Chapter 43

Sutton drifted between layers of dim sound and raw pain. It was too much. It was like her body no longer belonged to her. It throbbed. It pulsed. It ached in strange places. Hands touched her everywhere… her stomach, her face, her arms. The back of her head. Voices moved over her like waves. She didn’t even know if she could answer if they asked her any questions.

“BP’s dropping… get fluids going, now!”

“The OB team is on their way.”

“She’s around twenty-eight weeks? Okay, prep for fetal distress protocol and call neonatal. Possible placental abruption on impact.”

The ER was manic. So much noise, so much rapid motion.

She felt herself slipping again… but then… a voice.

Deeper than the rest. “Where is she? Where is Sutton Warner?”

It penetrated the darkness in her head. Luca.

“I’m here,” he said. His hand found hers. It was warm. His lips touched her hairline. “I’m here, Sutton. I’ve got you, okay? I’ve got you. Just stay awake. Please, baby.”