Chapter 14 Brian hit the ground hard , his forehead swelling up like a balloon . " Maxine ! " Sebastian bellowed , his voice dripping with fury . Maxine spun around , her face going pale . " Brian … " she whispered , her stomach dropping . She reached for him , but Sebastian swatted her hand away and scooped their son into his arms . His glare could've frozen fire . Without a word , he stormed off . Maxine's heart lurched . She wanted to chase after them , but Jessica's name flashed in her mind , rooting her feet to the spot . She turned to Jessica , who'd tried to catch herself and ended up with a scraped palm and a wrist that looked all wrong - probably sprained . Jessica's face was white as a ghost , her lips tight to hold back a whimper . Maxine's chest ached . The image of Brian's red , puffy forehead and teary eyes burned in her mind , making her feel like a total failure . But there was no time to wallow . She grabbed Jessica and bolted for the hospital . At the hospital , the doctor patched up Jessica's scrapes and put her arm in a cast . " Kids ' bones are delicate , " he said with a shrug . " She'll be fine , but watch her . You don't want it healing crooked . " Maxine thanked him and slipped into Jessica's room . Jessica sat up the second she saw her , eyes wide with worry . " Maxine , " Her voice was small . " Sorry I'm such a hassle . " Maxine's tired face softened . She brushed a hand over Jessica's cheek . " Don't say that , kiddo . I'm the one who screwed up - I should've had your back . " Jessica peeked up , hesitating . " That boy … he's your son , right ? " Maxine's smile faded , her gaze dropping . " Yeah , " she murmured./ " He got hurt too , " Jessica said , trying to sound tough . " Go take care of him . I'm okay solo . " She flashed a brave grin . " I'm a big kid now ! " Maxine's heart was a knot of emotions - hurt , love , regret , all tangled up . Sebastian and Brian might've let her down , but Brian was still her baby , her own flesh and blood . Thinking back to earlier , guilt and heartache hit her hard . " It's okay , dear ," she murmured , brushing hair from the girl's face . " I'm right here . And that boy ? He's with his dad . He's gonna be fine ." Maxine wasn't sure if she was comforting Jessica or herself . Jessica just nodded , snuggling into the hospital bed , and soon dozed off . Watching Jessica's peaceful face , Maxine's mind drifted to Brian at that age - so cute , always glued to her side . A bitter smile crossed her lips as she closed her eyes . Chapter 14 She tucked the blanket around Jessica and slipped out quietly . At the nurse's station , she leaned in . " I'm running out for a bit - couple hours . Can you watch my girl ? " The nurse grinned . " No problem , hon . She's good with me . " Maxine nodded her thanks and bolted from the hospital . She had a gut feeling Sebastian took Brian to Trinity Hospital , his private hospital nearby with all the best doctors and gear . She hopped in a cab and raced to Trinity Hospital . A quick call to the head pediatrician who knew her well - got her Brian's room number . Guilt weighed heavy as she neared his room . She owed her boy an apology , no doubt . But when she reached the door , she stopped dead . Through the window , Brian was in bed , a bandage on his forehead , cheeks rosy , grinning wide . He was laughing with Kathleen , the two of them chattering like old friends . And there was Sebastian , right beside them , the picture of a doting dad . It hit Maxine like a punch - a perfect little family , happy as can be .