46. Jasmine

Chapter forty-six

Jasmine

M y time beside Alex's bed is split between reading aloud his book over his sleeping form, and cheerful greeting each time consciousness returns. I only get a few minutes each time to enjoy his sleepy smile before he drifts away again, and the same conversation replays, but my joy at seeing those eyes flutter open never dulls.

He wakes and asks for his father. I reassure him that he has me, and he drops back off with a satisfied nod.

"Hello?" I answer my phone quickly, determined not to let the ringtone disturb Alex.

"I can't talk long, but I wanted you to know we've got Desmond. It's over, and your mum is safe."

"Thank you." The relief in his words soothes my worried body. I give a heavy sigh, and Alex stirs slightly. "Sorry," I whisper to him.

"I'll be home soon, I promise."

"Goodbye," I whisper softly to him. He seems to get the hint as he hangs up laughing.

There is a gentle knock on the door. "I'm sorry, but the doctor wants me to run more tests now," the nurse, Benjamin, peers into the room. I'm getting used to his constant interruptions.

"Of course. I'll wait outside." I release Alex's hand and rise up.

He nods and reveals a mug of coffee.

"You are amazing," I praise him.

I leave him and Lola to their checks, standing outside the hallway, where the worry about Mum starts clawing at me. I've caused a mess that could have put them in danger. I can't reveal the situation I've caused, but I can call her and hear her voice again.

"Hello?" Mum answers the phone with the same familiar tone, laced with uncertainty towards the unknown number.

"Hey Mum, it's Jasmine."

"Darling, it's been too long! How are you?"

Her tone is so joyful; my simple greeting made her day. I must hide all my turmoil and worry behind the celebration and tell her.

"Mum, it's so good to hear your voice," I said, my voice catching on the words. And then the truth of my emotions spilt out—the sobs that I'd held back as my voice stayed strong for Alex.

"Tell me everything, sweetheart."

And there it was—the opening to spill every dark secret, every warning, every joy.

"I've been dating someone, and I've not said anything because I'm worried you won't approve. But he asked me to marry him today, and I said yes."

"Why don't you think I'll approve, darling? If he makes you happy, what could be wrong?"

I lean against the floor, sliding down until my backside hits the ground.

"He's an older man, with two grown sons, not much younger than me. And he has the most adorable grandson, who is just amazing."

"I see. But does that really matter if you are truly in love?"

"He's the consigliere for the local cartel."

"So that is what you're worried about?" Mum knows me so well, even after so long without seeing her. "My darling, if I had issues with that kind of person, I wouldn't have let your father mix with them. I knew he was bringing in extra money from them. But don't do the crime if you can't do the time. Speaking of which, your father should be getting out this year, for good behaviour."

"So, you aren't-" My voice trails off, filled with disbelief and hope for a good relationship between my mum and the man of my dreams.

"I'm overjoyed with your news, my darling. I can't wait to come down and meet him." She sounds eager and excited.

"I'll arrange something soon."

"There's my good girl. I wish you would call more."

"We'll talk soon, Mom. I promise," I whisper.

"Take care, my love."

I hang up the phone and cling to it. My conversation went better than I ever could have hoped.

As the doctor clears up, I step through the door and back into Alex's room.

"He's doing well," Lola praises. "Model patient."

Alex gives a weary smile.

"Hey bud," I say softly, approaching his bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Alex mutters with a small smile. "Did you talk to my dad?"

I shake my head, returning to my seat beside the bed. "No, I talked to my mom."

"Your mum?" Alex asks, confusion etched across his face. "Were you telling her about you and Grampy?"

"Yep," I confirm, settling into the chair beside his bed. "She can't wait to meet you all."

Alex nods slowly, his eyes flickering closed momentarily before opening again. "Thanks for coming," he mumbles, his voice drowsy.

"Of course, I'm not going anywhere," I reply, watching as he drifts off to sleep. For a moment, I just sit there, listening to the rhythmic beep of his heart monitor.

I sit back in the dimly lit room and sip Benjamin's coffee. Who would have imagined I could be so lucky, aside from Alex getting hurt and Desmond causing trouble?

"You're not smiling," Alex sighs, looking up at me with a hint of sadness in his gaze.

"Hey," I say softly, leaning closer in. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess," he replies, voice barely above a whisper.

"But it's tough not having a mum," I fill in for him.

"Can't miss what I never had."

"You can miss something you see everyone else has." I feel a pang of sympathy for him, knowing how much he longs for a maternal figure in his life. "I know it's hard," I say, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "But you have people who love and care for you, including me."

Alex nods slowly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I'm lucky to have you," he says.

"I'll always be here for you," I assure him. "And who knows, maybe one day you'll find the perfect person to be your mum."

"Maybe," Alex says, his voice barely audible.

At that moment, I see the weight of his situation bearing down on him, and I wished there was more I could do to ease his pain. All I can do is be there for him, for as long as he needs me. As I sit next to him, watching him drift off to sleep once again, I make a silent vow to be his rock, to support him through whatever challenges he may face. That's what family does—they stick together, no matter what.