By the time they were allowed to visit, another two hours had passed and the sun had begun to set. Serenity had planned to get the update from Pam once she’d seen her daughter, but Pam insisted Serenity accompany them to the room. At the first sight of Brianna lying so still in the big bed, the tears she’d held back all day finally broke free. Serenity swiped at them and fought to keep her composure. When Pam gestured her forward, Serenity ran a careful hand over the little girl’s face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “You’re going to be okay, sweetie. You have to get well for our tea party.” The last words were choked out by her tears. She faced Pam and Reggie. “I’m going to go so you can spend time with her. Please let me know if anything changes or if you need me to come back.”

Pam nodded.

Serenity hugged them both and gave their hands a squeeze of encouragement, then slipped out quietly. She successfully made it to the bathroom before breaking down completely. When she emerged several minutes later, Gabriel was leaning on the opposite wall. He didn’t say anything, just opened his arms. Without thinking, she flew into them and buried her face in his chest. The tears started again, and he held her. She needed this. No other man, outside of her father, had made her feel safe and comforted.

“How is she?” Gabriel asked.

“Still not awake, and it’s pretty serious. She has a broken arm, bruises, and a concussion.” The tears welled in her eyes again.

“She’s going to come through this.” He kissed her temple. “Come on, baby. Let me take you home.”

She wiped her face with the tissue she’d gotten from the bathroom. “How did you know I was here?”

“Jon and I met up for a run, and I was there when Terri called. I told her to tell Dana and Natasha that I’d pick you up so they wouldn’t worry.”

Serenity stared up at his concerned features in wonder and lost her heart completely. How could she not love this caring man?

*  *  *

Gabriel parked in his driveway and led Serenity into his house. He could have just as easily walked her over to hers, but for some reason, he wanted her close. Brianna meant a lot to her, and this couldn’t be easy. He’d only met the bubbly little girl once and had been taken in by her sweet smile, so he could imagine what Serenity was going through right now.

He sat in the oversize recliner and pulled her onto his lap. She laid her head on his shoulder and released a deep sigh. Her stomach growled softly. “When was the last time you ate?”

“This morning. We had just started lunch when I got the call.”