Chapter 18

Madison

I pushed open the door to my mother’s hospital room, greeted by the familiar beeping of machines and the soft glow of the TV mounted on the wall. Mom lay propped up against a mountain of pillows, completely engrossed in what looked like another one of her trashy romance shows.

“Really, Mom? ‘Love’s Burning Passion’ again?”

She didn’t even look away from the screen. “Shh, Diego is about to tell Isabella he’s actually her long-lost twin brother’s evil stepson.”

I dropped into the chair beside her bed, rolling my eyes. “That’s ridiculous.”

“That’s what makes it fun, Maddie.” She finally tore her gaze away from the drama unfolding on screen. “You look tired.”

“Thanks, Mom. Just what every daughter wants to hear.”

“Well, you do.” She reached over and patted my hand. “Work keeping you busy?”

If she only knew. I forced a smile. “Actually, I have some news. You’re being transferred to Hallmark Hospital.”

Mom’s face lit up.