Chapter 1
was taking medicine to Julian, my firefighter husband, when my car smashed into a guardrail. Doors stuck tight. Smoke everywhere.[]
grabbed my phone and called Julian for help, but it turned out he was on a mission.[]
didn’t want him freaking out, so I swallowed my fear and tried to get myself out.]
The moment flames erupted, I slammed against the door, but my leg was jammed under something.
I yanked hard, going nowhere while smoke filled my lungs and heat scorched my skin.[]
Right when I thought I was toast, Neil Lawson and Julian’s crew showed up.[]
While they were getting me out, I heard Neil talking to Julian over the radio.]
“What the hell, man? Your pregnant wife almost died and you’re helping Mia Carter’s kid instead?“]
Julian’s words felt like a slap: “Her kid’s got pneumonia. Mia’s overwhelmed. You’re there, so I know my wife’s okay…“[]
Talk about a gut punch. I checked out of the hospital and took a teaching job in some tiny mountain village miles away.]
Dunny thing is, after I left, Julian–who’d picked Mia over me–suddenly couldn’t stop looking for me.[]
“Besides, if Mia’s husband hadn’t saved Elena that day, I’d be the one suffering through losing her forever.” Julian’s voice crackled through Neil’s phone.
“Helping Mia and her kid now is my way of making things right for Elena.“[]
Neil got so annoyed he put one hand to his forehead, his voice taking on a scolding tone. “Seriously? You’re betting everything on Mia’s story about that fire? Nobody knows what really went down, and you’re ready to trash your marriage because of her? Worth it?“]
“Yeah, it is,” Julian shot back. “If that kid got hurt today, or if Elena was injured… I’d feel a little less guilty at least…“]
The glass slipped from my hand, smashing on the hospital floor. Tears hit me like a truck.
I slapped my hand over my mouth to keep quiet. Who was this guy? My husband? My baby’s father?]
I lurched forward, wanting to grab the phone and ask Julian to his face–what matters more, your wife and baby or your precious Mia?
The pain hit as I tried to stand. Something tore inside me and I couldn’t hold back a scream.
Blood soaked through my white dress in seconds.]
Neil spun around, saw the blood dripping to the floor, and his face went white.
He scooped me up and ran toward the ambulance.
The doctor checked me out and shook his head. “The trauma and stress caused heavy bleeding. Baby’s in trouble. We need family here now.“]
My eyes filled with tears as I slowly ran my hands over my baby bump, feeling completely crushed. [
This baby–three years we’d tried for this miracle.]
Just this morning I’d been clicking “buy now” on baby furniture. Now they’re telling me my baby might not make it.[]
“Doc, please,” I begged through my sobs, barely able to get the words out. “I don’t care if it hurts. Just save my baby… I’m seven months along–if we could just hang on a few more weeks…”
The doctor gave me that look–pity mixed with helplessness–and kept working.
Nobody talked in that ambulance except the beeping machines and Neil’s ringing phone.
One look at his furrowed brow told me everything–Julian wasn’t answering his damn phone.
I squeezed my eyes shut, took a deep breath, and spoke with complete disappointment.
“Try mine,” I croaked, “He’ll answer me. I need him. The baby needs him.”
This wasn’t right. Julian should be here with me during this nightmare.
It was Neil who saved me that day, not Mia’s husband. We’d told Julian this a million times, but he only had ears for Mia]
After forever, Julian finally answered. His voice dripped with annoyance.
Elena, you’re fine. Lily’s freaking out and needs me here. I’ll come home tonight, okay?”
ved glanced at me, then raised his voice. “She’s bleeding out. The baby’s in danger. Get to hospital. Now.“]
Julian went quiet. Then Mia’s soft voice in the background:]
“Didn’t Neil say earlier she just had scratches? Now suddenly she’s dying? Is she just jealous because you’re with me?“]]
Then. “I guess you should probably check on her anyway.“]
Julian snapped, practically barking at Neil to hand me the phone.
I didn’t even care about his attitude anymore–I just needed my husband.]]
“Julian,” I choked out, “it hurts so bad. I need you to-“]
“Uncle Julian, can I have strawberries?” A little girl’s voice cut me off, her sweet, demanding tone drowning out my plea for help.
