Chapter 45 Emma
Chapter forty-five
Emma
Playing mommy…
~ Five Days Later ~
I walk out of the steaming hot shower and wrap a towel around my naked body as I step in front of the mirror above the vanity.
There are small circles under my reddened, puffy eyes.
This is the only time I allow myself to cry, after putting Little Tulip down for her nap.
It’s how it’s been for the last few days.
Maddison was admitted to the hospital the morning after spending the day with us. When Bryan called to inform me, I broke down the minute we hung up. It took me a few minutes to collect myself, then I called Cecilia. The instant she heard my voice, she told me she was on her way and hung up.
I felt guilty leaving Gracie, but Bryan’s broken voice echoed in my head, and I knew he needed support at that moment.
So every day since, Cece’s been coming over with Dante when Little Tulip goes down for her nap, and I head over to the hospital to spend a little time with my Little Lotus and her father.
The boys should be home soon from their first two games in the finals, both of which they won. Their excitement is infectious. I’ve never seen them like this, and it’s amazing to witness.
I’m just finishing up a much-needed touch of makeup when I hear voices downstairs.
I don’t want Maddie to see me all heartbroken.
This moment is hard for everyone, and she’s a smart girl.
She understands what’s happening and seems to be accepting it.
But I still want to be strong for her. I’m not there to cry by her side.
I’m there to bring a smile to her face and make her enjoy these last moments, even given the terrible situation.
Walking out of the bathroom, I stop in front of the corkboard Greyson made me before he left a few days ago.
He pinned all the little Post-it notes he’s left me and keeps leaving me.
At the top of the board is a sign that reads, ‘Things I love about you’.
It’s as if he knew I’d need this while he was gone.
I glide the tip of my fingers over the last three he added. ‘I love how much you care about others’, ‘I love how you always put everyone first’, and the last one, ‘I love that I get to call the most selfless and beautiful soul on this planet mine’.
He hasn’t stopped showing me just how much he loves me.
Every day there’s something new. It might be as silly as sending me a love song, writing ‘I love you’ in the foggy mirror while I’m in the shower, or getting a dozen sunflowers delivered to the house one at a time.
Each with a note containing one word. Once all placed together, the message said, ‘My heart and soul will forever be yours. I love you, Bunny.’
This man is something else.
I head to the walk-in and pull a simple yellow sundress over my still damp hair, then quickly make my way down the steps with the baby monitor in hand. Entering the kitchen, I find Cecilia talking with Sam, and the moment they spot me, Sam makes his way over, wrapping his arms around my shoulders.
“I’m sorry you’re going through this, but you should have called me, I wouldn’t have minded watching Gracie during the time you need to be at the hospital,” he tells me when he pulls away, keeping his hands on my arms. I’m guessing Cecilia caught him up on everything, and I’m grateful because I don’t think I could have managed to explain everything without breaking down again.
“I know, but we promised you only three days a week for the time being. It didn’t seem fair making you work every day when Greyson isn’t home.”
“Emma. You hired me to take care of the kids, so that’s what I’m here to do.
We may have agreed to three days a week until your big launch, but you still pay me full time.
I think you’re allowed to use me a little more without feeling bad about it.
Plus, it’s only a few hours a day. I really don’t mind.
I love spending time with my favorite kids.
So please, let me help you, okay?” he says sincerely, dipping his head slightly to make eye-level contact.
I feel a tear slip down my cheek as I nod my head. “Okay.” I wipe it away and force a smile on my face. “But now enough with this sappy talk. I can’t cry anymore.”
He chuckles as I walk over to my purse on the kitchen counter and pull out my phone, checking my notifications. I have one from Wolf telling me he stopped at the hospital to pay a visit to Maddie before coming home.
The message is stamped thirty minutes ago. I thought they weren’t due home for another hour. If I had known, I would have simply waited for Grey to get home before going to the hospital.
“Silas is already home?” I ask Cecilia.
“Yeah, he got home before I was leaving, but he had some things to do for his mom. So he’ll be heading over later with the rest of the gang.”
We’re all having dinner together tonight to celebrate the boys’ first two wins, but really, it’s just an excuse to hang out.
Aubrey has the night off, which is becoming rarer since she works full-time and closes up the bakery most nights.
Today was also Ronnie’s first day working as a housekeeper.
The minute she figures out just who she’s working for, we will definitely hear about it, so I’m excited for tonight.
I send a quick text to Greyson, letting him know I’m on my way to the hospital and that Cecilia and Sam are at home with the kids.
Then place my phone in my bag and head for the door, thanking them again for watching Gracie while I’m gone.
I’m just about to pull on the handle to the front door when it flies open, almost knocking me in the face.
Ronnie comes striding in, fury blazing in her eyes.
She stops between me and Cecilia, looking at both of us.
“You are all dead to me. DEAD! I HATE YOU!” She stomps off toward the kitchen, grumbling to herself.
“I need a drink! I’m taking your most expensive bottle of wine and drinking it all by myself!
Try to stop me, Em. Try,” she shouts out.
Cece and I look at each other, then burst out in a fit of laughter.
“THIS ISN’T FUNNY!” Ronnie yells back.
Seems she just found out who her new employers were.
I park my brand-new SUV in the hospital’s parking garage not far from Greyson’s truck.
I decided to go with a white BMW X7. I thought with the number of people we usually have, seven seats would be the best option.
And as predicted, my new baby was dropped off in my driveway by my dad the very next morning after I gave away my Mercedes.
Grey shows up beside my car as I step out. The second I’m within reach, his arms come around my waist, pulling me tight to him as his head drops into the crook of my neck. I bring my own up around his neck, one hand caressing his hair.
He lets out a deep audible sigh and leans a little more of his weight onto me.
This hug isn’t about missing each other for the four days he was gone, no, it’s about needing support after what he witnessed in that hospital room.
It’s crazy how easily someone can come into your life and how quickly they can grow to mean so much in such a short amount of time.
We’ve known Maddie for a total of eleven days.
Eleven days and we’re struggling with the knowledge we’ll have to say goodbye soon.
It’s not fair, none of this is. No child or parent should have to go through this.
Maddison is only seven years old. She hasn’t lived yet, hasn’t experienced anything life has to offer.
She shouldn’t be lying on her deathbed, having difficulty breathing or moving.
Greyson pulls back slightly until our eyes connect. “I’m sorry, I just needed a moment. It was hard to be in there and fake a smile for her.”
I cup his cheek, offering an understanding smile. “I know, Wolf. I know.” I lift onto my toes and kiss his lips. “I’ve missed you.”
He sighs against my lips. “I’ve missed you too, Bunny.”
After a few more passionate kisses, I rest my head on his shoulder as we hold each other. “How is she today?”
“Not good…” he says quietly in a strained voice.
“She barely smiled while I was there, as if it was physically exhausting for her to do so. She isn’t moving much either, and when she does, she gets dizzy quickly.
She looks in pain. I fucking hate it, Em.
I hate seeing her like that and not being able to do anything.
I have no clue how Bryan is holding it together like that.
” He buries his face into my hair, and I hear him sniffling.
“I know, baby. I die a little inside every time I see her. Bryan has had the last three years to come to terms with it. He knew the outcome. He’s had time to grieve it, even if he still is.
For us it’s new. We just fell in love with her, and she’s being ripped away just as quickly.
But we need to stay strong for her, even if it’s hard. ”
He nods against me, then kisses my lips once more before stepping back. “I’m gonna go home and cuddle with Gracie a bit before everyone gets there. I think that will do me some good. Call if there’s any change. I’ll see you later, beautiful.”
“That’s a good idea, and I will.” I turn in the opposite direction but then spin around and walk backward as I call out, “By the way, Ronnie’s raiding your wine. Let her.”
He mimics me, walking away backward. “What did you do?” I can see his smirk from all the way over here.
I gasp in faux shock and place a hand over my chest. “I did absolutely nothing, mind you. It was Cecilia’s idea. You’ll find out tonight.” I laugh and turn back the right way before I trip, making my way to the beautiful little girl waiting for me.
It only takes me a few minutes to make it to her room, and the instant I step in, I can tell today isn’t a good day. The atmosphere is heavy, and the room seems dark even with the light beige and white walls.