Chapter 23
Shawn gripped Candace’s clothes so tightly that several people couldn’t pry his hands loose. She didn’t want to damage the dress her mother had made for her before she died, so she had no choice but to follow him into the emergency room.
The ER doctors worked frantically to resuscitate Shawn while the assistants around them chattered away.
“Ms. Brightshield, Mr. Hamilton collapsed from exhaustion while developing your birthday gift. He was rushed here for emergency treatment just the day before yesterday, and now he’s back again today. His body won’t be able to take much more of this!”
“Mrs. Hamilton Senior was so good to you. How can you live with yourself after torturing her beloved son like this? You should be more grateful!”
“Mr. Hamilton has shown more than enough sincerity trying to win you back. How can you be so heartless and not give him even the slightest chance?”
“You obviously loved him so much before, and you already have a child together! Isn’t it sad for Jamie to grow up without a father?”
“Jamie has a father,” Candace interrupted their chatter. “My affairs are my own business. You lot don’t need to keep lecturing me.”
Everyone exchanged glances and fell silent.
Soon after, Shawn slowly regained consciousness. He rested his head on Candace’s arm, saying weakly, “Candy, don’t leave. Stay with me for just five minutes, okay?
“These past two years without you, I haven’t been able to sleep at all. I keep hearing you around the house.
“Sometimes I hear you watering the flowers, sometimes bustling around in the kitchen. But every time I run downstairs to find you, you’re never there.”
If this had been before, Candace would have been heartbroken to hear him say such things. Now, she felt nothing as she listened to him.
She realized that when she used to love him, his pain had been her pain, and she couldn’t stand to see him hurt. Now that her love was gone, his tears only felt like a weight dragging her down.
She pushed him away and coldly responded, “I need to go home and put Jamie to bed. Let go of
The
“I know Jamie needs you, but I need you too.” Shawn hung his head pitifully like an abandoned puppy.
“Candy, I really can’t live without your love. Please come back to me, okay?”
“Shawn, if you keep this up, I’m going to get angry!” Candace’s voice was ice–cold.
“Did you know that Jamie was only four and a half pounds when he was born? He’s very fragile! He can’t be without me!”
“Then, come see me tomorrow, okay? Just for one minute.” Shawn pulled a coin from his wallet, looking at her hopefully.
“You promised me before, that I could use this to make three wishes. I’ve used one and have two left.”
“That’s no longer valid.” Candace slowly pulled her sleeve from his grasp and strode away.
She hurried out of the emergency building and saw Jamie crying his heart out in Zayne’s arms. He was reaching out with both hands and stretching his little body toward her.
She took Jamie in her arms and patted his back gently, “Don’t cry anymore, sweetheart. Mommy’s here.”
The baby then babbled a long string of complaints. Candace’s heart ached as tears fell, and she kissed his chubby little cheeks repeatedly.
“You’re such a little mama’s boy. What are we going to do with you? People will tease you for it.”
“Boys love their mamas, but I love his mama too.” Zayne laughed and continued, “Come on, let’s go home.”
“Wait!” A voice called out from nearby.
Candace looked up and saw Shawn rushing over in a wheelchair. His hospital gown was buttoned haphazardly, and the IV needle he’d yanked from his right hand dangled at his side, still dripping fluid.
Shawn struggled to hold up a yellow car for Jamie to see, forcing a smile as he said, “Jamie, I’m your dad. I designed this Bumblebee car just for you! It’s yours to play with!”
Jamie’s crying stopped instantly. He stared at the car with wide, round eyes that sparkled with wonder.
“Jamie, come and let Daddy hold you!” Shawn’s dim eyes filled with joy as he spread his arms, his voice breaking.
“Daddy’s been such a fool. You’re already two years old, and I’ve never even held you. From now on, I’ll take you to preschool, play soccer with you, and raise you to be an outstanding heir to the Hamilton family!”
