Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Mag reached up to pull her down to her bosom. Jewell didn’t pull away from the comforting arms.
“There but for the grace of God, go I,” Mag quoted. “You were their saving grace. Not only did you save the little boy you gave Michael’s heart to, but you probably helped others, too.”
“Four children and four adults.”
“Plus, Aisha and Ema—”
“How do you know about Aisha?”
“Cash told me yesterday. Winter was at the club when she had an allergic reaction to peanuts. It was just Winter, Aisha, and you. Winter told Viper when he came back that she had panicked and called 911. You ran to Train’s room and got in his medicine bag for the EpiPen. Child …” Mag smoothed her hand over Jewell’s hair, as if comforting a child. “Hush those tears and listen to this old woman. Your courage kept other women from experiencing your pain … I knew you were strong … I told you were like me, didn’t I? You were a good mother. You know how I know?”
“How?” Jewell mumbled against the front of her flannel gown.
“Because you pushing that button took fucking courage. You did what you had to do to keep your baby from hurting any longer. It had to be hard to see your baby hooked up to those tubes, and with you being a nurse, you knew there was no hope for him. You did the hardest job any mother could do—you let him go.”
A torrent of tears soaked the woman’s gown as Jewell released all the pain of losing her child and the guilt she had harbored for so long.
Mag crooned to her as she cried, continuing to rub her hair as her own mother had done when she was sick as a child.
Slowly, the tears slowed then stopped altogether. Jewell shakingly sat up straight.
“You look a mess. Better wipe your face off with those tissues on my table before you go outside, or Rachel will think I was beating your ass.”
Jewell gave a shaky laugh as she reached for the tissues.
“You okay now?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Shh … You don’t owe me no thanks. It’s me and my family who are beholden to you.” Mag pointed a finger at her when she would have protested. “Remember that when Greer pulls you over for speeding again.”
Now, that might be a benefit she could deal with. “I will.”
“Good. Now, get me a dry gown; you done soaked this one.”
Standing, Jewell went to the drawer Mag pointed at. Carefully, Jewell changed the gown, working around the cords of her machines to make her more comfortable.
“Now, no more worrying about that youngin of yours. He’s in God’s tender embrace, and when I get to Heaven, he can be my grandson until you get there … That is, if you mend your ways.”
“Mend my ways?” Jewell arched her brows at her.
“Yeah … Didn’t your mother teach you not to give the milk out to a man before he buys the cow?”
“Mag, I think Michael will be just fine until I’m there.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Coming out of the bedroom, Jewell found Rachel and Rory in the kitchen, making hot cocoa. She took one look at the two dodging her stare and knew they had overheard her conversation with Mag.
Knowing they had been caught, Rachel stepped up to apologize. “Sorry, we got cold and came in for something hot to drink.”
“It’s okay.”
“Would you like a cup?” Rachel offered contritely.
“No, thanks. I’m good. If you’re finished, we can go, Rory.”
Rory set his cup in the sink. “Thanks for the cocoa.”
“You’re welcome.” Rachel set her cup down then opened the front door for them.
As Jewell started out the door, Rachel grasped her arm, preventing her from leaving. “Thank you for coming, Jewell. My family will repay our debt to you.”
“Your family doesn’t owe me anything.” Jewell bit her lip. “How is Logan …? I’m afraid I didn’t handle it well when he tried to talk to me.”
Rachel’s expression grew troubled. “Logan … is better. He really believes a little boy named Michael talked to him. He’s afraid he’ll see him again and is refusing to leave his house.”
Jewell felt as if her face would crack like porcelain from the impassive mask she put on for show. “Tell him not to be afr—” Jewell sighed, not finishing. “Is Logan home?”
“Yes.” Rachel nodded.
“I’ll go see him, if I may?”
“I think it could help. I’ll call Dustin and tell him you’re on your way.”
Rachel was still standing in doorway when they pulled away from the house.
Going down the side road, Rory raised a questioning brow at her. “Which way?”
Jewell silently pointed a finger. “It isn’t far,” she warned him once they pulled out onto the main road.
“You okay?”
“Right as rain,” Jewell quipped.
“I guess there’s no need for me to pretend we didn’t listen.”
“I guess not.” Jewell pulled a thread from the sleeve of her coat.