“Thank you for fighting so hard,” I murmur. Her grip feels weaker again, and knowing she’ll probably fall asleep soon, I add, “I love you more than anything.”
I watch as her eyes drift shut, and then I close my own, sending up a prayer of thanks.
Chapter 25
NOAH
I watch as Mom leans over Carla. “When you cough, the tube will come out. Okay?”
Carla nods.
Mom gets ready, then she smiles at Carla. “Cough for me.” I watch as Mom pulls the tube out just as Carla gives a weak cough. “Oh, you did so well,” Mom praises her while she positions an oxygen mask over Carla’s nose and mouth. Carla coughs twice more, but she seems to be holding her own at the moment.
Mom pats Carla’s shoulder as she checks all the vitals. “Let’s give it a bit of time, and if you continue to do well on your own, we’ll move you to a private room.”
Carla nods again.
Mom gives my arm a squeeze, and just then, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes comes back into the ICU. They went home to change into clean clothes.
Mom talks with them, and I take a moment to press a kiss to Carla’s temple. “You’re badass. I’m so proud of you.”
Pulling back, I see Carla’s trying to smile. “I’m going to let your parents visit for a while. Okay? Once you’re in the private room, I won’t leave your side.”
Carla nods to show she understands.
I press a kiss to her stomach before I walk to where Mr. and Mrs. Reyes are talking to Mom.
Mrs. Reyes gives me a sideways hug, and then she goes to Carla. “Hi, sweetheart. Are you feeling better?”
I watch as Carla nods, then I leave the ICU.
“Noah,” Mom calls behind me. I stop and turn back to her. “Dr. Wells will do a scan as soon as we move Carla to a private room. If she continues to breathe on her own, it will probably be in two hours.”
Happiness courses through my veins, and I grab Mom in a hug. “That’s the best news. Thank you so much, Mom. God, you’re a miracle worker.”
Mom lets out a chuckle. “Go have something to eat, please.”
“I’ll just hang out in the cafeteria while I wait.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll message you when we’re ready to move, Carla.”
I press a kiss to Mom’s cheek.
When I start to walk down the hallway, Mom says, “Don’t have the meatloaf.”
I let out a chuckle. “Okay.”
I’ve just taken a seat at a table with a chicken sandwich when Mr. Reyes comes in. He gets himself a coffee before he comes to join me.
We sit in silence for a while, then I mention, “My mom said Dr. Wells will do a scan later. We might be able to determine the sex of the baby. You and Mrs. Reyes should be there.”
The corner of Mr. Reyes’ mouth tips up. “We’d love that.” He takes a sip of his coffee, then his face turns grim as he says, “The man who shot Carla has been admitted to an asylum. They say he suffered a mental breakdown brought on by the loss of his son.”
Shaking my head, I mutter, “It’s still… I can’t believe it happened.” My gaze locks with his. “I’m guessing my mother doesn’t know yet?”
“No, I thought it would be best if we only tell her after Carla is out of the ICU.” He lets out a hollow-sounding chuckle. “Selfish of me, I know. But I wanted her to focus on Carla.”
“You did the right thing,” I assure him. “I’d like to tell my mom, or she’ll blame herself.”
“Okay,” Mr. Reyes agrees. “Let me know if you want me there.”
My mouth curves up. “Thanks, Mr. Reyes.”
His gaze meets mine, the corner of his mouth lifting. “You might as well call me Julian, seeing as our lives are intertwined now.” Surprised, I stare at him, and it makes him frown as he continues, “Uncle Julian just doesn’t sound right.”
I let out a chuckle because I can’t see myself calling him uncle. “Julian, it is. It might take me a while to get used to calling you by your first name, though.”
His smile grows before the serious look returns to his features. “I’ve watched the security footage on campus.” His eyes lock on mine again. “You reacted fast. Thank you.”
Unable to accept the thanks, I can only nod because it’s my duty to protect Carla. She shouldn’t have been shot in the first place.
We both take a deep breath, and after Julian finishes with his beverage, he asks, “Where are you thinking of purchasing a house?”
“We haven’t decided on a specific area, and the places we’ve seen so far weren’t to our liking. I got Kao and Fallon’s agent's details. I’ll give her a call and see what’s on the market once Carla has been discharged from the hospital.”