I rush into his arms and break down in a puddle of tears.

Sobs rack my chest as Aaron holds me tight, keeping all the pieces of me from shattering all over the ground.

“I just—” Hiccup. “I just can’t seem to get a goddamn break.”

I don’t like complaining about my fate. As I already told Aaron, it is what it is. No one’s life is perfect.

But in the past decade, I’ve only allowed myself to open my heart twice, to each of my dogs. They were the ones no one wanted to adopt at the shelter, yet they became my biggest blessings. And now, for some reason, life is trying to take one away from me.

He doesn’t say anything because he knows me enough to understand it wouldn’t help. The only thing he can do is what he’s already doing.

I don’t know how much time passes as I hold the back of his coat like it’s my lifeline, nose buried in his woodsy-scented neck. But eventually, I get my breathing to calm down and am able to step away from him.

“I’m so sorry, I—”

“Hey, it’s all right.” Aaron doesn’t seem bothered one bit by my tears and snot on his coat. He only watches me like he wishes he could do something more. As if he hasn’t already done more than anyone could.

“No, it’s not. Friends-with-benefits don’t have to help each other during breakdowns.” I wipe my face with the palms of my hands. “Don’t worry, though. It won’t happen again.”

“Wren, stop it. I want to be there for you.”

My jaw clenches. What does that even mean?

Fortunately, I don’t have time to think about this any longer because the front door of the hospital opens right then, Martina coming out, dark circles under her eyes.

“They’re out of surgery.” She gives me a shaky smile. “She’s not strong, but they think she should be okay.”

Tears spring to my eyes, but this time for a whole other reason.

“Thank you,” I mouth to Martina, not trusting my voice. Then I run inside, not thinking about the implications of what just happened. My mind needs to be focused on my girl right now, and if it can keep it away from Aaron, it’ll be for the best.

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

Aaron

“You’re so annoying.”

“I am not!” Wren laughs as I wriggle out of her way. “Just let me do this one, pleaseee.”

I move out of her way again, focusing on styling my hair in the mirror. Jesus, this woman is relentless.

“Forget it,” I groan.