Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“It’s okay, Mom. Nobody blames you,” Brooklyn said, rubbing her mother’s back.
Murmurs of agreement rose from his brothers and Fallon.
Remy glanced around at each of them, wondering what they knew about this newly revealed couple. They all shrugged or shook their heads and Remy didn’t think any of them had been aware of Alex and Lizzie’s relationship. The two had been good friends for years and Remy trusted that if anything romantic was occurring, eventually his dad would have let one of them know.
Until now, Alex Sterling hadn’t been involved with a woman since his wife died. Not to Remy’s knowledge, anyway. And if he and Lizzie just had been having a friendly dinner, she wouldn’t have blushed so badly. Beyond that, his father’s personal life wasn’t something he wanted to consider.
He paced the stark waiting room. Raven had taken a seat, understanding that he needed time. He was just glad she was here.
Aiden and Dex walked over and Remy stopped their movement. “What do you know? What did they say when they brought Dad in?”
“Not a damn thing,” Aiden muttered.
“They were more concerned with stabilizing him than reporting to the family.” Dex put a brotherly arm on Aiden’s shoulder.
Remy lifted a hand to run through his hair and realized he, too, was shaking. “Fuck.”
“The Sterling family?” A female doctor in a white coat stood in the doorway.
“That’s us,” Remy said, stepping up and taking control. As the oldest, he felt it was up to him to hold it together for the rest of them. Dex seemed to be doing the same.
“Mr. Sterling had what we call a myocardial infarction. In other words, a heart attack.”
Despite already thinking that was the case, Fallon gasped when the doctor confirmed the news. The redheaded doctor went on to explain about his father’s heart not getting enough blood and how important fast treatment always was.
Behind him, Lizzie sniffed, and he knew she was worried she hadn’t done enough to help. Nobody here would blame her and Remy hoped she knew that.
“Fortunately, the ambulance was called and arrived quickly. We were able to restore blood flow to the heart via a PCI procedure.”
Even Remy’s legs shook as he took in the news. “Will he be okay?” Dex asked.
The doctor nodded. “We want to run some tests and see if he needs any further treatment, so expect him to be here for a few more days.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Remy extended his hand and shook hers.
“You’re welcome. You can go in and see him now. Two at a time,” she instructed, then turned and walked back through the double doors.
“Please, can I go first?” Fallon asked, her eyes red-rimmed.
“Go ahead. Take Lizzie with you,” Remy said. “I’m sure she needs to see for herself that he’s okay.”
The woman they all knew well gasped. “I couldn’t do that. One of you boys should go with her.”
Aiden strode over and held both her hands in his. “We all know who Dad will want to see. Go ahead.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll be waiting when you get back,” Brooklyn said.
Lizzie smiled in gratitude. “I won’t stay long. Come on, Fallon.” Hand in hand, they walked back the way the doctor had gone.
Dex turned to his the rest of the group. “Who knew about Dad and Lizzie? Fallon? Brooklyn?” His tone sounded more like he was curious than upset.
They each shrugged.
Remy felt the same way. Maybe when he’d been younger, it might have bothered him to see his father moving on with someone new but Alex’s focus had always been his kids. As far as Remy was concerned, his dad had been alone for too long.
They dispersed from their large group and he found Raven sitting in a chair, waiting for him.
He strode over and sat down next to her. “I’m sorry I left you alone.”
“I heard what the doctor said but I didn’t want to intrude.” Raven tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
He frowned, taking her hand and pulling her closer. “You couldn’t intrude if you wanted to. I need you here.”
Her soft smile warmed him.
“Are you okay?” she asked, stroking his face in her hand.
“I’m not sure. I just know I’ll feel better when I see Dad for myself.”
“I don’t blame you.” She glanced up at him, her eyes wide with concern. “Why do I think you’re going to let everyone else go first?” she asked.
“Because you know I love my siblings?” She pursed her lips and he recognized that narrowed-eyed, I’m thinking face. “What?” he asked.
“Later,” she murmured.
Why did he have a feeling he wasn’t going to like what he heard?
* * *
It had been a long day, Raven thought, as she finally changed into her nightshirt, otherwise known as her stolen T-shirt, and climbed into bed beside Remy. He lay with one arm behind his head, looking scrumptious with the sheet rumpled at his waist, his abdominal muscles on full display.