FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  “Julia, your kidneys took the impact of the crash. The doctors had to remove one of them.”

  Shock splayed over her face as tears ran down her cheeks. “I only have one kidney?”

  “Yes, princess.” I gulped. “A nephrologist will be here in the morning to talk to you about your other kidney. It was also damaged but not as severe as the other one.”

  She turned her head and looked at Jake. “Oh my God,” she sobbed.

  The nurse walked into the room and saw how upset Julia was. “I’m going to give her a sedative. She needs her rest tonight. So say goodbye and you can come back in the morning.”

  “There is no way I’m leaving my daughter!” Ellery snapped as she stood up from the chair.

  “Mom, it’s okay. I want to be alone with my husband. You and Daddy go home and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Julia!”

  “Mom, please. I need to be alone with Jake.”

  We kissed Julia and Jake goodbye and the four of us walked out of the room, preparing ourselves for what the nephrologist would tell us in the morning. Somehow, I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be good.

  * * *

  Ellery

  It was almost midnight when we stopped by Peyton and Henry’s apartment to pick up Brayden. We told them everything that had happened and what the doctor said. Henry said that he’d stop by Julia’s room in the morning and look at her chart. Connor tried to get hold of Jake’s parents, but they were vacationing in Europe. He didn’t want to tell them on a voice message what had happened, so he just said to call him when they had a chance. As we were driving back to the penthouse, I pulled out my phone and dialed Mason.

  “Hello, sweet cheeks. To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking to you today?” he spoke in a cheerful voice.

  My voice was shaky, and I began to cry. “Can you come to New York right away? We need you.”

  “Elle, what happened?”

  “Julia and Jake were in a bad accident and we need you to help with Brayden.”

  “Oh my God. Are they okay?”

  “Julia has some issues. Please, Mason. I need you.”

  “I’m on the next flight out, Elle. Don’t worry. Is Brayden at the penthouse with you?”

  “Yes. We’re taking him there now.”

  “Okay. I’m on my way.”

  We finally arrived home and Connor carefully laid Brayden down in his crib. Connor and I changed out of our clothes and into our pajamas. We were both exhausted as I snuggled up against him.

  “She’s going to be just fine, baby.”

  “I hope so. Because if she’s not, I don’t know what I’ll do.” I kissed his bare chest as he kissed the top of my head.

  The next morning, my eyes flew open and I was still wrapped around Connor’s body. I looked at the clock and it read seven a.m.

  “Connor, wake up. Brayden never woke up this morning. How did we sleep so late?”

  “Ellery, I’m sure he’s tired.”

  I jumped out of bed, threw on my robe, and ran down to his room. He wasn’t in his crib, but I could smell the aroma of coffee infiltrating the penthouse. Only one person made a special blend of coffee that smelled like that. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen where Mason was feeding Brayden his oatmeal.

  “When did you get here?” I asked with a sigh of relief as I walked over and kissed him.

  “I got in about two hours ago.”

  I poured a cup of coffee, said good morning to my grandson, then sat down and let the tears fall once again.

  Mason put his arm around me. “Aw, Elle, don’t. Our princess is going to be okay.”

  “He’s right, baby. Julia is going to be fine,” Connor spoke as he walked into the kitchen.

  “Hello there, handsome daddy.”

  “Thanks for coming so quickly, Mason.” Connor gave him a light hug.

  “Anything for my favorite family. You know I’m always here for you.”

  Connor took Brayden from his bouncy seat and held him close, kissing the top of his head. I couldn’t stop thinking about how he could have lost his parents. The thought consumed me as my tears flooded my face. Mason gripped my shoulders.

  “Listen to me, Elle. You aren’t going to do this anymore. This isn’t like you. You’re one of the strongest women I know and for you to keep breaking down like this is unacceptable. I’m sure you had your fill of tears last night and that’s fine. But now, you need to dry them up because you need to be strong for Julia. Do you want her to see you fall apart? She was in a horrific accident and the last thing she needs is her mother losing it. She’s alive, Elle, and that’s all that matters. All the rest will fall into place. Whatever she may face or what’s yet to come, you have to be strong for her.”

  “He’s right, baby. Listen to him. Julia needs us more than ever right now and we can’t let her down. We better go get ready. Mason, can you bring Brayden by the hospital later so Julia and Jake can see him? I’ll send Ralph to drive you.”

  “Of course I will.”

  I went upstairs, showered, and got dressed. Jake’s parents had called Connor back and wanted to get on the next flight home. He told them that everyone was okay and to finish their vacation, not to worry, and that he’d keep them updated every day. I was a nervous wreck on the way to the hospital with the fear of what bad news about Julia was to come.

  Chapter 21

  Julia

  I missed my baby and I wanted to hold him. Jake had climbed in bed with me last night and carefully held me. I was still in a lot of pain and had nightmares about the accident. I hadn’t told my dad yet about Denny. In fact, I didn’t even tell Jake. If I did, people would think I was crazy. But I wasn’t. It was real. He was real and he had spoken to me. I tried to wrap my head around the things he said about my dad. I didn’t understand, and if I told my dad, he wouldn’t understand either. For now, I planned on keeping this my little secret.

  “I miss Brayden, Jake.”

  “I do too, sweetheart. I’m being released today so I’ll bring him up to see you.”

  My mom and dad walked into the room with Collin and Amelia following behind. My mom looked as if she’d been crying.

  “Good morning, my sweet girl.” She put on a brave smile as she leaned over and kissed me.

  “Good morning, Mom. Dad. Collin. Amelia.”

  My dad leaned over me, placing his hand on my head. “How are you feeling, princess?”

  “Not good. I’m so tired and in pain. How’s Brayden?”

  “Brayden is fine, Julia,” my mom spoke as she took hold of my hand. “Mason flew in and is taking care of him. He’s bringing him up later.”

  A small smile escaped my lips. Knowing that Mason was here eased my mind.

  “Hey, sis.” Collin smiled as he kissed my cheek. “Did you sleep okay?”

  “I did once Jake climbed in bed with me. You’re supposed to be in California.”

  “Nah, we postponed it. There’s no way I was leaving when you’re stuck in here.”

  The door opened and a tall, older gentleman in a white coat and black-rimmed glasses stepped in.

  “Good morning, Julia. I’m Dr. Benson and I’m a nephrologist.”

  “Hi, Dr. Benson.” I introduced him to my family.

  “I looked over your chart and spoke with Dr. Perry. I also got the results back of your bloodwork from this morning. Your other kidney isn’t functioning like we hoped it would. Now, it is still early, so we’re going to carefully monitor you over the next week to see if there’s any improvement.”

  Tears filled my eyes and breathing became difficult.

  “And if there is no improvement, doctor?” Jake spoke.

  “Then you have two options: A kidney transplant or dialysis, which you’d be on the rest of your life. Considering your age, I think a transplant would be the best option. But like I said, we won’t fully know until about a week.”

  “When can I go home?” I asked.

  “Not for a few
days. I’ll keep monitoring your bloodwork and the ultrasound scans that you’ll be having. It was nice to meet you all. Take care, Julia.” And, just like that, he walked out of the room.

  I lay there in shock, Jake gripping my hand tightly and trying to hold back the tears. My mom and dad stared at me with somber looks on their faces and Collin and Amelia looked down. Nobody knew what to say. This was not the news I was hoping for. Suddenly, my mom perked up and walked over to me, adjusting my pillow.

  “You heard what the doctor said. It’s too early to tell anything. So we’ll just hope and pray that your kidney starts functioning correctly and we can move past everything else.”

  “It’s not that simple, Mom.”

  “If you would all please leave the room, I would like to talk to Julia in private,” she spoke as she shooed everyone out.

  * * *

  Ellery

  I sat down on the edge of the bed and took hold of Julia’s hand. Seeing her in so much pain, not only physically but emotionally, killed me.

  “I’ve been where you are, Julia. Different circumstances, but nonetheless, I’ve been there. You know about my past because we’ve talked about it before. I know you’re scared, believe me. Nobody else will understand the depths of your feelings but me. When I was going through my treatments, not knowing if it would work, I was terrified. Please don’t tell your dad this, but even he couldn’t erase the doubt in my mind. He had more faith that the treatments would work than I did. You will get through this, baby. You have so much support and so many people to lean on, and that’s exactly what I want you to do. If you need a transplant, we’ll find a donor. Believe me when I say that your dad will go to the ends of the earth to find one. If you need dialysis, then so be it. You’ll make it work. You’re a strong woman, Julia Rose, but it’s okay to be weak every now and again and I want you to know that I’m here for you when it’s just too much to handle.”

  Tears fell from her eyes and she began to sob. I leaned over and wrapped my arms around her, hugging her lightly.

  “It’s not fair, Mom.”

  “I know it’s not, baby girl.”

  “I feel like my whole life just changed in the blink of an eye and I can’t handle it. All I keep thinking about is Jake and Brayden. What if something happens to me and they’re left all alone? Brayden needs me, Mom, and so does Jake.”

  “Nothing’s going to happen to you because we won’t let it. You’re alive, Julia, and that’s all that matters. We can deal with the rest. It’s time to focus on the present and not the future. You need to take things one day at a time and one step at a time.”

  I wiped the tears from her face and handed her a tissue to blow her nose. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you too, baby girl.”

  The door opened and Connor cleared his throat. “Is it okay to come back in now?” he asked.

  “Yes, Connor. Tell everyone they can come back in.”

  I gave Julia a small smile and a wink as I gently squeezed her hand. “One day at a time, baby.”

  Connor and I stayed with Julia and Jake while Collin took Amelia home and he went to the office. Someone had to be there to oversee things, even if it was only for a couple of hours.

  As I went down to the coffee bar to get coffee for me and Connor, I was texting Peyton and not paying attention when I bumped into someone.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry,” I said as I looked up at the woman staring at me.

  My heart started to pound fiercely, and a rage crept up inside me as I stood there and stared at the woman I hated most in the world.

  “Ellery,” Ashlyn spoke with nervousness.

  I swallowed hard and it took every ounce of strength in my body not to punch her in the face. I wouldn’t lie and say that it wouldn’t have given me great pleasure.

  “Excuse me,” I said as I stepped to the side and began to walk away.

  “Ellery, wait. I want to tell you how sorry I am about Julia’s accident.”

  I stopped dead in my tracks and slowly turned around. “How do you know about that?”

  “I’m a volunteer and I was here the night they brought her in. I’m sorry. It must be hard for you.”

  With pursed lips and a closed fist, I stared at the woman who tried to destroy my husband and my family. “My daughter is none of your fucking business. Now I suggest you move along before I attack you like I’ve done twice before.”

  “I understand,” she spoke as she looked down. “But I’m not that same woman anymore. I’ve changed. People can change.” She walked away and I let out a breath.

  I closed my eyes for a moment to compose myself. I ordered two coffees and headed back to Julia’s room. Connor was under enough stress as it was, and I wasn’t about to tell him about my run-in with Ashlyn.

  As I was walking back to the room, I saw Mason and Brayden walking down the hallway.

  “There’s my sweet boy.” I smiled.

  “Aw, Elle. Thanks, baby. I love you too.” Mason grinned.

  “Very funny, Mason.” I took Brayden from him as he took the coffee cups.

  When we stepped inside the room, Julia’s face lit up when she saw me holding Brayden. Mason set the coffee cups down and covered his mouth as he stared at Julia.

  “My little princess,” he began to sob as he raced over to her and gave her a light hug.

  Connor looked at me and rolled his eyes. “So much for his spiel about staying strong.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh as I handed Brayden over to Jake.

  Chapter 22

  Collin

  A few days had passed, and Julia was scheduled to come home from the hospital tomorrow. Mason moved in with Jake to help with Brayden and we all tried to get on with life as normally as possible, with the exception of my mom, who wouldn’t leave Julia’s side at the hospital.

  I shut down my computer, changed into my workout clothes, and told Ethan I was leaving for the day. When I arrived at the gym, Liam was already on the treadmill.

  “Hey, bro.”

  “Hey, Collin. Finally escaped the madness of the office?”

  “Yeah. What a day.” I smiled.

  “How’s Julia doing?”

  “She’s getting out tomorrow. She has an appointment with the nephrologist to go over all her test results.”

  “I’m praying for her, man.”

  “Thanks. She really appreciated you stopping by to see her. How did that blind date go the other night that Adam set you up with?”

  He looked at me and rolled his eyes. “She was nice and all, but there was no chemistry. She was actually quite boring. I don’t know, man. I think I’m just giving up.”

  “Have you tried a dating site?” I asked.

  “Now you sound like Delilah. She’s been trying to get me to join one.”

  “Do it. It won’t hurt. Or try that speed dating thing.”

  “Nah. I’m just going to stop looking. It’s not worth it anymore. The problem is that all these women know who I am and a majority of them see dollar signs. I’ve played the field for far too long. I don’t want to play anymore; I want the real thing.”

  “Hey, why don’t you take Sophie to the park? Chicks love men and their daughters.”

  “She’s not my daughter.”

  “I know that, but they won’t know that at first.” I chuckled. “Use her as woman bait.”

  “You need to remember who you’re talking about. My niece isn’t your average five-year-old. She’d be onto me and then tell Oliver and Delilah.”

  We got off the treadmill and grabbed some weights. I hated seeing my friend in such a dating funk.

  “You’ll meet her someday. Just like I met Amelia; by accident and by chance.” After lifting a few more weights, we called it a night.

  On my way home, I stopped by the hospital to see Julia. Walking into her room, I found myself surprised that she was alone.

  “Hey, sis.” I gave her a kiss.

  “Hey, little brother.”

 
; “Where is everyone?”

  “Mom and Dad just left with Brayden and Jake went to get some coffee. Hailey stopped by earlier.”

  “That was nice of her. Was she okay?”

  “She seemed to be.”

  I sat down in the chair next to her bed. “Since it’s just you and me, tell me how you’re really doing?”

  Her lips formed a small smile, but the sadness in her eyes was still there. “I’m scared.”

  I took hold of her hand. “Listen, if you need a kidney, I’m giving you one of mine.”

  “Thanks, Collin, but no. I would never ask you to do that.”

  “You don’t have to ask because I’m doing it anyway regardless of what you say. I’m your brother, so I have to be a perfect match, right?”

  “I’m not sure. I would think so.”

  “Then it’s settled. It’s not fair that I have two kidneys and you have one. That way, if I give you one of mine, then we’ll both be known as the Black siblings who only have one kidney.”

  She laughed. “You’re a dork.”

  “I know.” I winked. “I have to get home to my wife.” I leaned over and kissed her goodbye. “One more night here, sis. Tomorrow, you’ll be home where you belong with your husband and baby.”

  “Bye, little brother. I love you ten times over.”

  “Bye, sis. I love you more twenty times over.” I winked.

  * * *

  The next morning, I sat down to a great breakfast that Amelia made before heading to the office.

  “You know. I’m getting used to this whole breakfast thing in the morning. It’s kind of nice. Maybe you should just stay home and not work.”

  She glared at me. “Why? So I could cook your breakfast every morning?”

  “Yeah. Something like that,” I said with a wide grin.

  She threw a piece of bacon at me before sipping her coffee. “If you want a homemade breakfast every morning, then maybe you should hire a maid.”

  I shrugged. “I could, but it wouldn’t be as good. You give your breakfasts a sexy little touch.”