Nothing is said as Seth sits in the waiting room with a reluctant Dylan. I pat my cousin on the shoulder, and head toward my girl and my cousin.
“I believe there’s trouble brewing in this room,” I say, announcing myself.
Rachel grins and throws her arms around my neck. I give her a brief albeit hard kiss before moving toward my cousin. I cup Paige’s face and kiss her forehead. “You’re going to regret keeping this from us because now I’m here, I’m in charge.” I smirk, knowing it will rile her up. “I hope that’s okay because I’ve no intention of arguing with you.”
She snorts. “I’ve never known you to be this bossy before.” Paige says to Rachel, “Is he always like this with you?”
Rachel blushes. “Only in bed.”
Paige throws her head back and laughs before clearing her throat. “I think those jokes better stay deeply buried because that’s just too much information.” She shudders, a slight smile on her lips.
“I bumped into Dylan on the way up here.”
Paige moves her gaze to mine before she becomes occupied with the view outside her window. I add, “He’s with a friend who looks sick if I’m honest. Someone called Seth.”
“Seth?” Rachel questions.
Paige ignores us.
“According to Dylan, Seth has been here every day since they’ve known about Paige. Except Paige won’t see him, but he still comes. He still worries. He looks rough, Paige.”
Her eyes are filled with tears as she faces Rachel. “I don’t want him seeing me like this.”
“Like what?” I question in disbelief. “Paige, I’m not sure what mirror you’re looking through, but you don’t look any different.” I wink at Rachel and continue, “You’re still beautiful,” I pause, “and stubborn.”
Paige lifts her face and searches my gaze, so I continue, “There is a young man who has been sitting in the waiting area for I don’t know how many days wanting to see you. Wanting to be here to help you in any way he can. That man, more than cares about you whether you or him realize it or not.”
“Wow, Alexander McKenzie.” Paige softly shakes her head and says no more.
Time passes slowly and then she looks at Rachel. “Will you help me do my hair and put a bit of make up on?”
Rachel beams. “Of course I will.”
“While you two ladies get sorted, I’ll go and tell Seth he can visit with you soon. I don’t know the guy, but I can’t bear seeing him like that. I know Dylan is worried.”
“Tell him,” Paige agrees.
I quickly make my way to the waiting room and spot Seth and Dylan stood at the window. I interrupt. “Rachel is helping Paige, and then you can go in, Seth.”
He blinks a few times. “She’s going to see me?”
“Yeah, she is.” I quickly make my way into the corridor before I witness Seth’s tears of relief.
I hadn’t lied to Paige when I’d said she didn’t look any different, but she has lost weight, which I’m sure she’ll eventually put back on. It was a shock seeing her, especially as she looked so dependent on Rachel.
It isn’t long before Rachel is walking toward me, only to briefly detour into the waiting room. Seth heads toward Paige’s room and Rachel moves toward me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders, her face going to the crook of my neck.
“I’m glad you’re here with me.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” I kiss her forehead and let her take whatever she needs from me.
Over her head
, I spot Madison. She immediately throws herself into Dylan’s arms. The family has been told and everyone free is making their way to Boston to visit Paige.
I’m not too sure if she’s up to us all descending on her, but they’re not just coming for Paige. They’re coming to support Ramon, Noah, and Rachel as well.
Rachel sighs softly and lifts her face to mine, brushing her lips across my waiting ones. “How long can you stay?”