The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 104

Before she could finish, Stella cut her off. “Don’t you dare say thank you to me. I’m taking care of you for these little ones. After all, I’m practically their godmother. You just sit there and wait. I’ll get you another glass of water. Drink some, calm down, and then go back to sleep.”

Suzie wiped the remaining tears from her eyes and managed a weak, grateful smile.

When Stella returned with the water, Suzie took a few sips. She noticed Stella was still in the clothes she’d been wearing all day and quickly asked, “Did you just get back from the hospital? How is Mrs. Cross?”

Stella sank into the sofa, looking utterly exhausted. She let out a heavy sigh, her voice low. “Yeah, I just got back. They moved Mrs. Cross from the emergency room straight to the ICU. The doctor said she needs to be observed for three days. If she makes it through, she’ll be okay. Basically, it’s in God’s hands now…”

Her voice trailed off. She slumped against the back of the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Suzie’s lips parted, her throat tightening again. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say.

The two of them sat in silence for a long time, any trace of sleepiness gone.

Suddenly, Suzie’s stomach growled, pulling Stella from her thoughts.

Ignoring her own fatigue, Stella went straight to the kitchen and prepared a meal for both of them.

As they ate, she began to instruct Suzie. “Oliver and I are handling things over there. Right now, I don’t want you to think about Jamie at all. In fact, don’t think about anything that upsets you. Any problems, any difficulties, you leave them to me and Oliver. Those adorable little babies in your belly are what you need to focus on. Got it, Suzie?”

Without waiting for a response, she added, “In my nightmare, Jamie died… And Chloe was there, and so was Richard…”

Suzie laid all her secrets bare before Stella. As the words tumbled out, a weight lifted from her heart. Stella had always been there for her, and Suzie felt the same way. Their bond went far beyond ordinary friendship. But recently, she had hidden too much. Whether it was to avoid worrying Stella, to prevent being a burden, or to sidestep more trouble, she now realized it was better to be honest.

She needed to be like she was that first day she ran from the Baylor Manor to Stella’s doorstep—crying openly and saying whatever was on her mind.

Stella listened to Suzie without stopping her meal. Only after she’d finished every last bite did she look up.

“Suzie, I already knew Jamie was in the hospital. Tonight, after Oliver and I got his mom settled, I saw a lot of bodyguards in the hallway on my way out. I overheard some nurses mention Jamie’s name, but I only learned the details from what you just told me.”