Tanner releases me from his hold and I move myself to the edge of the bed. Marie pulls me into her arms, squeezing tight; when she lets go, she brushes my hair out of my face and looks deep into my eyes. “I haven’t been to see him yet, I needed to make sure you were all in one piece first. Do you need anything?”

“I—I’m so sorry.” Is all I can manage. Sorry? Really Kinsley, that’s as good as you can do?

Marie blinks firmly a few times, an attempt at stopping the tears threatening to fall. “You have nothing to be sorry about, my girl. He made a promise and he fulfilled that.” Her eyes stray to Tanners before coming back to me. “He’s left you in good hands.”

For the first time since I have woken up, the tears fall freely; cascading down my cheeks. My chest contracts and I wonder if you really can die from a broken heart. This pain is something I have never experienced before, this grief so different from all the others.

I find Tanner’s eyes watching me attentively, he nods sensing the permission I’m seeking from him.

“Can I come with you?” I turn my attention to Marie now.

“I was worried you wouldn’t ask.” Relief washes over her face. “Yes, please do.”

* * *

The words the nurse spoke sink further into my chest, “If you follow me this way, I will take you down to the morgue.”

My body stiffens, stainless steel tables with sheets draped over cold bodies flash before my eyes. I can’t. I can’t let that be the last — a firm grip lands on my shoulders, halting my thoughts and squeezing me back into reality.

“Oh, sweetheart,” the nurse pleads, understanding my fears. “No, your friend is in the viewing room. It’s comfortable, come I’ll show you.”

The three of us follow her down a long corridor, Tanner’s hand in the small of my back keeping me grounded. She enters the lift and waits for us to shuffle in beside her. The metal doors close and when they slide open again we are greeted by a reception desk, this time with two women sipping cups of tea in front of computer screens. We bypass them to the left and come to a stop outside a door with a sign that reads ‘viewing in progress’.

The nurse turns to face us. “I’ll give you all a moment.” Then without another word she walks in the direction of the reception desk. Off to indulge in gossip and a cup of tea. Lucky her.

Chapter Forty-Four

Tanner

When we first arrived at the hospital, Kinsley was passed out in the back seat; her dark hair had fallen loose from her bun and stray strands were slick with sweat against her face. She was somehow still holding Jesse against her small body, knuckles white while gripping his shirt.