“Can you take Owen home with you and watch him till I get back?” I rush over to them, then hand Belinda the box of sweets. “So sorry to spur this on you, but I’ll be right back. It’s really important.”
“Everything okay?” Belinda asks.
I force a smile. “Yeah. It will be once I figure something out.”
I kiss Owen’s head and tell him to be a good boy. Jerry nods and ensures it’s no problem. They’re confused as hell, but I can’t say anything until I know what’s going on. It might just be a coincidence, but I doubt it. Brittany’s given me a weird-ass vibe since the way she acted at the retirement party. She’s militantly tried to get Noah’s attention, which makes this even more suspicious.
As soon as I’m in my car, I gun it and drive to the interstate. I call Noah, and after five rings, it goes to voicemail.
“Ugh, c’mon. Pick up,” I beg, hitting his number again.
Voicemail again.
I text him.
Katie: Call me ASAP. It’s urgent!!!
No response.
My heart races so hard, I can barely breathe.
It’s already getting dark, and I don’t know exactly where she said she was, so he could be anywhere.
As I continue driving, I keep calling, but after a while, it goes directly to voicemail without ringing.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
I take the exit ramp that leads to the country road before Mobile. Slowing down, I do my best to scan the area in the dark. When I come close to an intersection and see two pairs of headlights in a ditch, my heart sinks. There aren’t any ambulances or police cars, which means it might’ve just happened.
“Noah…” I let out a strained whisper.
As soon as I park on the gravel, I pocket my phone and run over.
One truck is facing the wrong direction and has been hit on the driver’s side. From what I can make out, it’s blue like Noah’s. The closer I get, I know it’s his. I continue stumbling forward, trying to gain control as my adrenaline rushes.
“Noah!” I scream, smacking the front fender. The door is completely dented in and won’t open. The glass is smashed in, so I can hardly see inside.
I rush over to the passenger’s side, and after a few attempts, I manage to get the door open. The airbag is deflated, and I notice he’s limp against the seat.
“Noah, baby…do you hear me?” I take his hand and shake him, noticing the blood trailing down his face.
He lets out a low groan, and I exhale a breath of relief that he’s still alive.
“Stay with me. I’m calling 911.”
As soon as the dispatcher answers, I explain the situation and beg them to come as soon as possible. Noah’s breaths are short and staggered, and I’m worried he has a concussion or his lung collapsed.
“They’re on their way, ma’am,” she reassures me.
“I think his legs are stuck. The whole door is bent in,” I tell her.
“Keep him talkin’ and see if he can open his eyes,” she directs.
“I’m going to set the phone down for a second so I can get closer,” I tell her.
“Noah, can you hear me?”
He squeezes my hand lightly. “Katie…” he mutters just above a whisper.
“Yes, it’s me.”
Tears fill my eyes, and I try my best to stay strong for him and not cry.
“You’re gonna be okay, baby. The ambulance is on its way.”
“Katie…” he says my name again weakly, then squeezes my hand, this time a bit harder. “I love you.”
There’s no use fighting the tears because as soon as he says those three beautiful words, they fall down my cheeks uncontrollably.
“Noah.” I stare at him as he struggles to open his eyes. “I love you, too. I always have.”
Once the words leave my lips, he releases my hand.
Chapter Twenty-One
NOAH
EARLIER
“Hey, Tyler,” I say, searching for him around the gym.
“What’s up, man?”
“I gotta see my parole officer next week. Is it okay if I take a half-day Tuesday?”
“Yeah, no problem. Just let Smith know.”
“Will do. Thanks, man.”
After Katie’s and my risky rendezvous in the back, I haven’t stopped smiling. Though we were together just an hour ago, I already miss the fuck outta her and can’t wait to see her again.
“What’re your plans this weekend?” Gemma asks as we pack up.
“Fuckin’…” Tyler responds before I can.
“Babe!” Gemma scolds him. “As happy as I am they’re finally together, I don’t need that image in my brain!”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “We’re watching a movie with Owen tonight, then I’m gonna help her with the house tomorrow and Sunday. Hoping to help more so she can get done sooner.”
“But still fuckin’.” Tyler laughs, dodging a hit from Gemma.
“Well, I did tell her to get pregnant soon so our kids can be the same age,” Gemma muses, and my heart races at the thought of Katie carrying our baby. After she told me about her miscarriage, we’ve grown closer than ever, and I love that she trusted me with that information. I’m not sure my sister knows, so I don’t say anything.