“I’ve lost trust in a lot of people, Shelby.”
“I know you have, but I promise you can trust me.”
She’s hesitant, but finally she nods before whispering. “I know I can.”
After leaving Montana’s room, I know there’s one place I have to go. A couple of days ago, I was notified that Mrs. Haley was brought in for palliative care, and if there’s one thing I want to give her before she goes, it’s peace.
Walking to the nurse’s station, I see Stella. “Hey.” I wave at her, exhausted, but on a mission.
“Hey, I heard you were with Montana when she was brought in,” Stella puts her hands on her hips. “How’s she doing?”
“Best as can be expected. Speaking of though, can you tell me what room Mrs. Haley’s in? I’m her attorney.”
Stella smiles sadly. “I’m going down there right now to administer some more medication, actually. Wanna follow me?”
“Definitely.” I fall in line behind her. “Is she lucid?”
“Before we give her medicine, yes.” Stella looks over at me. “Do you want me to hold off a few minutes.”
“Will it be unbearable for her?”
“I honestly think not knowing if Montana is safe or not is more unbearable than the pain she’s feeling right now.”
The two of us walk in. I almost don’t recognize the woman who was in my office not long ago. She’s gone downhill quickly. “Hey, Mrs. Haley.”
“Shelby?”
“Yeah.” I reach out to grab her hand. “It’s me.”
“Is something wrong?”
“I just wanted to let you know, Frank was arrested tonight. Montana is safe, and I’ll make sure she stays that way.” Reaching down, I move her gray hair out of her face. “I’ve got her now.”
“Thank you,” she breathes out. “I’m so tired.”
“I know you are.”
She closes her eyes, looking ghostly against the sheets.
“Mrs. Haley, are you ready for your medicine?” Stella asks.
“Yes.” Her voice is small, almost withering away.
Knowing she doesn’t have much time left, I lean in. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Haley.”
She grasps my hand in hers. “You too, Shelby. You’re going to do great things.”
And as I leave, I let the tears fall for this family who’ve dealt with so much adversity in their lives. At least this is one thing I could make right for them.
“How was Montana?” Sully asks as he sits on the other end of the couch away from me, handing a bowl of chocolate ice cream to me.
“I’m eating ice cream for dinner. What does that tell you?”
He reaches out with his foot, hitting mine. “I’m eating ice cream with you. Must mean my day was bad too.”
“Or that you’re a good boyfriend who feels my pain.” I grin. “She’s doing okay. Scared, beat to hell, and wondering what’s going to happen with the rest of her life. I mean who wouldn’t. He controls the purse springs, she doesn’t work.” I take a huge bite of the ice cream. “It’s one of the reasons I decided to start my own practice when I came here. I wanted to make sure I could support myself.”
He’s quiet as he asks. “Is there a particular reason for that?”
“Let’s just say I put my trust in people I never should have in Houston. I got caught up in a case, which had nothing to do with me, but it put me in a bad situation. There was an investigation and I lost everything I’ve always worked for. When I came to Laurel Springs, it was with five hundred bucks in my bank account and no client list. Since then I’ve never given my future up to anyone other than myself.”
“You know you can trust me with your future, right?”
I put my spoon in the bowl, sitting it down on the coffee table. “I want to believe that, Sully. I do.”
He closes the space between us, gathering me up in his arms. “I’ll prove it to you.” He drops a kiss on my forehead. “I know it’s gonna take more than my word.”
I hook my hands in the curve of his biceps, pulling him even closer. “I wish I could take your word.”
“I get it.” He puts his forehead to mine. “Actions speak louder, and I’ve always been a man of action.”
Chapter 26
Shelby
“Thanks for meeting me,” Kels says as I slide in, holding my coffee.
“You didn’t have to ask me twice. I love the cinnamon rolls here.”
A Whole Latte Love has become one of our favorite places to meet.
“Me too.” She takes a drink of her frappé. “I asked to have mine heated up.”
I giggle. “Yes, that’s why I didn’t bring it to the table with me.”
”It was good seeing you at girls night out.”
This isn’t why she’s invited me here. I’ve known her long enough to know she’s beating around the bush. One thing I’ve learned is to let people come to me. In their own time, they’ll tell you what they want.
“I can see why our cinnamon rolls are taking a few minutes,” Kelsea grins, nodding her head toward the cash register.
Trying not to be obvious, I slowly turn. “Oh my God,” I hiss as I see Devante and Eden talking to one another.
They’re obviously flirting, if I’m going by the grin on her face and the way he’s leaning up against the counter.
“Get you some,” Kelsea whisper-hisses, which causes me to snort.
Luckily they’re so involved with one another, they don’t even pay attention to us. “Wonder what they’re saying?” I move around so that I can see them from where we’re sitting.
“I’m sure he’s like ‘Baby, wanna come ride in the back of my ambulance?’”
I hide my lips behind my hand, dropping my voice to imitate a man’s. “We got a gurney, and oxygen if you need it. ‘Cause girl, I’m gonna steal your breath.”
“Stop,” she giggles.
This time Eden looks over at us, and we do our best to act like we’ve not been watching their exchange. Somehow I don’t think she believes us, but we’re saved as Cutter rushes in.
“D, we gotta go!”
Before we know it, they rush out and the three of us are left in the shop. We watch as Eden finishes heating up our cinnamon rolls. When she brings them over, Kels gives her a sly grin.
“So, how’s Devante?”
Eden playfully glares at us. “You two weren’t as discreet as you thought you were.”
“Neither were the two of you.” I give her a look.
“It’s not even a thing,” she protests.
“We never said it was.” Kels takes a sip of her frappé. “We just wanted our cinnamon rolls.”
I laugh. “No, we want the scoop. What’s going on with you and the EMT hottie?”
“We haven’t gone on a date or anything yet, but you’re right, he’s super-hot. He has the best smile, and he always smells amazing.”