Reckless (Thoughtless, #3)(160)

I nodded, still absolutely stunned that he’d come all this way. The nurse stepped back and made a motion with her hand while opening the door wide with her other one. Denny stepped into the room, looking worn and weary. Abby followed a step behind him. Even more surprise trickled through me at seeing Denny’s fiancée.

Respectfully, Denny turned to the nurse and told her, “Thank you for your help, Renae.” For the millionth time today, I was shocked; he’d said that without any trace of an accent. Nothing.

Once she was gone, Denny turned back to me. I must have still looked shocked, because he started laughing. His accent back in place, he told me, “I couldn’t be your brother if I didn’t sound like you, and I wanted to make sure they let me in.” My favorite grin formed on his lips. “And faking an American accent is not easy. I was positive she was going to see right through me.”

Giggling, I rushed over to him and tossed my arms around him. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

Sighing, Denny held me tight. “I’m only sorry I’m late.”

The bathroom door swung open as Denny and I pulled apart. Kellan had a small smile on his face that fell when he noticed Denny. The same shock I’d felt flitted over Kellan’s features as he wobbled a bit. He didn’t seem angry, just massively surprised. Tilting his head, he asked, “Are you a figment of my pain meds? Or are you really standing right in front of me?”

“I’m really here. It’s good to see you in one piece, mate.” Smiling, Denny walked over and gave Kellan a quick hug. It was pretty easy to see that Kellan was quickly losing strength.

As Denny helped him get back into bed, Kellan looked between Denny and Abby and stammered, “You’re here? You both came all the way over here? For me?”

Once Kellan was lying down, Denny sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, we came here for you.” He glanced at Abby, then turned back to Kellan. “It scared the piss outta me, when I found out you were hurt. All I could think was that . . .” Swallowing, Denny looked away.

Realizing this moment had nothing to do with me, I stayed against the wall and tried to be inconspicuous. Abby moved beside me and gave me a soft smile as she patted my hand. I could tell by the look on her face that she was silently acknowledging all of the pain I’d gone through today, and offering me her support and friendship. I clasped her hand, grateful, and then the both of us turned to watch our fiancés.

When Denny could continue, he told Kellan, “We used to be close. We used to be like brothers. And if you died . . . it would be like a part of my family had died. And I don’t think you realize that.” His eyes returned to Kellan’s. “I hate the idea of you dying without knowing how much I . . .” Closing his mouth, he sniffed, then said, “I don’t know, I feel like, maybe I haven’t been the greatest friend to you.”

“Denny—”

Kellan tried to interrupt him, but Denny wouldn’t let him.“I knew what was going on, Kellan, with you and your dad, and I didn’t say anything to anybody. I didn’t help you like I should have.”

“You were a kid,” Kellan muttered.

“So were you,” he retorted. “And when I moved away, I didn’t keep in touch like I promised.” Clearly angry at himself, Denny shook his head. “You needed me, and I wasn’t there for you. And I’m really sorry. That was pretty shitty of me.”

“Are you kidding?” Incredulous, Kellan pointed over at me. “I slept with your girlfriend . . . repeatedly.” I flinched, and Abby squeezed my hand a little tighter.

Denny frowned. “Well, that was pretty shitty of you.” A sad smile darkened his features. “But I left you alone in hell . . . and I almost think that was worse.” He stuck his hand out to Kellan. “I know we’ve already put the past behind us, and I know we’re friends, but I want you to know, without a doubt in your head, that we’re still brothers. You understand me?”

Kellan still seemed shocked to his core, but he nodded and shook Denny’s hand. “Yeah, yeah, okay.”





Chapter 28


I Do





My mom was the first one to return to the hospital the next morning—bright and early the next morning. I was still sleeping on a chair in the corner of the room when she placed her hand on my shoulder. “Here, honey,” she whispered.

Groggily opening my eyes, I noticed the steaming cup of liquid she was holding and smiled. Coffee. And the good kind too—it was in a paper cup from an espresso stand, not a Styrofoam one from a vending machine. God, I loved my mom. “Thank you.”

Mom leaned against the windowsill, sipping her own cup of coffee, as she watched Kellan sleeping. Then her eyes drifted over to Denny, asleep in a chair on the other side of Kellan’s bed. I’d called Evan last night and asked him to return to the hospital to take Denny and Abby to the hotel the band was staying at the night before, but after making sure that Abby was settled, Denny had decided to stay with Kellan. Maybe seeing that a crucial moment was happening, the nurse on duty had let him.

Mom’s long brown hair was pulled back into a springy ponytail, giving me a full view of her expression. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking, though. As I took a sip of my creamy caffeinated treat, I considered how odd it must seem to her to have my ex here. An ex I had cheated on with Kellan.