“Is it your stomach?” My father looks at me with concern. “Where is the doctor? Shouldn’t you be in a hospital bed?”

I look over at Thomas and realize he must have told my parents we traveled to the hospital, not the reason why. He gives me a small nod.

I look to the Vanderbilts. “Would you mind giving me a moment alone with my parents?”

Lionel and Margaret quickly stand, seeming eager to escape the tense room. Charles gives me a look of concern, which I disregard.

Just then, the door to the private waiting room opens, and Ellen Dawson walks in. Her eyes are wide as she takes in the crowded room, especially all the black-clad agents. Jace’s father and Mike stand just behind her. Her confused gaze shifts to me as Claire and the twins appear in the doorway as well.

“Vivienne?” she asks. “What are you doing here?” I brace myself for anger or derision, but her voice is as warm as I remember it, albeit filled with worry.

I walk over to her. “I was there,” I explain. “At the game. It wasn’t intentional—we were here anyway, and I thought we were going sailing, but instead we ended up at the game—I didn’t even know where, or if, he got drafted.” I take a deep breath to quell the flow of irrelevant details. “I came in the ambulance. He was unconscious. Sedated. They haven’t told me anything.” My voice sounds hysterical even to my own ears, and my cheeks are damp again.

Jace’s mother steps forward and opens her arms. I collapse into them, comforted by the scent of fresh baked goods and spices that remind me of happier times.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper to her. “I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine what you must think of me. I wanted to write, or call, but I didn’t even know where to begin.”

Mrs. Dawson tightens her grasp. “It’s okay,” she tells me. “We understand. Jace told us why he had to lie at Thanksgiving.”

I pull back in surprise. Jace told his family he lied to them? Purposefully? I’m too confused to respond, but my mind continues trying to make sense of her words as I’m passed through the rest of Jace’s family. They all give me warm hugs despite the fear on their faces.

Claire looks at me with amazement after I hug her last. “Jace said you’re a real-life princess?” she asks me.

I nod, smiling slightly at her awestruck voice.

“Can I come visit your castle?”

The smile disappears from my face, but I’m saved from having to reply. The door opens again, and this time a nurse enters.

“You’re all here for Jace Dawson?” she asks, looking around the crowded room. An awkward silence descends, since the majority of the people in the room have never so much as met him.

Ellen steps forward. “I’m his mother.”

The nurse nods. “He’s conscious now, but still has some moments when he’s delirious and somewhat dazed. He keeps saying ‘She’s here.’” The Dawsons all glance over toward me, but no one says anything as the nurse continues speaking. “He won’t answer any basic neurological questions to see what the extent of any brain damage might be. Now that you’ve all arrived, we’re hoping that might change. The doctor is ready to speak with you about his preliminary findings, but I can take you to see Mr. Dawson first, if you’d like?”