The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 79

Hunter dropped Madeline off at the entrance of Willow Lane and left.

Madeline held Evie's hand as they walked to Fiona Xavier's house.

Fiona immediately rushed over. "Maddy, what did the specialist say?"

She looked down at Evie, who was already sound asleep in Madeline's arms, and smiled warmly.

"This sweet girl is so attached to you. She always sleeps the deepest when you're around. Here, let me take her."

"Kids grow so fast. Hasn't she gotten heavier?"

Madeline smiled and shook her head.

"It's fine. Let me put her in bed first."

Madeline carried Evie into the nursery, laid her down, and kissed her forehead before tiptoeing out.

Fiona was right—kids this age grew by the minute. Her arms were already aching after just a short walk.

Rolling her shoulders, she turned to Fiona. "The specialist said we have to wait for the test results. Things look optimistic right now, but we need more scans. If Evie's body is strong enough for the surgery, we can start discussing a date."

"That's wonderful news! That must be a huge weight off your shoulders."

"But listen to me, you can't just obsess over Evie and neglect yourself. If she gets better but you collapse from exhaustion, what good is that?"

"I know, Fiona."

Fiona poured her a cup of warm tea and sat next to her on the sofa, looking at Madeline with gentle hesitation.

"Maddy, don't hate me for nagging. But Evie is still so sick, and it's too much for you to handle alone. Sharing the burden is always better than carrying it all by yourself, don't you think?"

Madeline didn't reply, her fingers tightening around the warm mug.

When she was on the phone earlier, Evie had been listening to every single word.

After meeting York that one time, the little girl had been so visibly happy. She still carried around the cartoon keychain York had casually given her.

The psychological craving for a father was the one thing Madeline couldn't fulfill.

Sloane dramaticized for a second before pivoting to business.

"I got some intel on Piper's situation. Everything you know is accurate—she was completely acting in self-defense. The problem is her in-laws are out for blood. They want to absolutely destroy her."

"They hired an entire legal powerhouse. The case just got bumped up to the DA's Office, and ironically enough, it landed straight on your husband's desk."

"You probably can't get clearance to see Piper right now. If you want to help her, you need to get access to the actual details."

"Maddy, why don't you just ask York to arrange a meeting? He owes you anyway. If he says no, just drop the bomb that you had his baby. Tell him if he doesn't help you, you'll run away with his secret baby. Well, technically, you already did."

Madeline remained dead silent.

If Sloane wasn't her absolute best friend, she would have blocked her number.

"I got it. I'll figure something out."

She hung up, scrolling through her phone in frustration, and accidentally opened her text thread with York.