Page 133 of Through the Storm

Declan’s expression softens, just a little. “Yeah. She’s stubborn like that.”

As we step inside the elevator, I finally let myself think that I left a game. I ran as soon as I got the call. And I’d do it again without hesitation. Because she’s what matters most.

We run from the elevator to Katy’s room, and everything changes. Katy is curled forward on the bed, knuckles white in the sheets, facestreaked with tears. She isn’t breathing the way we practiced—too fast, too shallow, fighting her own body.

She looks up, and the moment she sees me, she breaks.

“Ben,” she sobs, reaching for me. “Ben, I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

I’m at her side in two steps. I don’t think. I don’t hesitate. I just grab her.

She collapses into me like she’s been holding herself together with string and it finally snapped. Her arms lock around my waist, her face pressed into my chest, tears soaking straight through my jersey.

“I’m here,” I say immediately, firm and steady. “Hey. It’s okay, Katy Cat. I’m here now.”

She’s shaking. Crying so hard it steals her breath.

“I’m sorry I pushed you away,” she gasps. “I was trying to be strong. I didn’t want to trap you…”

I cup the back of her head, anchoring her against me. “I know, baby. I know. But the thing is, I really, really want to be trapped.”

She laughs, but then another contraction hits and she cries out, fingers digging into my sides.

I lean down, forehead to hers. “Breathe with me. Look at me.”

Her eyes find mine.

“Just me,” I murmur. “In through your nose. Out through your mouth. I’ve got you.”

She follows my breathing without realizing it. Her body softens by degrees. Her grip tightens, but she’s not spiraling anymore.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers again, her voice wrecked.

I shake my head gently. “No. Don’t do that. Don’t punish yourself like that. It’s over, I’m here now.”

She sobs once, sharp and broken.

“I’m not leaving,” I add. “I’m staying. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Her face crumples and she presses her forehead into my collarbone,breathing me in like I’m oxygen.

Behind us, someone clears their throat.

Ella. She takes one look at Katy clinging to me, the way her shoulders have finally dropped, the way her breathing has steadied.

“Thanks for coming, Ben.” She sets a folded bundle on the chair beside the bed. “I grabbed some of Declan’s clothes. I had a feeling you wouldn’t bother changing.”

She grabs Declan by the arm. “Come on. Out.”

“What?” Declan protests. “I’m not?—”

“OUT,” Ella snaps. “You’re no longer needed. Emotional support has arrived.”

Declan opens his mouth, then shuts it. He looks at Katy once more, then nods.

“I’ll be right outside,” he whispers.

Ella ushers him toward the door, then turns back to us. “You good?” she asks me.