Beautiful Storm (San Francisco End Game #1)

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Luke

M y ears ring as I pace the halls of the ER, waiting for someone to come and talk to me. All I know is that Amelia is conscious and breathing on her own, but I’ve never been more grateful for that little certificate that says I’m her husband. I don’t know what I’d do if they refused to give me any information. Actually, I do…and it would involve some not so nice language and threats.

Being kept in the dark and these moments of unknown are killing me.

The minutes pass as I try to distract myself, imagining Coach’s face when Thomas told him I wasn’t going to play. The disappointment in his eyes. I should have spoken to him, but since I’d already forgone traveling with Amelia in the ambulance to talk to Thomas, I’d done enough. I’ve always thought my greatest achievement in life would be winning the Super Bowl, but that’s not true. I have two great achievements. One is finally getting the girl I didn’t know I needed and the second will be my daughter.

I’m exactly where I need to be.

Lainey rounds the corner when I’m almost at my breaking point and throws herself into my arms, squeezing me so tightly I can’t breathe.

“Where is she?” she asks frantically.

“They’ve taken her for some tests but I don’t know anything else.”

“Okay, that’s good. How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine. I’m not the one—”

“No, but—”

“I’m fine, Lainey. Shouldn’t you be at the game? Thomas would be expecting you—”

“Thomas would expect me to be here. Since he can’t be.”

The tightness in my chest intensifies and tears prick my eyes. It’s one thing to panic on my own, but to see the fear reflected back at me from someone else makes it all the more terrifying, and I hadn’t realized how much I needed Lainey here. “Thank you.”

Lainey nods before her eyes bounce around the room, her gaze full of concern until she notices me staring and replaces the concern with a smile. I’m about to tell her I’m fine, again, when Amelia’s mother arrives and I have to bite back a groan.

As though she dressed up for the occasion, Alice is wearing a satin blouse and a pearl necklace, while her expression screams “I need attention; my daughter is sick.”

The second we lock eyes, hers widen before she schools her features and walks over, her shocked expression making way for a fake sympathetic grin.

“I can take it from here,” she says, placing her hand on my arm as though she’s comforting me. “I’ll call you once I know anything. You should go home.”

“That’s okay. I’m good here.”

“I’m not asking. You should leave.”

The fuck? “Like hell.” I shake her off. “I’m staying. There is nothing you can say that will make me walk away. Nothing.”

Alice clenches her fists, steam practically rolling out of her ears. She was always a good mom to Amelia when we were kids. She always showed up until Amelia’s dad left. Amelia told me herself that they’re barely speaking now.

“You’ve done enough,” she says, lowering her voice. “We’ve all seen the news. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re the reason she’s here.”

“Excuse me.” I step into her personal space as her words seep into my thoughts, and I hate that she’s fucking right. I am the reason she’s here. If I’d just kept my cool. Fuck, I need her. “Why are you here?” I snap. “How did you know to come?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lainey cuts in before Alice can answer. “Anyone who cares about Amelia has the right to stay. Come on, Luke. Let's stand over here. Give her some space.” Lainey tries to drag me away, but Alice calls out to get in the last word.

“She’s my daughter. I know what’s best for her and—”

“She’s my wife .” I shake Lainey off as I growl, making Alice gasp, reminding me that’s probably news to her. But I don't care. “She’s my wife and she’s carrying my child,” I continue, enjoying the shock on her face. “I am not leaving.”

“Mrs. Rosenberg,” Lainey begins, “it’s—”

“Creed,” Amelia’s mom cuts in. “It’s Ms. Creed.”

I knew that was her last name. She’d gone back to her maiden name after her divorce. I hated that Amelia kept that jerk's name, but I never questioned it. Until today. She knew what he’d done and she kept his name? Why?

Lainey continues pleading with Alice, but I tune them both out. No matter the outcome, I’m not moving. Not unless it’s in the direction of Amelia’s room.

An alarm goes off somewhere in the hospital, and my anger makes way for panic as I drop into a chair, sinking my head in my hands. What’s happening, Amelia? Please be okay. I need you both to be okay.

“ Excuse me.” An unfamiliar voice enters my mind as someone touches my shoulder, making me jump as I glance up. “Are you Amelia’s husband?”

“Yes.” I stand up and nod. “Yes. Is she okay?”

The nurse gently clasps my elbow as she guides me away from the chaos, away from Alice, thankfully before she sees us.

“Amelia suffered a head trauma during her fall, increasing her blood pressure and putting the baby at risk,” she fills me in as we walk.

“Jesus. What does that mean?”

“Doctors had to perform an emergency C-section and—”

“No. No .” My heart races as I struggle to get air into my lungs. “They can’t. She’s thirty-five weeks. It’s too early. And I should have been there. I should be there .”

“Your baby was distressed from the fall, and no one notified us that you were here. With your wife’s preeclampsia, this was the best course of action. You can see her now. I’m one of the nurses from the Special Care Nursery, I can take you.”

“See who?”

“Your baby.”

My baby? A wave of emotion takes over me and I suck in a breath. “Is she okay?” Yes, I’m repeating the same question over and over but I need answers. “Will there be any complications?”

“She’s good. She—”

“Wait. What about Amelia?”

The nurse’s eyes soften before she stops walking and turns to face me. “Your wife lost consciousness during the procedure. She woke up shortly after, but doctors are concerned she might have swelling on the brain. They’ve taken her in for a CT scan.”

Fuck . Tension coils around my heart, but I try to stay calm.

“And if she does? Have swelling, I mean?”

“They may need to operate.”