Chapter 29: Chapter 29

ODETTE

Two days had passed since I was informed of my impending discharge. I was grateful to be returning home, but I was reluctant to leave Caroline.

I had also learned that Tyler had been charged with assault, attempted murder, trespassing, and resisting arrest. Testifying could help ensure his conviction. Reece and Mr. Rhine both agreed that this would enable me to terminate his parental rights.

Caroline’s condition was improving. They had been gradually reducing the amount of oxygen she was receiving.

She had also started gaining weight, which was a positive sign.

“I hope I get to see my niece today,” Sterling announced as he entered my hospital room.

“Only if you’re nice,” I teased.

“I’m always nice. Wren is parking the car, so he should be up here shortly.”

“Reece is with Caroline right now. I wanted them to have some bonding time. You can go join them if you want,” I told Sterling.

“I’ll wait for Wren to come up so he can keep you company while I visit Caroline. So, what made you name her after Mom?”

“It was Reece’s idea. He suggested Caroline Rose, and I fell in love with the name,” I admitted.

Wren burst through the door. “Where is she?” he asked.

“She’s in the NICU nursery with Reece. You and Sterling will have to take turns.”

“And I’m going first, so you keep Etta company. I’ll be back,” Sterling stated.

Sterling exited the room while Wren took a seat in the chair next to my bed.

“How are you feeling?” Wren asked.

“Better. I don’t hurt as much. I wish the bruising on my face and neck would fade. At least I don’t need surgery on my arm, right?” I said, trying to look at the positive.

“That’s good. It means less time to heal,” Wren added. “What’s the plan for you and Reece when you bring Caroline home?”

I shrugged.

“I don’t know. I’m scared that I’m going to screw this up. I haven’t made the best choices in life, and she could have died.”

“That wasn’t your fault. That’s all on Tyler, and he’s in jail. He’s not going to hurt you anymore,” Wren reassured me.

“Hopefully, he’ll get the help he needs and regret what he did.”

“I’m sorry about being a jackass toward your relationship with Reece,” Wren apologized.

“You were worried. I forgive you.”

“No, I was a selfish prick. I wasn’t willing to share my best friend. I realized I was acting like a child.”

“Either way, I forgive you,” I said to Wren.

My brothers spent the next few hours coming and going, gushing over Caroline. She was going to be spoiled, and I couldn’t wait to see it.

***

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Reece asked.

“Yes, Reece. If you ask me one more time, I’m going to lose it. Can you give me a moment and leave me alone?”

We had spent one night at the house without Caroline, and I was a wreck. I was taking it out on Reece, and all he wanted to do was help me.

“I’ll be upstairs if you need anything,” Reece said casually after I snapped at him for the hundredth time.

I felt so guilty. All I had to do was apologize, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I had all this pent-up anger and nowhere to channel it. Reece didn’t sit with me; he stayed upstairs until it was time to visit Caroline.

He grabbed his keys and waited for me, not saying anything. We were halfway to the hospital when I decided to break the silence.

“Are you giving me the silent treatment?” I asked Reece.

“No, I get yelled at for everything I say, so I figured it would be best to say nothing at all. I know you’re going through a lot, and I don’t want to make it worse.”

“I know I’ve been horrible to deal with, but I feel like I’m being suffocated. Everyone is always around and trying to take care of me.”

“Maybe you should talk to someone, like a therapist who specializes in trauma,” Reece suggested.

“I don’t need another doctor trying to diagnose me. I just want to be home with my damn daughter and to be left alone,” I snapped, losing my temper again.

Instead of parking, Reece pulled up to the pickup and drop-off area at the front of the hospital.

“Are you not coming in?” I asked Reece.

“Not right now. You have your time with Caroline; I’ll visit her later. I’ll have Wren pick you up.”

“Are you leaving me?” I asked.

Reece let out a sigh. “No, but I think we need space. So go spend time with our daughter, and I’ll see you later.”

I was fucking everything up. I was driving him away.

I needed to fix this.