Chapter 44

“Why does your statement scare me so much?” Hailey asked, staring intently at her best friend.

Debbie shrugged. “Because I’m speaking the truth, and sometimes it’s hard to come to terms with the truth. Especially when you’re so strong-hearted.”

“You make me sound like a monster.”

“No. I just want you to open your heart more and be open to taking more risks.”

Hailey shook her head. “I doubt my heart is capable of loving anything or anyone anymore.”

“I told you I was going to talk to Cole. That was even before this accident. I want him to be in the kids’ lives. But that’s all.”

Debbie smiled slightly. “Well, that’s pretty sufficient. You gotta start somewhere. Him being in the twins’ lives means he’ll be spending more time here, and you’ll be seeing him often.”

“I know the beautiful memories and feelings are going to crawl back.”

Hailey shook her head. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m only doing this because of the kids.”

“I’m not worried, I promise. I just have a good, strong feeling about it.”

“If you asked me, you all are the cutest little family I’ve ever seen.”

Hailey rolled her eyes.

“Hey, sometimes try to see the bright side of things, okay?”

“I’m just in awe of how responsive Cole has been. I know I’ve pushed him to his limits, but he still came through.”

“I was expecting him to sue me for keeping his kids away from him, but he didn’t. That’s why I was so reluctant to call him. I had no idea he would respond so quickly.”

“That’s what a true parent does, and I hope you see that you’re not making a mistake by letting him into your kids’ lives.”

“For any parent, the children should always come first, regardless of any fights with their partners. You didn’t even have to say much for Cole to concede. He was more concerned about Enzo’s welfare.”

“And the way Ollie was all over him!” Debbie smiled. “It melts my heart.”

Hailey sighed. “I’m so worried about Cole and Enzo.”

Debbie gave her best friend’s hand a light squeeze. “I felt calm before we left the hospital, but I feel much calmer after praying with Ollie. Cole is amazing; I’m sure Enzo will feel safe with him.”

“I really hope so,” Hailey whispered, wiping tears from her eyes. “It just sucks that Enzo has to go through all this. He’s still so young.”

Chapter 44

“I know how hard this must be for you as a mother. But there are certain situations we have no control over. I believe this transplant will be the final cure he needs. There will be no more worries after this. I’m so grateful that Cole was able to make it on time.”

Hailey sniffled, “Me too.”

“You should get some sleep. We need to be up early, remember?”

Hailey shook her head. “I don’t know if I will be able to.”

“Want to take a shower? I’m sure it would help. And I can get you a drink if you want.”

“I honestly don’t feel like doing anything. I wish it were morning already so we could be on our way to the hospital.”

“You can go to bed if you want. I’ll be fine.”

“No, I’d rather stay here with you.”

“What about tomorrow? You need to be at work.”

“No. I’ll call in sick. I need to take care of you all.”

“Thank you.” Hailey started tearing up again.

“Stop that, babe. You don’t need to thank me.”

“It’s just overwhelming. You’re the only one who’s always been there for me. I wonder how you never get tired of me.”

“Okay, I’m not a stranger and I’m not your friend. I am your sister, and we’re gonna roll until the wheels fall off. Now give me a hug.” Debbie moved closer to Hailey and pulled her into a warm, long, comforting hug. “You are one hell of a strong woman. I admire you every day. This is just a phase; we will get through this,” Debbie whispered in her ear.

Because her mind kept going to her son and Cole, Hailey only slept two hours. She was up by 6:00 a.m., cleaned up, and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Debbie woke up, cleaned up, woke Oliver, and helped him get ready.

“Aunt Debbie, we’re going to see Daddy and Enzo, right?” he asked Debbie, who was still squatting before him, having just helped him put on his shoes.

She smiled, seeing the excitement in his eyes. She leaned closer and caressed his cheek. “Yes, baby.”

“You’re happy about it, aren’t you?”

The little boy nodded. “I like Daddy. I’m happy he’s here again, and I can’t wait to see Enzo.”

“That’s cool. Let’s eat, then we’ll go to the hospital.” Ollie nodded, instantly holding Debbie’s hand.

Chapter 44

They went to the kitchen, and Oliver ran to Hailey.

“Mommy!”

Hailey picked him up and kissed him. “How are you, my love? Did you sleep well?”

The little boy nodded.

“When are we leaving, Mommy?”

Hailey knew he meant the hospital. “Yes, baby, we’ll leave after we eat.”

Hailey placed Oliver in a chair and served him food.

“Do you think this is okay? I’m used to only caring for kids, and I don’t know what it’s like to care for an old man,” Hailey said, referring to the food basket.

A small smile crept onto Debbie’s lips. “Okay, who did the cooking when you guys lived together?”

Hailey shrugged. “We had a maid. At some point, she stopped cooking because Cole wasn’t home much, and I was okay with making my own meals.”

“I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing bringing food. They might be discharged immediately, and what if they’re not?”

“I’m probably overreacting, right?”

Debbie smiled. “You’re nervous, and that’s normal. Cole is in your life now, so you need to adjust to your new reality.”

Debbie glanced at the food basket. It contained bread, bacon, eggs, fruit, orange juice, cereal, milk, and snacks.

“I know Cole loves coffee so much. I don’t know if he’ll be able to have any.”

“You care about him, don’t you?”

“Please don’t put me on the spot. I could hardly sleep last night after hearing that little monster’s prayer request,” she whispered, glancing at Ollie, who was eating.

Debbie chuckled. “Are you still worried about that?”

“No,” Hailey shook her head. “Not really.”

“I mean, a baby only comes if two people… you know what I mean, Debbie, and please stop smiling?”

“As long as a baby doesn’t miraculously appear in my belly, I think everything is under control. All I need to do is not spend time with him.”

“Cole is an adult and should be responsible for himself, but with everything that’s happened, I need to show concern. I don’t want him to feel like I’m being extra nice because he’s saving our son.”

Chapter 44

“Get rid of those thoughts, babe. I’m sure Cole doesn’t see you like that. And it’s not bad to genuinely care about him. He’s sensible enough to know the difference between genuine and fake.”

“I just need you to promise me something,” Debbie pleaded.

Hailey sighed. “What now?”

“I want you to be kind and follow your heart.”

Hailey frowned. “I’m not evil.”

“I know you’re not. But you know what I mean.”

(The repeated section from the beginning is omitted as it's a duplicate.)