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I returned a minute later and watched her patch herself up at the table, with the toughness of an Army nurse on a Civil War battlefield

“I want you to leave him,” I told her

“Easier said than done, kid,” she said with an apologetic frown

“I’ll help you Tellto take, and I’ll do it,” I said

She cupped my face in her free hand “I wish you could, Wyatt I wish you could”

A month later, I helped the only way that I could

I didn’t have a choice

I did what I had to do to keep my mother safe

While I don’t regret the choice I ht, re just as heartless as my old man

Even if Oliver sold Maain, I stand by what I’ve always said … she deserves more than I can offer her

She deserves a man with a heart

She deserves a rave

19

Blaire

My father rests in his hospital bed Wednesday night, sleeping soundly despite the constant beeping of his heart rate monitor and blood pressure cuff His doctors believe he’s having blood pressure spikes that are causing hiamut of tests to pinpoint the root of the issue For now, they’re keeping him under observation

Odette’s been pacing the hall outside his roo everyone she knows like he’s on his deathbed But all things considered, he’s in good spirits He was cracking jokes when I walked in He watched a bit of news, ate all of his dinner, and shot the breeze with each and every nurse who came in to check on him

I cross s, settle back in the corner chair, and text Giada to let her know I’ll be staying longer After Ven her my share of next month’s rent, I text ent