She could hear her name from time to time but couldn’t muster up the energy to care anymore. Jax was gone. Their marriage was over. Why prolong the inevitable and force Jax into something she clearly wanted to avoid? Gretchen could find comfort in her new normal. She had to.

Jax was the first to walk back into the room. “Gretchen, listen, about this morning and everything—”

“Save it.” Gretchen hated the way her heart betrayed her and skipped a beat after just one glance at Jax. “It’s okay, really, just go. You want to, and I don’t want to force you into anything. We’re basically divorced, right? So any obligation you feel is gone. Just help me out with Caleb—that’s all I ask.”

“After talking to Amanda, I think it’ll be smartest for me to move back until Dr. Melendez gives you the all clear.”

“I don’t want you to.” Gretchen meant it.

“I don’t really want to either, but you’re going to need constant help with Caleb in the beginning. How am I supposed to do that from my apartment? Amanda is great with him, but I’m his other parent.”

Gretchen shook her head slightly. “I don’t want your pity.”

“This isn’t about you,” Jax said, sounding annoyed, “and I was just reminded it’s not about me, either. It’s about Cricket. You need to be the best version of yourself every day for him, and so do I. It’ll make things easier for everyone because he won’t be bounced back and forth.”

“Did Amanda put you up to this?”

Jax stared at her with wide eyes. “No.”

Gretchen shot her a look.

“Well, she pointed out a few things, but mostly how the familiarity of all of us being together could help your memory. Who knows, maybe one day of arguing over what to have for dinner will bring it all back for you.”

Gretchen was afraid to feel hopeful. “Are you sure?”

Jax nodded. “Amanda will come over while I’m at work or if I just need a break.”

“Or if Gretchen needs a break from you,” Amanda said, rejoining them.

“I’m not saying it’ll be easy or ideal, but it’s for the best.”

She chose to ignore the insincerity in Jax’s eyes. Jax didn’t believe a word she was saying, but Gretchen would believe enough for both of them.

Chapter Fourteen

23 days, 14 hours, 2 minutes

The cold air was biting but fresh. Gretchen inhaled as deeply as she could, to cleanse the hospital from her lungs. The sun was shining, and even though it wasn’t the summer she remembered, she was happy to be outside. She sat back in the wheelchair and waited for Amanda to come around with her car.

“Remember, take it easy,” the nurse who escorted her outside said. “If you have any questions or concerns, you have Dr. Melendez’s number. She can be reached for emergencies. Otherwise, call her office, and they’ll help you.”

“Got it.”

“I think this is your ride.” The nurse put the brakes on and offered her hand for assistance.