Chapter 17 #3
“If you ask me, you’re what makes him happy, and he couldn’t care less where he has to live to be with you. Remember what Joe did to be with Janey. He rearranged his entire life, and he’s blissfully happy. He loves her, so he did what had to be done so they could be together.”
“He hasn’t said it, but I know Luke loves me.”
“How do you feel?”
“Of course I love him, too. How could I not love him? He’s such a great guy.”
“Have you told him that?”
“Not yet.” Sydney fiddled with one of the catalogs. “I want to say it, but I get to the moment, and I just can’t get it out. I guess some part of me knows I’ll be making a commitment when I say those words, so I want to be sure, you know?”
“I can see that, but I think you should relax about the details and just go with it. See where it takes you. If anything good has come out of all you’ve been through, you have the freedom to do whatever you want. If being here with Luke for now feels good, then stay.”
“I need to talk to him about this at some point. It would help to know that he would understand if I can’t live here full time.
” She blew out a deep breath. “I can’t decide anything until after the sentencing hearing.
That’s hanging over me like a ton of bricks.
Once that’s done, maybe I’ll feel more ready to make some plans. ”
“You need closure before you can move forward. I totally get that.” Maddie squeezed Syd’s hand.
“In the meantime, you have to help me decide on this nursery furniture. When I had Thomas, I had to make do with used stuff and hand-me-downs. Mac wants all new stuff for this little one.” She rested a hand on her round belly, and her eyes widened when the baby responded with a swift kick.
“Already talking back,” Sydney said, laughing. “Has to be a girl.”
Maddie chuckled. “Can you even begin to imagine Mac with a little girl? The poor thing won’t be allowed to date until she’s fifty.”
“He’ll be great with a girl.”
“He’s so excited about this baby. It’s all he talks about.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“It’s much different than when I was expecting Thomas and all anyone cared about was who the father was.”
“Enjoy every minute. You’ve got a wonderful son and husband, and another baby on the way.”
“You know, as we were talking, I was thinking there’s no one here who has your decorating skills. You might find a very satisfying new career right here on the island.”
“You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. McCarthy.”
Maddie flashed a triumphant grin. “I’m totally biased because I’d so love to have you here year-round.”
The house phone rang, and Maddie made a comical attempt to get up from the floor.
“Stop,” Sydney said, laughing at the faces her friend was making. “I’ll get it.”
“It’s on the kitchen counter.”
Sydney ran for the kitchen and picked up the extension.
“Maddie?”
“No, it’s Sydney. Let me get her.”
“Syd, it’s Janey.”
Syd’s stomach plummeted at the grave tone of Janey’s voice. “Is everything okay? Is Buddy okay? I’ll be by shortly to pick him up.”
“Buddy’s fine, but there’s been an accident at the marina.”
All the air seemed to leave Sydney’s lungs in one big whoosh.
“My dad, Mac and Luke were all taken to the clinic.” Sydney could hear tears in Janey’s voice. “I only know one of them is hurt bad. Stephanie was so hysterical when she called my mother that we don’t know anything else. Can you bring Maddie and meet us there?”
“Yes,” Sydney said, her hands shaking and her heart beating hard. “We’ll be right there.” She put down the phone, took a deep breath to calm her rattled nerves and returned to the living room to find Thomas snuggled up to his mother, his eyes heavy.
“Syd? You’re totally pale. What is it?”
“There’s been an accident.”
“Oh God. No. Not Mac.” In a whisper she said, “Please tell me it’s not Mac.” Her caramel-colored eyes filled with tears. Somehow she managed to get up and settle Thomas on the sofa.
“Mac, his dad and Luke were all hurt. Janey didn’t have any of the details, except that one of them was hurt bad. She said we should meet them at the clinic.”
Maddie stood frozen in place, one hand resting on her pregnant belly.
Sydney went to her. “Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together, okay?” Sydney had no idea where this calm control was coming from. The idea that Luke could be injured—or worse—made her want to howl. He had promised her nothing bad would happen to her again. He’d promised.
Maddie clung to her for a long moment.
“Let’s call Tiffany so we can drop Thomas off with her on the way to the clinic,” Syd said. “I’ll drive.” She lifted the sleeping toddler from the sofa and closed her eyes tight against the rush of emotion as he molded himself to her without waking, the way Max used to at that age.
Maddie grabbed her purse and keys and led the way out of the house to the SUV.
Sydney fumbled her way through settling Thomas into his car seat. Her hands shook all the way into town, where they dropped the boy with his aunt.
Tiffany’s concern for Mac sent Maddie even further into herself.
As they headed for the clinic, Syd reached for her hand. “He’s okay. He has to be okay. They all are.” The alternative was simply unimaginable.
Maddie tightened her grip on Syd’s hand but didn’t say anything.