Illuminate

Chapter 24- Peyton

11:00 PM- Monday

We sat in the chairs, anxiously awaiting Eva and more news about Greyson. Praying with my children felt good, but I just hoped God would answer this time. My beautiful husband had to live, he was my best friend, soul mate, and co-parent. He helped me through everything and kept me sane. I still didn't even know why or how he was shot Eva was going to tell me. I didn't even want to think the unthinkable, the fact that Greyson's birth parents had allowed this to happen. My hands were in my head and I felt like I was in the middle of a pure nightmare. What every family hopes to never go through was exactly what was happening right now.

"Mom," I heard a soft voice say. The voice I had loved since the day she was born. I whipped my head up and there she was. My Eva. I raced over to her and pulled her tightly into my arms.

"My girl," I choked out through tears. "Thank God you are okay." I could feel her heaving on my shoulder and I stroked her hair.

"I'm so sorry," she let out in between her sobs and I rocked her back and forth.

"Don't be sorry, my love. It's all going to be okay," I consoled.

"It's all my fault!" she heaved and I hushed her gently. I helped her over to a chair and sat her down. The second, I let go, Austin hugged her tightly.

"I love you so much," I heard him say to her as he cried. A nurse approached me after I had let go.

"Excuse me, you're Mrs. Kole, correct?" she asked.

"I am," I responded, wiping the tears from under my eyes.

"May I speak with you quickly?" she asked and I nodded. I stood up looked at Colton, wordlessly telling him to keep a close eye on Eva and he nodded.

"So, Eva's okay. We're sorry it took so long, she just wouldn't come out of the bathroom, she wanted to gather herself. She knows about her dad and the current update. Again, she wants to tell you exactly what happened, but I would give her a little time. Just be there for her and hold her close, she's going to need it," the nurse explained.

"Thank you," I responded.

"I am so sorry about what is going on. You are a beautiful family and know the doctors at this hospital truly are the best and will provide your husband with the best medical care possible," she explained and I nodded.

"Listen, I want to stay here and wait for my husband and I know its usually not permitted, but it's already getting late and I want my children to go home eventually. Do you think it would be okay?" I asked gently.

"I'm sure it would be, usually in these situations the doctors are a lot more flexible. I need to get back to work, but please let us know if there is anything we can do to make this easier," she said and I nodded.

"Thank you for taking care of my daughter," I called after her.

"Of course. It's my job," she said kindly. I smiled at her half and turned back around to see Eva laying on Colton's shoulder as Austin held her hand. They were such good brothers and I was so proud of them. I knew I couldn't leave them alone with Eva, so I knew I would have to call someone to come and get them. I had updated all the family with the situation in the car.

"Babies, I'm going to go make a few calls quick, okay? If anyone comes back with an update, come get me right away," I said and they nodded. I kissed Eva's head and rubbed my boys' shoulders. I grabbed my phone from my purse and walked into the hallway and dialed the number of one of the few people I knew I could trust.

"Hey P, any news?" Josh answered. I knew Josh could get me through this while still being mentally intact, both my parents and Greyson's would freak out trying to help the kids, even though they already knew the news.