Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 101398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“We have to take her out of the seat,” Bennett commands, undoing one side of the buckles with swiftness I’ve never seen such a large frame exhibit. “Just be careful,” he says in a quiet rush when I start undoing the padded straps on my side. “She has brittle bone. Even the slightest touch can cause fractures and breaks.”
My mind registers his words while my heart feels like it’s been put in a vise.
A simple touch can break this little girl’s bones? Oh my God.
Inside, I’m tortured. But on the outside, I will my fingers to work efficiently. I’ve just managed the last strap when Bennett swoops her into his arms with a gentleness I can’t even begin to describe.
“It’s okay, Sum,” I coach pitifully, hoping my words will bring her even an ounce of comfort as Bennett takes off at a run toward the house.
I follow frantically, churning my legs so hard to keep up that they burn like fire. One of his steps is two of mine, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to keep up with him. Somehow, I manage the speed I need, opening the door to his truck for him when he gets to it and climbing in beside Summer’s delicate body when he runs around to the other side. Carefully, I hold her close with as little pressure as I can manage and try to straighten her body enough to get some air into her lungs.
When Bennett climbs in, fires it up, and takes off, I ask a question with a calm I am in no way feeling. Truth be told, the word composed isn’t even on the same planet as me right now. “What’s happening, Bennett?”
His voice is soft and tortured as he responds. “I think her ribs are collapsing.”
I have to suck my lips into my mouth to fight off a sob, but I do it. I’m the very last person in this truck who needs to be breaking down.
Summer is fighting for her life—literally—and emotionally, I know Bennett is fighting with every ounce of strength for his.
Norah
Today, without a shadow of a doubt, has been the longest, hardest day of my life.
I thought finding out everything I did on the day of my wedding was the worst thing I would experience in my lifetime, but this—watching Bennett’s agony and Summer’s pain—has surpassed everything that day was and more ten times over.
After we arrived at the local hospital just outside of Red Bridge and they managed to stabilize Summer’s breathing, a Life Flight helicopter arrived to take her to Burlington where her normal staff of doctors practices. Bennett had to talk fast, but they let him on the helicopter with her. I have a feeling the combination of his desperation and the underlying sense that he would literally kill anyone who stood in his way played a large role in getting him on board. I procured his keys to follow with his truck.
Now, after a day of tests and hushed conversations between doctors in the hall, Summer is finally resting comfortably, while Bennett sits at her bedside. She looks so small here, in the harsh lighting of the hospital, and I’m still fighting with everything I have not to break down and cry.
As soon as I’m out of here, though, my face will be the newest hot spot on Niagara Falls.
“Bennett,” I call softly, barely rapping my knuckles on the wood door as I do.
He looks up, and I can’t help but notice the red rimming his eyes. I want to apologize, to make myself small in this really huge moment, but I don’t. He wouldn’t want me to. “Can I talk to you in the hall for a second?”
He nods, leaning down to kiss the back of Summer’s hand before he releases it. I turn and head for the hallway, knowing that the biting hold my teeth have on the inside of my cheek isn’t going to stave off my tears much longer.
I wait patiently in the fluorescent light, leaning my back against the wall for support. Bennett comes out a minute later, and I do my best not to falter when I see him.
“I just wanted to take a minute to see if you need anything before I head out.” The emotion in my voice makes my words come out all choppy. I clear my throat and force the tears to stay behind my eyes. “I can get you food or clothes or call someone for you? Anything at all, I’d be happy to do it.”
“You’re leaving?”
Temporarily stunned, I open my mouth and close it again before finding some semblance of words. “Only when you’re ready for me to. But I don’t want to intrude, so I thought I could take an Uber home for the night and come back in the morning if you need.”