Chapter 97: Between Life and Death
Diane’s POV
Time seemed to slow down as the security detail carried my mother’s limp body to the waiting SUV. My hands trembled as I fumbled with my phone, scrolling frantically to find my father’s number.
"Please answer, please answer," I whispered as the phone rang. My free hand cradled my belly protectively.
"Diane?" Andrew’s voice came through, concern evident immediately. "Is everything alright?"
"It’s Mom," I choked out, tears streaming down my face as I climbed into the SUV beside Joan, who was holding my mother’s hand. "She collapsed. We’re taking her to the hospital now."
The sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line told me everything I needed to know about his feelings for my mother, regardless of their complicated past.
"Which hospital?" Oh God, he breathed, and I could hear the genuine terror in his voice. "I’m on my way. I’ll be there as fast as I can."
I relayed the information, surprised by the urgency in his tone. Despite everything...the abandonment, the lies...there was genuine fear there. Fear for the woman he had once loved enough to marry, to have children with. And still loved.
"Diane, she’ll be okay. Your mother is the strongest woman I’ve ever known."
"Hurry," was all I could manage before ending the call.
And then focused on my mother’s pale face as we sped toward the hospital. Joan had managed to elevate my mother’s head slightly, using her jacket as a makeshift pillow.