Kamille’s POV
As I answered the call, my heart sank at the sound of Nanny Dona’s distressed voice. “Royer, ma’am! Royer!” she cried, her words chilling me to the bone.
My pulse quickened, my chest tightening with fear, but I forced myself to remain calm. “Calm down, Dona, and tell me what happened,” I said.
Through her tears, Nanny Dona managed to gasp, “I was reading in the living room, and Royer went to the bathroom by himself. He slipped and fell. Blood…”
Her words shattered my world, a wave of terror washing over me. Without a second thought, I stood abruptly, leaving Chris bewildered and confused as I rushed from the restaurant, tears streaming down my face.
Panic clawed at me as I ran. My heart pounded like a drum, each beat echoing the frantic rhythm of my thoughts. Fear surged through me like a torrent, threatening to overwhelm me. Tears blurred my vision. Then I saw him—standing in front of a sleek BMW.
For a moment, I wished my problems didn't exist, so I could admire the navy green suit that fit his sturdy frame so well. But the sight of him banished that thought. Tears flooded my eyes, my heart pounded, my fingers trembled, and my legs felt weak.
He was my saving grace. I sighed in relief.
“Zeke!” I cried, colliding with his sturdy frame and seeking refuge in his arms. A surge of relief washed over me as I fell into his embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.
“My baby,” I cried, my voice choked with emotion.
Zeke’s brow furrowed with concern as he held me tightly. “Did he hurt himself?” he demanded, his voice laced with anger.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, drenching Zeke’s shirt with each shuddering sob. “No, no, my baby, Royer,” I managed to choke out.
Recognition flickered in Zeke’s eyes as he heard Royer’s name. He pulled me closer, his embrace offering solace. “I’m here, I’m here,” he murmured softly.
With gentle hands, Zeke wiped away my tears and draped his blazer over my trembling shoulders. Without another word, he guided me to his car.
The sight of Royer, covered in blood, sent shockwaves through me. I froze in the doorway, tears streaming down my cheeks as Zeke sprang into action, gently lifting Royer into his arms. Anxiety gnawed at me; a thousand terrifying fears raced through my mind as I grappled with the uncertainty of Royer’s fate.
I heard Nanny Dona say, “I’m so sorry, Ms. Kamille,” but I wasn’t paying attention. I heard my other children crying, but everything felt blurry and unreal.
“We need to get him to the hospital,” Zeke said urgently.
“I called an ambulance. They’re on their way,” Nanny Dona sobbed.
“Don’t worry, we’ll handle that,” Zeke replied. “Kamille?” he called, gesturing toward the car.
Numbly, I followed him. He gently strapped Royer into the backseat, and I sat with him to keep him safe. Zeke checked on me before getting in the driver’s seat.
In the car, Zeke called Reid Hospital, his voice steady and firm as he instructed them to prepare for our arrival.
Stretchers and medical personnel were waiting when we arrived. Zeke quickly and gently lifted Royer onto a stretcher. A doctor immediately placed an oxygen mask on Royer’s face and wheeled him toward the emergency room. I stood there, tears streaming down my face, as my son disappeared from view.
“Come here,” Zeke said, wrapping me in his embrace again.
I fell into his arms, trying to steady my breathing and control my tears. I inhaled Zeke’s scent, finding it calming.
It worked.
I thought about how composed Zeke had been throughout the ordeal. I sensed his fear, but he kept it hidden. I was grateful for his presence and care—from consoling me to carefully securing Royer and me in the car. Unlike me, who could only focus on Royer's slow, steady breaths.
As I stood there, clutching Zeke’s comforting embrace, memories flooded my mind. I thought back to those early days with the babies, when every moment felt like a struggle. Raising them alone had been incredibly difficult; there were times I felt like I was about to break. The weight of responsibility was crushing.
In those moments, I had felt utterly alone. But now, Zeke’s presence made me feel supported. He was already acting as a pillar of strength, without even knowing it.
I hugged him tightly to show my gratitude.