#Chapter 196 – Only Time will Tell

Sixteen hours later, we’re still in the hospital, waiting for news. My head hangs, my chin almost touching my chest as I listen to the clock in our private waiting room click. And click. And click. The seconds trip slowly by. Ian leans against me, Alvin sprawled across my lap. Both, thankfully, are asleep, though they fought it for the longest time. But I’d rather have them this way, peacefully oblivious, rather than enduring the interminable wait. They’re too young to have to be so patient. My mother and sister are here as well, Delia having gone back to the cabin to clean up. Rafe is here too, though Bridgette hasn’t joined him. Victor’s parents are on their way, but they were in Europe on vacation when they got the news – it will take them hours more to get here, perhaps even days. I’m a bit glad of that, actually. Not that I begrudge Victor’s family their right to be here. I just…don’t want to have to deal with anyone else’s emotions. Mine, and my children’s, are enough. The