Loyal Heir

by Michelle Heard

  I begin to pull free from Dad, but he immediately tightens his hold on me, squashing me against his chest.

  “I want to comfort Aunt Layla,” I whisper, my throat feeling as if it's been grated raw.

  Even though Dad lets go of me, he stays right behind me as I hug Aunt Layla. When I wrap my arms around her, she grabs hold of me, her tears falling faster.

  “He’s going to be okay,” I try to reassure her even though I’m worried out of my mind.

  He has to be okay.

  Mom brings coffee for Aunt Layla and Uncle Falcon. Forest’s parents had to fly to an airport that was not in the earthquake zone and then drove the rest of the way to get to us. The rest of our friends and family have been calling Dad and Uncle Falcon every couple of minutes for updates.

  My eyes scan over my parents, and a weird sensation ripples through me. It’s as if I’m watching them from a distance.

  My breathing begins to speed up, and the instant my gaze connects with Dad’s, I start to cry again.

  Dad’s arms wrap around me, offering the safety I was deprived of during the long hours we waited to be rescued.

  I bury my face against Dad’s chest and cling to him. “It was so scary.”

  Dad rubs a hand up and down my back. “You’re safe now, sweetheart.”

  I take deep breaths of my father to calm my overly frail nerves, but I stay in his embrace, needing strength from him.

  Everyone murmurs, their faces lined with concern for Forest while we wait to hear how badly he was injured.

  Finally, a doctor approaches us, and he addresses Uncle Falcon and Aunt Layla. “We had to perform surgery on your son’s arm to clean out the wound. We closed it up nicely using dissolvable stitches and placed his arm in a cast. As for his chest, he has four broken ribs and severe soft tissue damage. The increased distress his body was under caused blood to escape and build up. With rest and ice compressions, the bruising will heal. Luckily the ribs didn’t puncture his lung. Mr. Reyes is also oxygen-deprived. We’d like to keep him on oxygen for twenty-four hours, just to get his levels back up.”

  “So he’s going to be okay?” Uncle Falcon asks, relief washing over his tight features.

  I feel so bad for them. First Fallon’s car accident and now the earthquake. Mom wraps her arm around Aunty Layla’s shoulders to comfort her.

  “Yes, Mr. Reyes will be able to go home after we’re satisfied with his oxygen levels. He’s sleeping right now, but you’re welcome to sit with him in the private room.”

  “Can we all go?” I ask, my eyes wide on the doctor.

  He hesitates for a moment, and my stomach tightens.

  Please.

  “They’re family,” Uncle Falcon says.

  “As long as the patient is allowed to rest. It’s important for his healing,” the doctor warns. Then his eyes fall on me. “You’ll need to clean up first so we can keep Mr. Reyes' surroundings hygienic.”

  Crap, I forgot what a mess I am. I’m still covered in brown and grey dust from all the debris. Even my dress isn’t black anymore. My gaze darts to Dad because I have no idea where I’ll be able to shower.

  Dad sees my concern and quickly says, “The hotel wasn’t damaged during the quake. You can shower quickly and get something to eat. Then we’ll come back.”

  My heart sinks, knowing I have to wait even longer before I can see Forest.

  “We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Dad says to Uncle Falcon.

  Mom gives them both a hug. “Can we bring you anything?”

  Aunt Layla shakes her head. “Thanks, though.”

  They walk to the room Forest is in, and my parents pull me down the hallway.

  I have an overwhelming need to rush to Forest’s side to protect him, and I don’t think it will go away until I see with my own eyes that he’s okay.

  Chapter 24

  FOREST

  Coming to, I’m disorientated and sluggish. I pry my eyes open, and confusion washes over me when my sight focuses on Mom and Dad.

  It takes another couple of seconds, and then the memories flood me, chilling my body.

  “Baby?” Mom whimpers. Her face crumbles as she leans closer to me and presses kisses all over my face. “God, my heart.”

  “Aria,” I murmur. “Where’s Aria?”

  As Mom pulls back, Dad presses his hand to the side of my face, and when it looks like he’s about to cry, my stomach bottoms out.

  Mom gathers her emotions, then finally answers me, “Aria’s just cleaning up. She’ll be here soon.”

  “She’s okay?” I ask, desperately needing to hear the words.

  “Yes. Besides a couple of bruises, Aria didn’t get hurt,” Dad answers, his voice hoarse.

  Relief fills me and makes my body feel numb. My gaze focuses on my parents and seeing the night of terror they lived through etched deep on their faces, I ask, “I’m okay, right?”

  I become aware of tubes over my face, and lifting my right hand, I feel the nasal cannula supplying me with oxygen. My hand drops to my chest, and a dull ache spreads through my rib cage.

  “You broke four ribs,” Dad informs me. “And you broke your left arm. But you’re going to be fine.”

  I let out a sigh of relief, hearing I wasn’t injured too severely.

  Remembering that I passed out, I ask, “How long were we trapped?”

  “Four hours,” Dad answers me.

  God, Aria was alone for two hours. “Aria’s okay, right?”

  “Yeah, she’ll be here any minute,” Mom assures me.

  I take a moment to just breathe. It’s something I’ll never take for granted again.

  Flashes of the elevator falling, the earthquake, us being buried – they all overwhelm me, and I close my eyes against the rampant emotions sweeping through me.

  I feel Mom move closer, and she presses her cheek against mine. “It’s okay. Shhh… my precious boy. Momma’s here. You’re safe now.”

  Lifting my right arm, I wrap it around Mom and hold her as tight as I can while I ride the violent wave of emotions rushing through me.

  It takes me a couple of minutes to regain my composure.

  Mom brushes her fingers through my hair, her eyes never leaving my face. Knowing how traumatizing the ordeal must’ve been for my parents, especially after Fallon’s car accident, I keep rubbing my hand over her shoulder and whisper, “I’m okay.”

  Her face crumbles again, and she whimpers, “I know. I just need to look at you until it sinks in.”

  My lips curve up into a gentle smile. “I love you, Mom.”

  Tears roll over her cheeks, and seeing how deeply my mother loves me fills my chest with emotion.

  I turn my gaze to Dad, and we just stare at each other for a moment. I can see Dad’s struggling to keep his composure as well.

  “Thank you for finding me,” I whisper to him.

  “You’re my boy. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” He places his hand on my left shoulder, keeping his touch light.

  Having my parents with me is food for my soul, and it gives me the strength to process what happened.

  ARIA

  My parents hover around me as if I might disappear if they dare to glance away.

  When we walk into the suite, Mom goes with me to the bathroom while Dad pours himself a drink.

  I watch as Mom turns on the water, and then she unzips my tattered dress. I let her take care of me because I need the comfort it brings me.

  Mom leaves me for the couple of minutes it takes me to wash all the dirt off my body, and when I see the bruises all over my body, sobs rush up my throat. I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around me just as Mom comes back into the bathroom.

  Without a word, she grips me tightly to her chest. Feeling Mom’s arms around me, the tears fall faster, and we both sink to the floor. Mom clings to me, unable to keep her own tears back.

  We hold each other as we find comfort in the embrace.

  Mom’s the first to calm down, and she fra
mes my face, using her thumbs to wipe my tears away. “My sweet, sweet baby girl.”

  “I’m okay, Momma,” I murmur.

  She hugs me tightly again. “I know. I just aged a hundred years. I don’t know how I’d survive if something were to happen to you.”

  I comfort Mom until she pulls back. “Let’s get you dressed in comfy clothes before your father breaks down the door to get to you.”

  Her words bring a smile to my face.

  “You also need to eat. What should I order?” Mom asks.

  “Just coffee and a muffin. I don’t think I can manage a meal right now.”

  Mom nods. “Get dressed, then come eat, okay?”

  I nod, and when Mom leaves, I remove the towel and step into a pair of black sweatpants. I shrug on a white t-shirt and then a fluffy hoodie. I quickly brush my teeth before I step out of the bathroom.

  I see Dad holding Mom, and he murmurs, “Our baby’s okay, Hunt.” Dad presses a kiss to the side of Mom’s head.

  “I’m so freaking emotional,” Mom complains against his chest.

  “Shhh… I’ve got you, babe.”

  The sight of my parents holding each other brings a burst of warmth to my chest. I walk closer, and they both open their arms so I can worm my way between them. Cocooned by my parents, I close my eyes and just absorb feeling safe… loved… alive.

  A knock at the door has us pulling apart. Dad goes to open it, and a waiter rolls a cart with the beverages and muffins into the living room.

  “Come eat, my girls,” Dad says as he begins to pour cream and sugar into the cups.

  Mom and I each take a muffin and a cup of coffee from Dad. I sit down on the couch, and Mom drops down next to me.

  Dad sips on his coffee, watching my every move. I don’t have any appetite, but I eat the muffin so my parents won’t worry.

  Dad’s phone begins to ring, and he answers, “Hey, Lake. Hold a second.” He presses something on the device, then says, “I’ve got you on speakerphone.”

  “How are you all holding up?” Uncle Lake asks.

  “Just rattled, but Aria ate something,” Dad answers.

  “That’s good. Get a lot of food into her,” Uncle Lake says, and it brings a smile to my face.

  “Hey, Uncle Lake,” I greet him.

  “Hi, sweetheart. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, like Dad said, I’m just a little rattled.”

  “The private jet is waiting to bring you all home,” Uncle Lake adds. “I can’t wait to have you all safely in Ojay.” Then he asks, “Any news on how Forest is doing?”

  Dad shakes his head. “Just that he has a broken arm and ribs. Falcon hasn’t called yet. Forest’s probably still asleep.”

  “But he wasn’t injured severely? Right?” Uncle Lake asks.

  “No, he’ll be able to go home tomorrow. Tell Lee to make a feast so we can celebrate,” Dad replies.

  “We’ll have all the food waiting for y’all,” Uncle Lake chuckles. “Keep safe. Love you all.”

  “Love you, too,” Dad murmurs before the call cuts out. He shoves the device back in his pocket then looks at us. “Let’s get going.”

  I shoot up and place the empty cup back on the cart.

  “Baby.” Mom takes hold of my arm. “Your sneakers. You can’t go barefoot.”

  “Oh. Right.” I let out a tired chuckle and go to get my shoes. I slip them on as quick as I can before I dart back to the living room. Mom wraps her arm around my waist, and as we walk out of the hotel room, Dad takes hold of my right hand.

  God, to think I almost lost this.

  The thought makes me swallow hard, and I grip Dad’s hand tightly.

  Chapter 25

  FOREST

  When the door to the hospital room opens, and I see Uncle Mason, my throat instantly closes up, knowing I’ll see Aria any second.

  My eyes finally land on her, and a smile splits over my face when she rushes to my right side. The moment her palm settles against my jaw, and I get to grab hold of her, everything fades, and it’s just the two of us again.

  Her gaze locks on mine, and I see the same emotions in her blue irises that have been whirling in my chest.

  How close we came to dying.

  Intense relief.

  Our love.

  That we get to make more memories.

  She closes the distance between us and presses a tender kiss to my mouth.

  When she pulls back an inch, I whisper, “I’m sorry I left you alone.”

  Aria shakes her head, her fingers brushing over my jaw while her eyes caress mine. “We made it. Just like you said, we would.”

  “Yeah, we did.”

  We stare for a moment longer, and then Aria’s eyes fill with tears. “I thought I was going to lose you. It was…” She shakes her head.

  When a tear sneaks over her cheek, I bring my right hand to her face and wipe the wetness away. “You will never lose me.”

  I slip my hand behind her neck and pull her to me so I can press a kiss to her lips.

  Aria pulls back, and her gaze darts over my left arm and chest. “How do you feel?”

  “I’m fine. A nurse gave me something for the pain.”

  “Good.”

  She takes hold of my right hand and holds it in both of hers, and when our eyes lock again, a relieved smile forms around her lips.

  “At least something good came from this hell,” Uncle Mason suddenly says, and it makes me remember we’re not alone.

  My gaze darts to our parents and I notice the shocked expressions on everyone’s faces, but Uncle Mason’s.

  “What are you talking about?” Aunt Kingsley asks her husband.

  “The kids,” Uncle Mason gestures to Aria and me. “They worked through their shit.”

  “What shit?” Dad asks. His gaze darts to us.

  Uncle Mason’s eyes widen, and he asks me, “Fuck, was I the only one who knew?”

  I nod. “Yeah.”

  Instantly a broad smile stretches over his face. “Well, will you look at that? I haven’t lost my touch.”

  “What the hell are you rambling on about?” Aunt Kingsley snaps at him.

  Uncle Mason gestures to us, then smugly says, “The kids are dating.”

  There’s a chorus of ‘whats’ then Mom’s gaze snaps to me. “Are you and Aria dating?”

  “Yeah,” I grin at her.

  A smile explodes over her face, and then Aunt Kingsley goes to high-five mom, saying, “Freaking finally.”

  “What do you mean finally?” Aria asks.

  “They’ve wanted the two of you to get married since the pregnancy tests came back positive,” Dad mutters, a worried look on his face.

  “But?” I ask him, praying he’s not against our relationship.

  “Are you both sure about this, though? If you break up a couple of weeks or months down the line…”

  “Hush, Falcon,” Mom silences him. “You know Forest won’t start something he can’t finish.”

  Dad’s eyes lock with mine and wanting to assure him, I say, “I love Aria.”

  Dad’s gaze moves to Aria, and she instantly begins to ramble, “I love him more than life itself, and having almost lost mine… and Forest…” Her chin begins to tremble, but she takes a deep breath and murmurs, “I love him so much.”

  Dad and Uncle Mason look at each other, and similar sentimental smiles tug at their lips. Then Uncle Mason says, “Looks like we’re finally going to be family.”

  “Feels like it took forever,” Dad mutters.

  Before we were born, Uncle Mason’s sister was going to marry Uncle Julian, Dad’s older brother. But she died in the car accident that scarred Uncle Mason’s left arm.

  The memory makes me say, “I’ll probably have a scar on my left arm like Uncle Mace.”

  Uncle Mason grins at me. “Badass scar twinsies.” He goes to throw his arm around Dad’s shoulders, and they both just stare at us.

  “What?” I ask, growing a little worried.

 
; Uncle Mason shakes his head. “Nothing. I’m just thinking about how lucky I am to get my godson for a son-in-law, and I don’t have to put some idiot in the ICU for daring to date my baby girl.”

  “Oh my gosh, I’m going to cry,” Aunt Kingsley complains, which has Mom wrapping her up in a hug.

  “Daddy,” Aria says to get his attention, “you’re getting the best son-in-law. Forest got hurt because he kept me safe when the elevator fell.”

  Emotion washes over Uncle Mason’s face, and his eyes lock on mine. I watch him struggle to regain control, then he murmurs, “Thank you for keeping my heart safe, my boy.”

  Aria goes to give her father a hug as Aunt Kingsley comes to take hold of my hand. She presses a kiss to my cheek, then whispers, “You can start calling me mom. I don’t think I can wait until the two of you get married one day.”

  Knowing my aunt well, I grin at her. “Please tell me you have candy in that bag of yours.”

  She smiles at me and begins to dig in her bag. “I have Twizzlers somewhere in here.” She pulls a half-eaten pack out and takes a piece out for me.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Instantly Aunt Kingsley’s bottom lip juts out, and she glances around the room with the same cute face Aria has down to an art form when she wants something or gets sentimental.

  “Aww…” My mother coos as she goes to give her best friend a hug.

  My eyes return to Aria, and seeing the contented smile on her face as she watches our parents, I know we’ll be fine.

  Once we’re back home, we’ll need to talk about what happened between her and Eli. I’ll help my girl heal, and we’ll find our happily ever afters with each other.

  That’s all I want from this life. Just time to love Aria the way she deserves to be loved.

  ARIA

  Three days after the ordeal, we’re driving to the airport, and I take in all the devastation that was caused by the earthquake. Parts of buildings collapsed, and in places, the ground has been torn apart. It makes me realize how fortunate Forest and I are.