mother. This is just her father’s wife.” Josie puffed up her chest with self-importance.
Kyle had disappeared behind a curtain. I should be there for him. For Katie.
This was all my fault.
The nurse motioned for Josie to head back, then gestured for me to go to the waiting room.
“I can’t go back there? I’m Katie’s step-mom—”
“Immediate family only,” the nurse repeated firmly.
Immediate family only. And it was clear I wasn’t considered immediate family.
I made my way out to the waiting room and sat down heavily in a chair. A nurse called me back to be checked out a few minutes later. I needed six stitches and had a bruised rib from the airbag, but I was otherwise okay. I returned to the waiting room to marinate in my guilt some more.
Those horrible minutes after the impact kept replaying in my head. The sound of Katie’s screams, then the terrible moment they stopped. The fear. The gut-wrenching agony as I wondered what had happened to her.
I could have killed Katie.
All because I hadn’t been paying attention.
What sort of parent did that make me? Who was I trying to kid playing house with Kyle and Katie?
I wasn’t a mother, never would be.
“I didn’t know you were still here.”
I looked up to see Josie standing there, her cheeks flushed, her eyes puffy. I jumped to my feet. “How is she? What did the doctors say?”
Josie’s rosebud mouth curled in disapproval. Obviously aimed at me. I’d take it, though. I deserved it. “She has a broken arm and lots of bruising. She had a nasty cut on her head that needed stitches and a possible concussion.”
“Oh my God!” I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand.
“She’s in a lot of pain. They’re getting ready to move her to a private room in the pediatric ward. We’ve decided to put her on my insurance because it gives better coverage,” Josie felt the need to add.
“Oh, I’m glad. Katie needs the best care she can get.” I clenched my hands together. I tried not to be obvious as I looked for Kyle, but of course, Josie noticed.
“I’m just going to the cafeteria to get Kyle and myself some coffee. He won’t leave her side. He’s such an incredible dad,” Josie said softly.
“He is. The best,” I agreed. I wanted to ask if I could see them, but I knew Josie was definitely not the person to go through. Then a thought came to me. “How did you know to come to the hospital? Did Kyle call you?”
She flipped her hair behind her shoulder. “We were together when the call came in. He invited me to the carnival to spend time with Katie. I’m so glad I was there too. It was important that I was here when they brought her in.”
I tried not to frown. Kyle hadn’t mentioned Josie would be joining us at the carnival. But now was not the time to worry about that.
“Can I see her?” I finally asked, unable to help myself. I had to see with my own eyes that she was alive. That I hadn’t ruined her.
Josie pinched her lips together, her brows frowning. “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. Kyle and I are with her. You heard the nurse, only immediate family.” She licked her lips. “And Kyle’s pretty upset right now. I’m sure you understand that. I don’t think he wants to see you.”
What?
“I’m his wife, Josie. He needs me—”
“No, what he needs is someone who he can trust to take care of our daughter. You’ve proven that’s not you.” Her face smoothed out, and she affected a gentler expression. “I know you care about him and Katie, Whitney. It makes me happy they’ve had someone in their lives who can fill that gap while I got myself together. But I’m here now. Katie is my daughter. Kyle wanted us to raise her together, but I messed that up. Please, can you give me the chance to make that right?”
What was she asking me? I was confused. My head was a jumbled mess.
Then Josie did the strangest thing. She took my hand and held it against her chest. “You’re a good person, Whitney. I know you understand what it’s like to screw up. To make bad decisions that hurt other people. To live a shell of a life.” She took a pained breath, and I felt something inside me shatter.
Because I did understand. All too well.
“I’m Katie’s mother. You must know how important that is. That