Losing Track (Living Heartwood 2)

As Boone rides ahead of me, leading the way back to my hometown, I know we have a long road ahead of us. The bumps and detours will happen. Some pit stops longer than others. And I may even fall a few times.

But once you’ve lost track, it’s not impossible to find your way again. Hope is the key.

No matter how painful the well-worn track marks of your past—you can pave a new future. That path before me is lined with hope.

And, hey. I have a mean ass ride for the journey.

Boone

Some Years Down the Road

I’M A FUCKING MESS.

I got the call first thing this morning. My throat closed up, unable to respond to the person on the other end of the line. My stomach a ball of knots, my feet already carrying me off the job and to my bike, giving no explanations as I hung up the phone and peeled away.

Now, walking through the hospital’s emergency doors, the quick rush of cool air hits my face, sending a shock to my system. And as I approach the counter, I can barely force the words from my mouth.

The receptionist just stares at me, eyes wide. Then, “Can I help you?”

I nod. “Uh, yeah. Melody Lachlan? She was admitted this morning?”

The lady inhales a deep breath and turns to her computer screen. She starts typing, then pauses. I grip the edge of the counter, my knuckles turning white. Then she types some more. Fuck shit. Come on!

Agitation hikes my defenses, so when she turns and says, “Do you have identification?” I take off toward the side door leading to the emergency rooms.

“Sir! You have to fill out—”

But I don’t stop to hear the rest. I’m pushing through door after door, winding down the maze of halls. Nothing is going to keep from her—paperwork be damned.

Finally, I spot a nurse who looks like she has a clue. “Can you tell me which room is Melody Lachlan’s?”

She looks me over and shakes her head. “You didn’t get a pass—”

“Please,” I beg her, forcefully unclenching my fists. “I just have to—is she okay? I can’t be late.”

Pushing the strands of blond hair away from her eyes, she cocks her head to the side and lets a smile slip. “First time?”

That question doesn’t gut me as badly as I expect. Maybe because I’ve been preparing myself for it for months. Or maybe because I’m too concerned for Mel in this moment to process it fully.

I simply nod. “Can I see her? Please?”

A sympathetic frown pulls her lips down, and she nods. “Come on.”

My feet swallow the distance, each step bringing me closer, but it feels like I’m walking in slow motion. The flickering lights above cause me to blink, trying to wake myself from this dream-like, surreal moment.

When she stops at a door, I hold my breath until she pulls it open. And I see Mel lying on the hospital bed.

“He’s going to have to fill out paperwork,” the nurse tells a groggy Melody. “But if I didn’t let him back here, I fear he would’ve had a breakdown.”

A slow smile twists her mouth as I move to her side and take her hand. “Are you all right?”

She raises her eyebrows above deep brown eyes. The red in them making my heart bang painfully against my chest. “I’m fine,” she says, voice raw. “Just wiped.”

I kiss her forehead and brush her damp hair back away from her face. “I’m sorry I’m late. I literally just got the call.”

She laughs. “Well, someone was in a rush, I’ll tell you that. I don’t think they were even going to wait for me.”

I look down at her, my heartbeat finally slowing enough for me to take in her appearance. The flatness of her belly. The tubes in her arms. The light blue hospital gown. Her face is a bit swollen, but she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.