Page 19 of Committed
Journey closed her eyes for a minute and rubbed her forehead as the knife of guilt twisted inside of her. “God, he’s going to hate me.” She slowly opened her eyes. “I’m so sorry for the trouble I caused, and I promise to never be out of reach again. Does Laz know I’m here?”
Kenton nodded. “When you’re ready to go see him, me or one of the other guys will take you to him.”
She and her family were close, but their Supreme Security family was just as close. She was so grateful to have all of them in her life, especially at times like this. They all supported each other with the highs and lows that life brought, which made her feel even worse about missing the party earlier.
I have to do better.
“Holler when you’re ready,” Kenton said, letting her walk into the room while he stayed in the hallway.
It was a simple space with a navy-blue sofa, several multicolored cushioned seats, and a round table with three chairs.
“Oh, thank you, God,” Journey choked out when she saw Arielle in Geneva’s arms. They were sitting on the sofa near the far corner of the room. Her sister had her eyes closed while she rocked Arielle but glanced up when Journey entered.
“I’m supposed to be the problem child, but you might be catching up with me, sis,” Geneva whispered, offering a small smile. “’Bout time they found your ass, er…I mean, butt.”
Journey didn’t bother responding. She hurried across the cozy room, needing desperately to hold Ari. Geneva tried to stand with Arielle, but being six months pregnant and looking as if she was going to deliver at any moment, her sister remained sitting.
“Thank you for taking care of her,” Journey said tearfully as she gathered her child into her arms and held her close. Arielle stirred but didn’t wake up. The girl could sleep through a supercell tornado.
“No problem. Dakota was with her for most of the time. She just stepped out to stretch her legs and get a snack.”
Journey sat on the sofa next to her, then stared down at Arielle. “How is she? How’s my baby?” Journey wanted to wake Arielle, but she seemed so peaceful. Instead, she kissed her cheek and ran her hand over her daughter’s head. “I could’ve lost her,” she sobbed. “I don’t know what I—”
“She’s okay. She’s been checked out by a doctor. For the most part, she’s fine, except for a bruise on her leg. She’s hoarse—I guess from screaming—but other than that, she’s her usual bubbly self.”
“Thank goodness. I was so scared.”
“Have you been to see Laz yet?”
Journey shook her head. How was she going to face him after their argument that morning and what he’d just been through?
Geneva released a long breath and sat back with her hand covering her rounded belly. “He’s mad as hell, Jay. From what we know, he’s going to be fine. They were talking about keeping him overnight because of low blood pressure, and his heart rate was really high.”
“I gotta go see him. Can you stay with Arielle a little longer?”
“Of course,” Geneva said just as Myles walked in, and she smiled at him. “Hey, baby. Thanks for finding my sister.”
“No problem,” he said, kissing Geneva’s lips. “Journey, if you’re ready to see Laz, Kenton can take you to his room. Here, I’ll take Ari.”
Journey wasn’t ready to let her daughter go, but she kissed her soft cheek before handing her to him. “Thank you both for everything.”
“No thanks necessary. Good luck with Laz,” Myles said. “Don’t take anything he says too personal.”
“Ham said that he was really scared today,” Geneva added. “I’m sure my brother-in-law is going to try and take everything that happened today out on you. Stay strong, sis, and be patient with him.”
Journey nodded. She loved Laz more than anything, and she prayed he would be all right.
Stay strong.
The words rattled in her mind as she headed to the door. Yeah, she had to be strong because she had no idea what to expect. As long as Laz was okay, they’d figure out how to get their relationship back on track.
At least she hoped.