“Shh, it’s okay, you’re okay,” I said, holding the inhaler to her mouth. We sank to the sidewalk together and I pulled her into my body. “Just breathe, just breathe. Nice and slow, there you go, that’s it, shhh…”
She sobbed, her body trembling in fear as she regained her breath slowly. Her breathing slowed and she slumped against me.
“It’s okay, Maddy, it’s all going to be okay…”
The tires of my Jaguar screeched to a stop behind us and Grady, Eddie and Maisey jumped out. Maisey’s face was white with terror as she raced to Maddy’s side.
“She’s alright, she’s alright,” I assured her. “Let’s get her to the hospital.”
They clung to each other as Eddie and I helped them into the back of the car. Grady sped to the hospital with the skill of a race car driver. Maisey held Maddy in her arms, and Eddie and I squeezed together in the back seat with them.
I looked over at him, the gold sequins of his dress sparkling under the street lights. His face was drawn with worry, his blood red lips pursed together tightly.
“She’s going to be okay,” I said to him.
He reached over and grabbed my hand, his huge hand engulfing mine.
“I hope you’re right, Colorado,” he said, his voice gruff with emotion. “These girls are my family.”
“Well,” I replied, my heart swelling in my chest as I looked back at Maisey and Maddy, “they’re my family now, too, so I guess that makes us all family.”
“It sure does,” he nodded, as Grady pulled up to the Emergency Room. “Now - go! Take care of our girls!”
“I got this,” I said, as I realized I’d never been more sure of anything in my life.
42
MAISEY
“He’s the best pediatric heart specialist in the world,” Jesse reassured me, as we left Dr. Anderson’s office.
“And the most confident, apparently,” I replied.
“He’s earned the right to be confident. He’s saved thousands of kids lives with his bare hands.”
Jesse turned, pulling me into his arms and wrapping himself around me. He’d taken to holding me like this the last few days, his body feeling like a protective shield that had been sent to guard us. “He’s going to save Maddy, too. You’ll see, babe. Have a little faith.”
“That’s all I’ve got,” I said, my voice muffled against his chest.
He pulled away, peering deeply into my eyes.
“Hey, that’s not true. You’ve got Maddy. You’ve got Eddie. And, if you want… You’ve got me.”
“Of course I want you,” I said. We’d spent the last twenty four hours hashing out the last ten years, and somehow we’d come to a sort of truce. He agreed not to hate me and I agreed to never cut him out of Maddy’s life again. “How could I not?”
“I’m not perfect, Maisey. Not yet. But I will be. You’ll see. I’m going to be the best dad to Maddy,” he insisted. His eyes were so gentle, so earnest, so hopeful. I don’t know how he’d forgiven me, and I wasn’t sure I’d have done the same thing so easily if I were in his shoes, but I was so grateful that he had.
Most of all, he was absolutely convinced that his doctors could cure Maddy’s illness. And to be honest, if that happened, then I’d have given him my life… If he wanted me to keep the faith, then I’d do it.
I could only wish Maddy had forgiven me as easily as he had. She was still a little angry, and once we’d gotten to the hospital and her breathing had stabilized completely, she’d withdrawn even more. I couldn’t blame her. I deserved her anger. But she knew I loved her with all of my soul, and I knew she loved me. We’d be able to work things out. Maybe it would take a little time, but I was prepared for that.
What I wasn’t prepared for was how easily she and Jesse took to each other. After he’d chased her down and we’d taken her to the hospital, they’d given her a sedative to help her body relax.
She’d taken a quick nap, and when she woke up, the first person she asked for was Jesse.
I watched their meeting from the hallway, saw their awkward laughter turn to affectionate banter and I knew everything was going to be okay. He explained his sister’s illness to her, told her about his charity and all the work he’d been doing when he wasn’t on a football field. Her eyes lit up when she realized what it all meant for her. It was as if the whole world opened up to her.
If Jesse was right, Maddy’s potential to lead a full, healthy, normal life just increased immensely.
But I knew the truth… She’d never lead a normal life. Her life was going to be extraordinary. I’d make sure of that…