Everything with you

Part 72

Justin

I couldn't help but laugh at Emma's teasing, her smile lighting up the sterile hospital room in a way no sunlight ever could. She kept pushing, though, still insistent. "You should go to the parade, Justin. Share the win  with your team, with your family," she said softly, her voice carrying that quiet strength I'd come to rely on.

Right then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at the screen and smirked. "Speaking of family... someone's here to see you."

Emma tilted her head in confusion as I stepped out quickly. A minute later, I came back, hand gently guiding Joanna inside.

Jo stopped just past the doorway, her fingers clinging tightly to mine. Her eyes widened at the sight of Emma propped up in bed, her face pale but alive, breathing. Tears brimmed in Jo's eyes, and she froze like her feet were glued to the floor.

"It's okay, Jo," I murmured, giving her hand a squeeze. "Emma's fine."

Emma, ever herself, reached out a trembling hand. "I'm okay," she whispered, her voice still soft but steady. That small gesture was all it took. Joanna finally broke out of her hesitation, moving to Emma's side and taking her hand in both of hers. She studied Emma for what felt like forever, like she was memorizing every detail, before finally easing enough to speak.

Soon, she was chattering in her usual Jo way telling Emma about her dance classes, about how she was settling in her new school, and about the new friends she was making. Watching Emma smile at her made something unclench in my chest. For the first time in a long time, things felt normal.

A few minutes later, Dad walked in. He looked older than I'd ever seen him lines etched deep into his face, fatigue hanging off him like a heavy coat. Parenthood hadn't been kind to him these last few months. But his eyes softened when they landed on Emma.

"I'm glad you're okay, Emma," he said warmly. He pulled up a chair, setting a thick file on the table beside her bed. "Your recording made all the difference. It helped the judge rule in our favor. That boy you found he's become a key witness. He's being placed with a loving family in Florida."

Emma's eyes glistened, and I could see the relief in her face.

Then Dad turned to me. "Justin, are you going to the parade?"

For a moment, I hesitated. But then I caught Emma's expectant gaze and Joanna's wide-eyed hope, both waiting for my answer. I felt something shift inside me. I nodded slowly. "Yeah. I'll be there."

Their smiles Emma's tired but radiant, Joanna's bursting with excitement made my chest feel warm. "I'll go," I added with a small grin. "But just for a short time. I'll be back as soon as it's over."

And then, almost without thinking, I turned to Dad. "Will you be there?"

The question caught him off guard maybe because I'd never asked before. He blinked, then smiled, pride flickering in his tired eyes. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Walking into the locker room, I could feel the weight of every eye turn on me. For a second, I thought maybe I shouldn't have come Emma was still in the hospital, and a part of me wanted nothing more than to be by her side. But the roar of my teammates when they saw me made something inside me loosen. Nate nearly tackled me with a hug, Ash even cracked a grin, and Evans smacked my shoulder like I'd just scored a hat trick.

Coach Grayson's look said it all half relief, half "about damn time."

"I wasn't sure you'd show, kid," he said, shaking his head before his voice lifted so the whole room could hear. "But I'll tell you this these boys know what it means to have you leading them. They know what it cost you to be standing here today. You put it all on the line for the people you love most and that's what being a captain is."