The Harper Family: Second Chances (Wattpad Version)

Aftermath

Elias

In between trips to the hospital, I visited the family's businesses and witnessed the aftermath of what happened. Explosives have destroyed the auto shop, chapel, bakery, center, and other companies. Most of the family was in the hospital with serious injuries. We were lucky they had survived.

"Jesus." Rafe rubbed his face while looking at the wrecked buildings.

Casper ran his hand through his hair and blew air past his lips before dropping his hand. "I almost lost my entire family."

I pulled Casper into a hug and rubbed his back. Liam crumpled his brows as he brushed away a tear. I grabbed him and pulled him to me. Owen and Oliver's boys were with their significant others when Oakridge exploded. They didn't find out until they tried to go home.

I patted their backs and released them. "It's times like these we have someone watching over us."

"No kidding," Casper said.

"What happens now?" Marty asked me.

I glanced at the chapel and bakery and pursed my lips. An idea crossed my mind. "I have an idea. You're going to help me with it."

Marty curved his brow as he glimpsed at me.

Rafe's suggestion gave me an idea of how to rebuild. It would take help from the family to make it happen.

*******
Matt

I got a lecture from hell from Nora for leaving my hospital bed. I didn't argue but accepted her lecture. My wife has a big heart. So it was easy to let her scold me.

Different family members visited me. But I also saw the ones still in the hospital. The doctors had to sedate Nate, Gabe, Ryden, Dixon, and Romeo when they treated their burns. We could visit them if we wore protective gear so we didn't spread germs.

I would wear whatever the doctor gave me to see my family. Tori ran between the burn unit and Val and Pat's rooms. Nora, Sydney, and Ma traded spots with her so she could visit everyone. Elias was lucky to have Tori. I couldn't have asked for a better partner for my son.

The aunts and uncles appreciated me visiting the family. They said I reminded them of Dad. He would have done the same thing. Yeah, he would have.

******
Tori

Between the boys, Nate, Gabe, and my nephews, I was running on adrenaline. At one point, I sat in n a chair in the hallway and blew air past my lips. I wanted to spend equal time with everyone, but it was exhausting.

"Ma?" Val asked.

I saw Val in a wheelchair with Deacon pushing him and standing up. "Baby, what are you doing out of bed?"

"I wanted to see Romeo."

"Thanks for waiting for me, you knob," Pat signed.

"Patrick!" I signed.

Dad was pushing Pat in a wheelchair.

"You should be in bed!"

"We want to see Romeo."

I looked at Pat and Val and relented. I couldn't keep the boys from each other.

******
Valentine

The nurse dressed us in protective gear before Grandpa and Uncle Deacon pushed us into Romeo's room. Romeo was lying on his stomach on a bed. His entire backside, upper arms, and legs had severe burns.

Romeo opened his eyes and blinked at us.

"Hey, Romeo," I said.

"Hey, Val."