Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

KATIE

I came to with a jolt, and a sick feeling swirled in my stomach.

For a beat, I was disorientated, but when I focused and saw my dad’s worried face, everything came flooding back to me.

Grace .

Strong hands held my shoulders steady. “Try to remain calm, Mrs. Leone.”

“Grace?” I croaked, sending a plaintive look at my dad. “Mom?” I started shaking uncontrollably.

“It’ll be okay,” Ellie said reassuringly, stepping up beside me. “Jake’s in there.”

“He’s here?” Sitting upright, I pleaded, “Take me to them!”

My plea must have struck a chord with my dad because he helped me to my feet. Ellie joined him, and together, we made our way over to the studio.

Noticing our approach, Captain Brown turned to us. “We’re doing everything we can to help.”

I let Dad talk while I remained silent. The captain mentioned electrical fire and the effects of smoke inhalation. I tried to block out the bombardment of fear gripping me.

My whole life was in that building. If they were gone, there’d be nothing left for me.

A silent hush descended over the emergency response team congregating around the studio doors. After what seemed like a lifetime, a ripple went through the onlookers.

My eyes were fixated on a beam of light emerging from the doorway. I held my breath, and suddenly, Jake appeared with my baby girl cradled in his arms.

I choked out a sob and started to run, feeling like my heart might burst. I flung myself at the pair and wrapped my arms around them both.

Throughout the tense moments of Grace’s assessment, he stayed with us. And we sat with my baby, gripping one hand tightly as I held onto Jake with the other.

My heart was so full of gratitude that I struggled to express just what he’d given me. But when I gazed up into his eyes, I realized I didn’t have to say anything.

He knew.

“I do anything for you, Katie. You and Tink. I could be everything you need if you’ll have me.” His cheeks pinked at his admission.

Today had taught me life wasn’t for wasting, so without hesitation, I replied,

“I think you could be, too.”