Chapter 190: ***

Maria Styles

Avery finally drifts back to sleep after crying herself into exhaustion. I remain seated beside her for a few more minutes, watching her breathing even out as her hand instinctively settles over her stomach again. I quietly pull the blanket a little higher over her shoulders before brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"Sleep, sweetheart," I whisper softly. "Everything else can wait until tomorrow."

I leave the room as quietly as I enter it, making sure not to wake her. The hallway outside is considerably calmer than it was a few hours ago. My own body suddenly feels unbearably heavy now that the immediate panic begins to fade. It is only then that I realize just how exhausted I truly am.

The moment the door closes behind me, I find Joseph waiting just outside.

The concern in his eyes softens the instant he sees me, and without saying a word, he opens his arms. I step into his embrace willingly, resting my forehead against his chest as his arms wrap securely around me. For several long moments, neither of us speaks..

Joseph gently rubs my back as though trying to soothe away every ounce of today's worry. I close my eyes and simply allow myself to breathe, grateful that after everything, we are at least standing here together.

"You've been strong all day," he murmurs quietly. "You don't always have to be." His voice is calm, steady, and familiar, reminding me why he has always been my greatest source of strength.

"I don't think I've ever been this tired in a long time," I admit with a weak laugh.

"I know."

He kisses the top of my head before leaning back just enough to look at me.

"You should go home and get some rest."

I immediately shake my head.

"I'm not leaving."

"Maria..."

"No."

My answer comes far too quickly.

"I don't want Ethan waking up and not seeing me. I don't want Avery opening her eyes and wondering where everyone has gone. They need us here."

Joseph smiles patiently, already expecting my response.

"They'll understand."

"I won't."

I fold my arms stubbornly.

"So stop trying."

He chuckles quietly beneath his breath, clearly amused by my determination. As he reaches for my hand again, I notice the slightest stiffness in the way he moves his left arm. At first I think perhaps he is simply tired, but then I see him unconsciously favoring that shoulder.

I narrow my eyes.

"Joseph."

He immediately looks innocent.

"Yes?"

"What's wrong with your shoulder?"

He glances down briefly before looking back at me.

"Nothing."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Nothing?"

"Just a little soreness."

I step closer, studying him carefully.

"Let me see."

He takes one small step backward.

"It's really nothing serious."

I know that tone.

It is the same tone he uses every single time he is trying to keep me from worrying. Without another word, I lightly tap the very shoulder he is trying so hard to hide and he immediately winces.

"Aha."

He sighs dramatically. I place both hands on my hips.

"You're injured."

"It's only a strain."

"I don't care if it's a paper cut."

"Maria..."

"No arguments."

He lets out another exaggerated sigh. "I have more important things to do than worry about a shoulder."

"So do I."

I point firmly down the hallway.

"And one of those things is making sure my husband doesn't pretend he's invincible."

He opens his mouth to protest again. I don't even let him finish. Grabbing his wrist, I begin walking toward the emergency department.

"Maria..."

"You are coming with me."

"I can walk there myself."

"I know."

"So why are you dragging me?"

"Because if I don't, you'll conveniently disappear before anyone examines you."

A nurse leads us into one of the examination rooms, where Joseph finally allows himself to be looked over. Fortunately, the doctor confirms that the shoulder is only strained and advises him to rest it for a few days. I quietly thank the doctor before giving Joseph a look that clearly says I told you so.

By the time we finally leave the hospital later that evening, both of us are running almost entirely on determination. The drive home is unusually quiet. Streetlights blur past the windows while neither of us feels particularly inclined to fill the silence.

We are both thinking about the same thing, about how much we are looking forward to returning tomorrow and seeing Ethan awake.

The moment we step inside the house, I slip off my shoes and walk toward the living room. Joseph joins me a moment later.

"You should sit."

"I'll sit later."

He smiles knowingly.

"I recognize that tone."

I turn to face him.

"Have you heard anything?"

His expression immediately grows more serious.

"My people are following every lead."

"And?"

"They're coordinating with the authorities."

I nod slowly.

"I just want this nightmare to end."

"So do I."

Joseph walks over until he is standing beside me.

"We'll let the investigation run its course. The truth has a way of coming out."

I fold my arms.

"I hope it comes out quickly."

"It will."

He studies my face for a moment before smiling gently.

"You're thinking again."

"I always think."

"Not like this."

He reaches for my hand.

"I know that look."

I sigh quietly.

"I just want our family to have some peace."

"And they will."

He gently pulls me closer.

"We'll get through this the same way we've gotten through everything else."

"Together?"

He smiles.

"Always."

I finally allow myself to lean against him.

The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my cheek somehow eases the tightness in my chest. After everything life throws at us over the years, he remains my safe place. There are days when I forget how fortunate I am until moments like this remind me all over again.

Joseph tilts my chin upward.

"I love you."

A small smile spreads across my face.

"I know."

He laughs.

"That's all I get?"

"You also get this."

I stand on my toes and kiss him gently before playfully nudging his chest.

"Now don't get any ideas."

He raises an eyebrow innocently.

"What ideas?"

"Our children are in the hospital."

"I was only hugging my wife."

"Hmm."

"I swear."

I laugh quietly for what feels like the first genuine time all day.

"You are impossible."

"And yet..."

He wraps his arms around me once more.

"...you still choose me."

"Every single time."

His smile softens.

"And I'd choose you too."

I rest my head against his shoulder again, silently thanking God for giving me a husband who never lets me carry life's burdens alone. Whatever tomorrow brings, I know we will face it side by side, just as we always have.