“She’s the one crushing me,” Caleb mumbled from against Gretchen’s chest.

Gretchen laughed and released Caleb from her grip. She swatted at the tears on her cheek. “I’m sorry, Caleb. I’m just really happy to see you.”

“And we’re really happy to have ice cream.” Jax raised a white bag in the air. Her eyes were misty and her smile bright. “I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate this reunion.” Jax unpacked the bag, handing a small cup to Caleb along with a pile of napkins just for him. She handed Gretchen her rocky road and a spoon and pulled out another cup for Amanda.

“I know you like strawberry.”

Amanda was very obviously touched. “Thank you.”

Gretchen didn’t open her ice cream. Instead she watched as Jax sat back and enjoyed her own treat. Jax seemed blissful with each taste. She watched Jax’s mouth and her strong hands. She thought about Jax with another woman and the image made her mad.

“Did they not give you enough sprinkles? I asked for double extra.” Jax looked at Gretchen in concern.

Gretchen turned to Amanda, then the ice cream in her hands, and finally back to Jax. “Did you cheat on me?”

The plastic spoon hung from Jax’s mouth as she gawked at Gretchen. “Not now.”

“Did you?”

“No. I didn’t.”

“So, did you just start seeing your girlfriend?”

“Let’s just enjoy our ice cream. We can talk about this another time when you-know-who isn’t present.”

Gretchen knew Jax was right. Caleb looked so happy, smeared in cotton candy ice cream and dancing as he ate. His happiness meant more to her than getting answers, but once she got Jax alone, she would find out everything she was dying to know.

“Fine,” Gretchen said harshly. She popped the clear lid off her ice cream and frowned. It was half melted, but she knew her favorite flavor would taste better than hospital dessert, regardless.

Chapter Thirteen

22 days, 14 hours, 2 minutes

Gretchen sent Jax a dozen messages and even tried to call her, but Jax was blatantly ignoring her. They were set to have a meeting with Dr. Melendez, and both Amanda and Jax were running late. Gretchen knew they’d be discussing her release and future care, which should have made her feel good, but she couldn’t have cared less about her own well-being since the girlfriend bomb was dropped. She checked her phone again. Amanda said she was parking, but Jax was still MIA.

“Un-fucking-believable.” She opened her email and scrolled through a bunch of junk. She had a few work emails to answer, but she’d promised herself she’d wait until she was home before worrying about work. If she could even focus on anything other than her missing wife.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Amanda said as she rushed into the room. She pulled off her scarf and jacket in a hurry. “Did Dr. Melendez come in yet?”

“No, but we’re getting started as soon as she does. I’m not waiting for Jax.”