I saw Marco running by the hospital’s window, his face creased with alarm and worry. When he rushed in, he came straight toward me. My mother and aunts scampered out of the way, smiling. I could tell they were trying hard not to giggle. Marco hugged me close.

I hugged him back, my heart thudding like a darn fool.

My mother and aunts clapped. They had been so upset when they got the call about my accident, they forgot to put on hats.

“He’s here,” my mother said with a high note of victory. “He’s here!”

“Love has conquered once again,” Aunt Camellia said, clasping her hands together. “It was in their auras.”

“About time they got things straightened out,” Aunt Iris said. “Best to be efficient, even with love.”

I was so happy to see Marco, I cried all over his shirt.

Then I held his hand and I told him what happened and who had been in the other car.

He was rather shocked. I knew exactly how he felt. I hugged him again, I couldn’t help it.

* * *

I met my father, Johnny, at the hospital, a tall and barrel-chested man. He said, his voice low and gravelly, “Rose, I am your father, Johnny. I can never thank you enough for saving Betsy’s life. You risked your own to save her.” He choked up. Grabbed my hand. “Thank you so much for letting us come and see you. We are so grateful. How are you?”

He tried to keep from crying, but I saw those tears. His face was lined from the stress of his life, the time in prison had taken a toll. Losing me, he told me later, had been far, far worse than prison, but his smile was full of love.

He had the look of a boxer, which I learned he practiced all the time in prison to strengthen himself for when he was jumped or attacked.

I met my younger sister, Kayla, in the hospital, too. She looks exactly like I did when I was her age. Thick black hair, gold eyes, same build, same height, same worry.

“Can we talk later, you and me?” she asked. “These premonitions are driving me out of my mind. I’m so glad I have a sister now to talk to.”

Tilly was reserved but thoughtful, caring. She hugged me tight. “I’ve wanted to do that for decades,” she told me.

That night, we all had dinner together at Rose Bloom Cottage instead of going to a restaurant. I had invited Marco, but he had declined. “This is your night, Evie. You need this time with them.”