throat thick. He had to be talking to Ford.
“It was nothing.” Ford waved it off. “Griff needed to be here ASAP, and all the flights were sold out.”
“Thank you,” Mom whispered, and the way she looked at him said the rest.
Standing in the middle of a vertical dogpile, I remembered the promise I’d made to myself back in Phoenix—and every minute I was on the plane.
Nothing like almost losing one brother to clearly see what you’d done to another.
Whether James made it or not, I was letting go of the hurt I felt toward Bowen—and Maggie.
I knew they were together. I’d seen their locations stacked on top of each other all week.
And miraculously, I’d felt nothing. Zilch. Could not have cared less.
Jules’s love had wiped my heart clean.
I just hoped it wasn’t too late with Bowen.
I glanced around at all my favorite faces. “Where’s—”
Then I found him—standing off to the side by the couch, like he didn’t think he was allowed in on the hug.
That drove the spike of guilt in deeper.
I took a step and the group parted without a word. My eyes burned, but I didn’t stop until I was right in front of him. He looked terrified, like he might bolt. I’d done that to him.
A sob broke loose, and I yanked him against me, like I could undo years of damage with a single embrace. I knew I couldn’t. But maybe this could be the start.
It sounded like everyone in the room exhaled at the same time.
He just stood there, stiff, as if he didn’t trust the hug. So I hugged him tighter.
“I’m so sorry,” I cried. “I’ve been stubborn and prideful and…” I couldn’t finish. I tried again. “Can you forgive me?”
He was quiet and still for a few more seconds. Then, finally, his arms came around me. “We’re good,” he said. “I love you, brother. Always.”
I wanted to promise that I’d never hurt him again, but I was too afraid… because I didn’t trust myself. Yes, I was soft right now. But could I hold my resolve when things eased up?
I wasn’t sure. But I’d give it everything I had.